What is Romes Three Heirs?
- Byzantine Empire (Byzantium)
- Arabic Empire (Islam)
- Western European Empires (Christian - looked to Rome for guidance)
What were the Middle Ages?
Medieval period of European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. (1000 years, c. 500-1500)
Often called the dark ages
Who ruled during the Byzantine Empire?
Justinian (rules 527-565)
He tried to rebuild Roman Empire
Justinian Plague characteristics?
It was around 541-542; pandemic, early strain of virus that later spawned Black Death of 14th century; spread rapidly due to infrastructure that linked Roman Empire.
What were some key features of the Byzantine Empire’s culture and achievements?
- The educational system was inclusive and open to women.
- Byzantine architecture focused on magnificent interiors, with domes that appeared to float in mid-air.
- 80 Byzantine emperors ruled, with 29 dying violently.
Where did Islam begin and what were key features of Arabian society?
- Islam began in Arabia, a region mostly made up of desert and tribal, nomadic societies.
- Mecca was a sacred site and a crossroads for caravan routes.
- The Kaaba in Mecca was a shrine housing a black stone (possibly a meteorite) worshipped by Arabian tribes.
Who is Muhammad and what are some key Features about him?
- Orphan; married Khadija, a wealthy widow and merchant
- C. 610 – Muhammad’s epiphany – belief in Allah, monotheism
When and where was Muhammad Born?
Born in Mecca, c. 570 A.D.
When did Muhammad Die?
632
What city became a pilgrimage site after Muhammad’s death?
Mecca became pilgrimage site
What is the sacred scripture of Islam?
The Quran
How did Arab forces spread Islam after Muhammad’s death?
by conquest, led by Caliphs (deputy representatives of Muhammad).
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
- Submission to God’s will
- Frequent Prayer
- Ritual fasting (Ramadan)
- Giving alms
- The Hajj - at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in one’s lifetime.
What caused instability in European rule after the fall of Rome?
caused by barbarian leaders and their subjects.
Which group succeeded in establishing a dynasty in Northwest Europe?
The Franks
Who was Clovis and what was his significance?
Clovis was a warrior king who established an alliance between his family and the powerful bishops of Gaul (France) by converting to Roman Christianity
- Clovis ruled c. 481–511
Which dynasty was founded by Clovis?
Merovingian Dynasty
How did the name Clovis evolve in the French language?
As the language of the Franks merged with Latin of Gaul, Clovis became Louis, a name borne by French kings until the French Revolution.
Characteristics of Monasticism during European Conversion?
Catholic monasteries became numerous and powerful. Missionary work flourished.
Monks spread Christianity to northern Britain and northern Europe
What is another name for Pope Gregory I?
Pope Gregory the Great.
What was one of Pope Gregory I’s major achievements in Europe?
He built Catholic Church in untapped areas of Europe.
What are Gregorian Chants?
A style of music performance in Christian worship, encouraged by Pope Gregory I.
What policy did Pope Gregory I articulate regarding Jews?
The Church’s policy against Jews, claimed Jews lost certain rights in the Christian world because they were blamed for Jesus’ death and for rejecting Him as the Messiah.”
Who was Charles Martel and what was his nickname?
Considered the 2nd founder of Frankish kingdom after 200 years of weak rule following the death of Clovis.
- He was nicknames the Hammer
