How did the Abbasid Caliphate differ from the Umayyad in terms of governance?
The Abbasid Caliphate had a more centralized bureaucracy, Persian influence, and a more complex social hierarchy; the Umayyad was more militaristic and Arab-foc
What is the main difference between Sunni and Shia Islam?
The split occurred over succession after Muhammad's death; Sunnis accepted the elected caliphs, while Shias believed only descendants of Muhammad (Imams) should
In what year did the Christian church split into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches?
1054 (East-West Schism)
Who was Ibn Sina, and what was he famous for?
A Persian physician and philosopher famous for writing the Canon of Medicine, a major medical encyclopedia
Which caliphate was based in Baghdad and is known for its cultural and scientific achievements?
The Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE)
Which caliphate was based in Damascus and ruled from 661-750 CE?
The Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE)
What was the jizya, and who had to pay it?
A tax paid by non-Muslims (dhimmis) living in Islamic territories; it exempted them from military service
What type of ship allowed Vikings to travel both oceans and rivers effectively?
Longships (or Viking ships/Norse ships)
Which direction did Vikings primarily sail to establish trade routes (the "Highway of Slaves")?
East
What is the Kaaba, and where is it located?
The Kaaba is the holiest shrine in Islam, a cube-shaped building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Why were monasteries particularly attractive targets for Viking raids?
Monasteries were wealthy, isolated, and had few defenses (easy targets for raids)
What is Shari'a law?
Islamic law based on the Qur'an and the teachings of Muhammad
Which Byzantine emperor created a legal code that influenced law for centuries?
Justinian (created Justinian's Code)
What cultural movement during the Carolingian period helped preserve ancient learning?
The Carolingian Renaissance
What was the significance of women like Al-Khayzuran and Zubaidah in the Abbasid court?
They were influential women in the Abbasid court who wielded political power, managed estates, and influenced policy (Al-Khayzuran was the mother of two caliphs
Name three ways Islam spread throughout the medieval world.
Trade, military conquest, missionary work/preaching, and conversion
What was the role of trade in spreading Islamic culture?
Merchants traveled along trade routes (like the Silk Road), spreading Islamic ideas, culture, and religion to new regions
Name one technological or medical innovation from the Islamic world during this period.
Ibn Sina's Canon of Medicine, advances in mathematics, astronomy, algebra, or paper-making (any major innovation)
How many pillars form the foundation of Islamic faith and practice?
5
What does "Dar al-Islam" mean?
"The House of Islam" — the Islamic world or territories under Islamic rule
What was the primary reason Vikings eventually converted to Christianity?
Political alliances, trade relationships, and integration with Christian European kingdoms (or: to gain acceptance and power in Christian Europe)
Which Byzantine emperor moved the capital to Constantinople and legalized Christianity?
Constantine
Why is the period after Rome's fall sometimes called the "Dark Ages"?
Because of the fall of Rome, loss of centralized government, decline in literacy, and limited written records (or: the period lacked the organization and cultur
What was the name of the massive riots in Constantinople that nearly toppled the government?
The Nika Riots (532 CE)
Who was the Frankish king that created the Carolingian Empire?
Charlemagne (Charles the Great)
What does "dhimmi" refer to in Islamic society?
Non-Muslims (Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians) living under Islamic rule who had protected status but paid the jizya tax
What role did monasteries play in education during the early medieval period?
Monasteries preserved ancient texts, taught reading/writing, and served as centers of learning
What is the holy book of Islam called?
The Qur'an
What famous church did Justinian build in Constantinople?
Hagia Sophia
Name one Norse god from Viking mythology.
Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya, or Valhalla
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