Post-Classical Era Flashcards

Chinese Dynasties and Civilizations

• Tang dynasty, alongside the Sui, revitalized Chinese civilization after the classical era's decline.
• Neo-Confucianism emerged, incorporating Buddhist themes while emphasizing family duty and honor.

Post-Classical Empires

• The Persian Empire is notable for not being classified as a post-classical empire.
• The Turkic expansion under Timur disrupted multiple regions, excluding China.

Strategic Trade Locations

• Cities like Constantinople and Malacca thrived as commercial hubs due to their strategic geographic locations.

Mongol Impact

• The death of the Great Khan in 1241 prevented the Mongols from invading central Europe.

Japan's Political Structure

• From the Heian to Tokugawa periods, emperors in Japan held minimal political power.

European vs. Chinese Merchants

• European merchants gained status and wealth through long-distance trade revitalization, whereas Chinese merchants leveraged their wealth for family status.

Mesoamerican Civilizations

• Mesoamerican societies prior to 1000 C.E. exhibited advanced social structures, astronomical knowledge, and architectural skills compared to their North American counterparts.

Interaction in the Eastern Hemisphere

• Post-1000 C.E., eastern hemisphere populations engaged in unprecedented levels of travel and interaction.

Islamic Golden Age

• The scientific and literary achievements during the Muslim Golden Age were enhanced by cultural diversity fostered by Islamic governance.

Trade Routes

• Trade routes before 1000 C.E. included established paths, notably excluding the Atlantic Ocean Route.

Zheng He's Voyages

• Zheng He’s expeditions to the "Western Ocean" refer to the Indian Ocean, emphasizing extensive maritime exploration.

European Perspectives on Asia

• Marco Polo’s narratives fueled European ambitions to discover shorter routes to Asia.

Crusades' Influence

• The Crusades facilitated a influx of cultural and economic influences from the Middle East to the West.

Americas' Isolation

• During the postclassical period, the Americas remained disconnected from Old World civilizations.

Western Dynamism

• The growth of cities and urban economies was a significant factor driving dynamism in Western societies during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Matrilineal Descent

• Societies observed by Ibn Battuta practiced matrilineal descent, tracing lineage through the mother's family.

Gender Roles in Societies

• Among Mesoamerican societies, the Maya had the most restrictive gender roles, while being notable for granting women certain freedoms.

Religious Devotions

• Similarities exist between Christians' devotion to saints and Buddhists' reverence for Bodhisattvas.

Tribute Systems

• Both the Aztec and Inca empires utilized tribute systems as a common economic structure.

Southern Indian Merchants

• Merchants in southern post-classical India were closely linked to local temples, which functioned as banking and finance hubs.

Architecture and Religion

• Architectural styles from certain regions exemplify the spread of Hinduism.

Understanding Change Over Time

• Historical change is influenced by factors beyond just migrations and conquests, countering common misconceptions.

Religion's Influence

• Major religions could dominate vast territories while smaller localized religions continued to exist simultaneously.

Misconceptions about Nomadic Groups

• The idea that the Mongols were the only nomadic group impacting history during this period is inaccurate.

Origins of Islam

• Islam originated in the 7th century, marking significant historical and cultural developments.

Japan's Influence in Asia

• Contrary to some perspectives, Japan did not achieve hegemony over other Asian regions or become one of the largest empires.