study

Question 1

signs of fall of roman empire

Answer 1

age of exploration, printing press invention, protestant reformation, end of hundred year war, black death, shift towards renaissance

Question 2

cultural exchange in the Middle Ages (c. 500–1500 CE) led to developments and influences such as:

Answer 2

• Mosques in Timbuktu – Spread of Islam via Trans-Saharan trade
• Coral-stone mosques along the East African coast – Spread of Islam through Indian Ocean trade
• Al-ʿAlḥamra in Granada – Cultural blending of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions in Spain
• Horseshoe arches in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba – Islamic architectural influence in Christian-ruled Spain
• Chinese ceramic influence on Islamic pottery – Exchange along the Silk Road
• Hindu-Buddhist art in Southeast Asia – Indian cultural influence through Indian Ocean trade

Question 3

explain how paper and gold spread during the middle ages and the impact they had

Answer 3

Paper
• Spread: Originated in China → transmitted to the Islamic world via the Silk Road → introduced into Europe through Islamic Spain.
• Impact: Revolutionised record-keeping, literature, and education; enabled the production of books (later accelerated by Gutenberg’s press); weakened Church monopoly on written knowledge.

Gold
• Spread: Mined in West Africa (e.g., Ghana, Mali) → transported north via the Trans-Saharan trade → exchanged with North Africa and Mediterranean regions for salt, goods, and ideas.
• Impact: Funded the wealth and power of African empires (e.g., Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage); boosted Mediterranean and European economies; financed cultural, architectural, and scholarly projects in Islamic and European cities.

Question 4

what are the african empires significance in terms of trade/power/influence

Answer 4

• Ghana Empire (c. 700–1200) – Controlled gold and salt trade; early Islamic influence through trade.
• Mali Empire (c. 1235–1600) – Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage displayed immense wealth; Timbuktu became a center of Islamic scholarship.
• Songhai Empire (c. 1430–1591) – Expanded trade networks; developed advanced urban centers.
• Aksum/Ethiopian Empire (c. 100–1400) – One of the earliest Christian states; famous for rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
• Great Zimbabwe (c. 1100–1450) – Prosperity through regional trade; massive stone architecture showed political power.
• Swahili City-States (c. 900–1500) – Thrived on Indian Ocean trade; spread Islam along the East African coast.

Question 5

context/mentality of middle ages in europe

Answer 5

In Europe, the Middle Ages were shaped by feudal structures, strong religious influence from the Catholic Church, and limited access to knowledge. Life was deeply hierarchical, faith-based worldviews dominated, and most education and art served religious purposes.

Question 6

social hierarchy/power of middle ages europe

Answer 6

feudal hierarchy: the king granted land to nobles, nobles relied on knights for protection, and peasants/serfs worked the land. The Catholic Church held immense spiritual and political power, often rivaling monarchs.

Question 7

role of artist and art during middle ages

Answer 7

Artists created works mainly for religious, educational, and political purposes, using art to teach faith, inspire devotion, and display power.

Question 8

role of artist and art now

Answer 8

To express ideas, provoke thought, reflect culture, and inspire change or emotion.

Question 9

main art forms of 4 periods

Answer 9

• Early Christian (0–400 CE) – Fresco murals, catacomb sarcophagi, mosaics
• Byzantine (400–900 CE) – Gold-background mosaics, icons, Hagia Sophia architecture
• Romanesque (900–1100 CE) – Frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, tapestries
• Gothic (1100–1400 CE) – Stained-glass windows (rose windows), gargoyles, naturalistic sculpture

Question 10

compare st sernin to durham and identify islamic influences

Answer 10

comparison:

durham - more windows therefore lighter interior because of crossed rib vaults, early gothic influence.

islamic influence:

St. Sernin – Geometric patterns; horseshoe-arch influence via Spain
• Durham Cathedral – Patterned stonework; ribbed vaulting from Islamic sources via Normans

Question 11

definitions

Answer 11

EUROCENTRIC: Viewing history mainly from a European perspective.
CRUSADES: Religious wars (1096–1291) by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.
CATACOMB: Underground burial chambers, often decorated, used by early Christians.
BC and AD: “Before Christ” and “Anno Domini” (in the year of our Lord).
BCE and CE: “Before Common Era” and “Common Era” (non-religious equivalent of BC/AD).
SYMBOL: A visual sign representing an idea (e.g., fish for Christianity).
RELIC: Sacred object linked to a saint (e.g., a bone or clothing fragment).
FRESCO PAINTING: Painting on fresh wet plaster so pigment bonds with the wall.
MOSAICS: Images made from small pieces of glass, stone, or tile.
ICON: Sacred image of Christ, Mary, or saints, used in worship.
MARTYR: Person who dies for their religious faith.

⸻

EDICT OF MILAN (313 CE): Law by Constantine granting religious freedom, legalising Christianity.
CLERESTORY WINDOW: High window above eye level to bring light into a building.
STAINED GLASS WINDOW: Coloured glass arranged in designs, often telling biblical stories.
ROSE WINDOW: Large circular stained-glass window with radiating patterns, common in Gothic cathedrals.
GARGOYLE: Decorative waterspout shaped like a creature, also thought to ward off evil.
FLYING BUTTRESS: External stone support transferring roof weight away from walls.
PSALTER: Book containing the Psalms, often richly decorated.
LOST-WAX CASTING: Metal casting method where a wax model is replaced by molten metal.
MIHRAB: Niche in a mosque wall indicating the direction of Mecca.