Essential World History Concepts and Civilizations

The Pax Mongolica

What is the Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace)? Long-distance trade was stabilized during Mongol rule.

Survival of Christianity

What empire helped the survival of Christianity after the fall of Rome? The Byzantine Empire.

Collapse of the Roman Empire

What caused the Roman Empire to be invaded and collapse? Cities and towns were abandoned, travel became unsafe, and warfare disrupted trade.

Byzantine Influence on Russia

Which cultural element spread from the Byzantine Empire to Russia? Orthodox Christianity.

Origins of Eastern Orthodoxy

Where did Eastern Orthodox Christianity develop? In the Byzantine Empire.

Church Limits on Feudal Warfare

How did the church limit where and when Christians could fight? Feudal warfare could not take place on church property, and it promised sanctuary to fugitives from combat. It also forbade fighting on certain days and holidays like Christmas.

Immediate Results of Rome's Fall

What was the immediate result of the fall of the Roman Empire? A period of economic chaos and a weak central government.

Catholicism vs. Eastern Orthodoxy

What is the differing belief of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy? They have different beliefs regarding the Holy Trinity.

Historical Uses of the Hagia Sophia

What are ways the Hagia Sophia has been used in its history? Originally as a church, then a mosque, and currently as a museum.

Ottoman Empire and Global Trade

What effect did the Ottoman Empire have on global trade? It monopolized trade and trade routes between Europe and Asia.

Impacts of the Reformation

What are important impacts of the Reformation? Literacy improved as books were more readily available. Reading the Bible was important to reformers.

The Neolithic Revolution

What are important characteristics of the Neolithic Revolution? People began living in permanent settlements as new technologies were developed, such as a calendar, simple tools like plows to farm, and weaponry to protect resources.

The Mandate of Heaven

Define Mandate of Heaven. A political theory in which the power to rule comes from heaven.

Rise of Organized Governments

What did people living together in communities during the Neolithic Revolution lead to? The rise of stable and organized governments.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

What was a major reason for the rise of the Atlantic slave trade? Europeans needed workers to grow sugarcane and other crops in the Americas.

Exam Selection Strategies

What do you need to consider before selecting an answer on the exam that looks right? Does the choice actually answer the question?