III

Baccalaureate
Lic. Shirley Enriquez
Coordinator

History

History helps

History

us understand

Improves
makes us
Judgemt
better
thinkers

people &
society

History is

History
contributes to
moral
understanding

History

essential for good

satisfies a need

citizenship

for

identity

WORLD HISTORY III

UNIT 1: THE SLAVES
1.1.

Origin of The Slavic People

1.1.1.

The West Slavs

1.1.2.

The South Slavs

1.1.3.

The Eastern Slavs

1.2.

The Slavic Lifestyle

1.3.

Rurik The Rus

1.4.

The Village of Kiev

1.5.

Kievan Rus

1.6.

Kievan Government

1.7.

Slavic Religion

1.8.
1.10.
1.11.

Christianity Arrives
Kievs Golden Age
Kiev Declines

1.12.

The Mongols Rule

1.13.

The Third Rome

UNIT 2: ISLAM
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.6.1.
2.7.
2.8.
2.9.
2.10.
2.11.

Islam
Towns Emerge
The City of Makkah
The Need For Government
Religious Movement
Muhammad
Muhammad Shares His Message
The Hijrah
City of Yathrib
An Islamic State
Muhammad Dies
The Holy Quran

2.12.
2.12.1.
2.12.2.
2.12.3.
2.12.4.
2.13.
2.14.
2.15.
2.16.
2.17.
2.18.
2.19.

Five Pillars of Islam

Faith
Prayer
Almsgiving
Fasting
Pilgrimage
Caliphs
Jihad
Islam Divided
The Umayyad Dynasty
The Abbasids Dynasty
Islam Crumbles

UNIT 3: MEDIEVAL EUROPE

3.1.
3.2.
3.3.1.
3.3.2.
3.3.3.
3.3.4.
3.3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.7.1.
3.7.2.
3.8.
3.9.
3.10.

Medieval Europe
Merovingian Kings
Clovis
Mayors of The Palace
Pepin The Short
The Frankish Empire
The Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire Collapses
The Vikings
Viking Conquest
Vikings Convert To Christianity
Feudalism Develops In Europe
Lords And Knights
Feudal Castles

3.12.
3.13.
3.14.
3.15.
3.16.
3.17.
3.17.1.
3.18.
3.19.
3.20.
3.21.
3.22.
3.22.1.
3.22.3.
3.24.
3.25.
3.26.

Knighthood
Chivalry
Manorialism
Lives of The Peasants
The Authority of The Church
Religious Reforms
The Inquisition
English Monarchy Established
William The Conqueror
Henry I And Henry II
The Magna Carta
French Monarchy Established
Louis VI 3.22.2. Philip II
Louis IX
The Crusades
The Hundred Years War
The War of The Roses

UNIT 4: MEDIEVAL ASIA

4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.6.
4.6.1.
4.6.2.
4.7.
4.8.
4.9.
4.10.

Asia In The Middle Ages

The Steppe Nomads
The Seljuk Turks
The Mongols
The Mongols Conquer Asia
The Mongol Empire
China In The Middle Ages
The Sui Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty
The Song Dynasty

4.11.
4.12.
4.13.
4.14.
4.15.
4.16.
4.17.
4.18.

Vietnam
Korea
The Three Kingdoms Period
The Yi Dynasty
Japan
The Heian Era
Yoritomo Minamoto
Japanese Feudalism

UNIT 5. ANCIENT AMERICA

5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
5.6.
5.7.
5.8.
5.9.
5.10.
5.10.1.
5.10.2.
5.10.3.
5.10.4.
5.10.5.
5.11.
5.11.1.

Ancient America
Agricultural Revolution
Villages Develop
Cultural Differentiation
The Arctic Peoples
The Northwest Peoples
The Southwest
The Great Plains
The Eastern Woodlands
Mesoamerican Cultures
The Olmecs
The Mayans
The Teotihuacanos
The Toltecs
The Aztecs
The Inca Empire
The Incas Fall

UNIT 6: THE RENAISSANCE & THE REFORMATION

6.1. The Renaissance

6.1.1. The Renaissance In Italy
6.1.2. The Northern Renaissance
6.1.3. The English Renaissance
6.2. The Reformation
6.3. Martin Luther
6.4. The Swiss Reformation
6.5. John Calvin
6.6. The Anabaptists
6.7. The Church of England

WORLD HISTORY III

UNIT 1: THE SLAVES
1.9. Origin of The Slavic People
There is some debate among historians about where the Slavs
originated. Many believe that they were early farmers who
cultivated the fertile lands around the Black Sea. Others
believe that they came from present day eastern Poland.
By A.D. 500 the Slavs had separated into three main groups.
Each of these three groups shared a similar set of beliefs, and
a similar lifestyle.
1.9.1.

The West Slavs

Surrounded by marshlands, mountains, and some plains a

group of Slavs known as the West Slavs inhabited eastern
Europe around A.D. 500. These people were more closely tied
to Western Europe than other Slavs, and shared many aspects
of their culture with them.

The West Slavs fought a series of wars against the Germans in

the West, and against the Scandinavians in the North in order
to maintain control of their territory. These efforts were
successful, allowing them to continue living on their lands
down to the present day.
The West Slavs practiced the Roman Catholic faith. The
descendants of these people live in the present day nations of
Poland,, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
1.9.2.

The South Slavs

The South Slavs settled in the regions around the Balkan

Peninsula. Because of their proximity to the Byzantine Empire,
this group of Slavs was heavily influenced by the Byzantines,
as well as by Western Europe.
The descendants of the South Slavs live in the present day
nations of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia. Their faith is
influenced by both Eastern Orthodox, as well as Roman
Catholic. Many of the Bosnians are Muslim.
1.9.3.

The Eastern Slavs

The Eastern Slavs were by far the largest of the three groups
of Slavic peoples. The Eastern Slavs lived in the regions north
of the Black Sea. Descendants of the Eastern Slavs today
inhabit the nations of Ukraine, Russia, as well as many smaller
nations in the region.
The peoples of the Eastern Slavic regions traded heavily with
the Byzantines, as well as with the nations of Western Europe,
and Asia. As a result of this trade, as well as their
geographical location between these three cultures, the
Eastern Slavs never became fully European, fully Eastern, or
fully Asian. Instead, they share many aspects of all three
cultures.

/// Activities ///:

Fill in the chart with the most important characteristic
of each heading:
The West Slavs
The South Slavs
The
Eastern
Slavs

1.10.

The Slavic Lifestyle

Slavs lived in small villages consisting mostly of relatives.

They farmed the land, growing a variety of grains and
vegetables. These peoples also hunted their thick woodlands
for meat.
Slavic villages were made up of beautifully built log homes.
These log homes were skillfully carved with pictures of
animals, flowers, and gods, and would be considered
comfortable,
even
by
todays
standards.
The Slavs were generally a peaceful people, usually fighting
only to maintain their lands, and not to expand them further.
They often depended on outside armies such as the Vikings to
help protect them.
/// Activities ///:
How was the Slavic Lifestyle?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

1.11.

Rurik The Rus

In A.D. 860 the Slavic village of Novgorod
located in the Northern Forests of the Slavic
regions contacted the Vikings asking for
help in maintaining order in their lands.
They said told the Vikings that they had rich
fertile lands, but that they did not have the
ability to unite their people, or maintain
order. Thus, they requested that the Vikings
come and rule them.

A Viking by the name of Rurik The Rus answered the request.

It is believed that Rus is the root for the name of the Slavic
nation of Russia.
/// Activities ///:
Who was Rurik The Rus?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

1.12.

The Village of Kiev

In A.D.
name

880, Ruriks successor, a man by the

of Prince Oleg conquered a small
village known as Kiev. This village
lied on the Dnieper River, which
made it a great location for trade.
Using Kiev, Prince Oleg was
eventually able to control important
trade routes along the Dnieper
River. Kiev quickly grew in power
and wealth, becoming one of the
most important cities in the region.
/// Activities ///:
Describe with your own words The Village of Kiev:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
1.13.
By A.D.
the

Kievan Rus
900, the city of Kiev had begun to control much of
surrounding regions. This city-state became
known as Kievan Rus. For centuries, the
leaders of Kievan Rus, known as Grand
Princes lead raids against the Byzantines in
search of wealth.

In A.D. 911 Byzantium signed a treaty with

Kievan Rus, ending these raids, and opening a
long and prosperous period of trade between
the two peoples. This trade would help both
nations to grow in power and wealth.

1.14.

Kievan Government

The Grand Prince, who ruled from Kiev controlled a large

territory around his city. A series of lesser princes ruled
neighboring city-states, and paid tribute to the Grand Prince.
These lesser princes had a great deal of freedom and
autonomy in how they ruled their own territory. The lesser
princes governed the day to day, while the Grand Prince
provided protection in the form of a military.
Princes could be removed from power through the collective
authority of a council of merchants and nobles known as
boyars. These councils represented all free male citizens.
1.15.

Slavic Religion

Early Slavs worshiped a variety of spirits. They also believed

that their ancestors could influence their lives, and often
worshiped them. A popular Slavic god was Perun, the god of
thunder and lightning. These gods and spirits would be carved
into their homes, public buildings, and into works that were
placed on the highest point in a Slavic village.
/// Activities ///: Define the following terms:
Kievan Rus :______________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Kievan
Government:_______________________________________
__________________________________________________
Slavic
Religion:____________________________________________
__________________________________________________
1.9. Christianity Arrives
By the late A.D. 900s many of the Slavs began to practice
Christianity. Their interaction with the Byzantine Empire
brought them into close contact with the faith.

The first member of the royal family to

be converted to Christianity was a Kievan
Princess by the name of Olga. Her
Grandson Vladimir eventually became
the Grand Prince. Vladimir sent out an
embassy to search out a true form of
religion. This embassy visited many
different religions, and determined that only Eastern Orthodox
held the keys to the continued success of their kingdom.
Upon their return, Grand Prince Vladimir became converted to
Eastern Orthodox, and ordered that all his people also convert
to the new faith. Their conversion to Eastern Orthodox
strengthened their ties with the Byzantines, and helped bring
their culture to new heights.
The Byzantines taught the Slavs new skills in art and building,
they built schools, taught the Slavs how to write, and helped
them make great advancements in technology and science.
Answer:
a. Who was the first converted to Christian from the royal
family?
_____________________________________________________
b. Who sent out an embassy to search out a true form of
religion?
_____________________________________________________
c. What were the consequences of Vladimir and his family
conversion to Eastern Orthodox?
_____________________________________________________
d. What skills did The Byzantines teach the Slavs?

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

1.14.

Kievs Golden Age

Throughout the A.D. 1000s Kievan Rus
experienced a period of wealth, and
economic growth. Historians refer to
this time period as the Golden Age of
Kiev.

Prince Vladimir who brought Eastern

Orthodoxy into Kievan Rus is often
considered one of the kingdoms
greatest rulers. He ruled from A.D. 980
until A.D. 1015. During this time period
his people saw tremendous growth,
and an overall increase in their standard of living due to the
influences of the Byzantine Empire.
Prince Vladimirs son, a man by the name of Yaroslav, reigned
in his fathers place beginning in the year A.D. 1019. Grand
Prince Yaroslav built a library in Kiev, and encouraged
everyone to gain as much education as possible.
He also reorganized the affairs of the government,
establishing new laws, which were heavily based on the
Justinian code of the Byzantine Empire.
In order to insure peace, Yaroslav arranged marriages for his
daughters and sisters with the kings of many surrounding
nations. During this time period, when Europe was in the
midst of the dark ages, Kiev stood as a shinning beacon, and
beautiful city.

1.15.

Kiev Declines
After the golden age in Kiev, the nation
began to see a rapid decline. Yaroslavl was
a successful leader, who brought about
great wealth and power to his homeland,
but he is also one of the major factors in its
decline.

Instead of appointing one successor,

Yaroslavl appointed all of his sons as
successors. This resulted in the splintering of his kingdom, as
many different princes fought for control over the kingdom.
In A.D. 1240 invaders from
completely destroyed Kiev.

Mongolia

conquered

and

/// Activities ///:

Explain how the Kiev had their golden age and then how
their declination occurred:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

1.16.

The Mongols Rule

After the defeat and destruction of Kiev, there was nothing to

stop the Mongols from conquering the remaining Slavic
territories. The Mongols would rule the Slavs for the next two
hundred years. The Slavs were allowed to practice their

religious

beliefs, but were required to pay taxes to the

Mongols, and to support their armies
through military service.

Mongol control further distanced the Slavs

from the people of Western Europe. This
isolation helped to keep their culture from
evolving in the same direction as that of
the Western Europeans.

/// Activities ///:

What were the Mongols Rules?
1.17.

The Third Rome

Ivan The Great who was able to unite all
the Russian Slavs under his rule now
controlled a vast empire whose size and
territory was as great as any earlier empire.
Ivan married Sophia, the niece of the last
Byzantine emperor. This marriage allowed
him to claim the title of Czar, or Caesar,
which was the title the emperors of both
Byzantium, and Rome took.

Ivan also incorporated many symbols of the

Byzantine and Roman empires into his own
empire, including a double headed eagle, which was the
symbol of rulers in the Byzantine Empire.
All Czars from Ivan the Great down until the twentieth century
would lay their claim to rule through their ancestry leading
back to the Roman Empire.
/// Activities ///:

a. Who was Ivan the Great?

_________________________________________________________
b. What opportunities did Ivan receive from his marriage?
_________________________________________________________
c. What fusion did Ivan do with the Byzantine and Roman
empires?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
d. Why was it necessary to go back to the ancient Roman
Empire?
_________________________________________________________
UNIT 2: ISLAM
2.1. Islam
As early as 3000 B.C. the people known as the Arabs
inhabited a large peninsula between Asia and Africa. This
peninsula would come to be known as the Arabian Peninsula
after
the people who lived there.
Because of the remoteness of their villages,
and the brutal deserts that surrounded
them, the Arabians were left alone for
centuries. Free from attack by outside
forces, and isolated from the rest of the
world, the Arabian culture evolved in a
unique direction, completely separate from
the cultures of other civilizations around
them.
In order to survive the harsh conditions of their homeland, the
Arabians drew close to their families. Several related families
often came together to form a tribe. These tribes were ruled

by one chief called the sheikh. The sheikh ruled, so long as

the heads of each family supported him.
These tribes often raided one another in search of camels,
goats, and other necessary supplies for their survival. The
men engaged in games that helped to prepare them to be
warriors.
These early Arabians traveled from oases to oases in search of
water and food. Their diet consisted mainly of dates, a small
fruit, and milk from their herds. On special occasions, they
would kill and feast on a fatted lamb.
/// Activities ///:
Class will be divided into 5 groups to expose about the
following topics:
a. Towns Emerge (Explain how towns were formed)
b. The City of Makkah (Describe the city)
c. The Need For Government (Explain why the government
formation was necessary)
d. Religious Movement
movement)

(Explain

the

basics

of

this

e. Muhammad (Explain about his biography)

Rubrics:

Method:

Chart5 points
integrants will

Any

Knowledge.10 points
expose.

be

Eye contact..2.5 points

Fluency.2.5 points

of
called

the
to

2.2. Towns Emerge

By A.D. 500 life began to change for the Arabians. Instead of
migrating in search of food, they began to settle in oases, or
fertile valleys. This allowed them to build villages, towns, and
cities.
Many of the Arabians became skilled farmers, while others
learned crafts such as blacksmithing. Others still became
merchants and traders. As the centuries wore on, some of
these cities became very large, and wealthy.

2.3. The City of Makkah

One of the most important cities in the region was Makkah.
Makkah was located about 55 miles from the borders of the
Red Sea. Its location along the Red Sea, and also along
important trade routes made it a good location for controlling
trade in the region.
Makkah also was home to the regions most sacred religious
shrine. This shrine,known as the Kaaba contained engraved
images of all the Arabian gods.

Arabians would travel hundreds of miles in great pilgrimages

to visit the Kaaba in the city of Makkah so that they could
faithfully worship their gods. This brought additional wealth
and prosperity to the city, and became an important part of
their economy.
2.4. The Need For Government
As the Arabian cities prospered,
the old tribal governments were
no longer sufficient. Arab was
ruled by hundreds of sheiks,
instead
of
one
central
government. They all shared the
same language, culture, and
religious beliefs, but because
they did not share the same
government, and were not
united, it was difficult for them
to defend themselves.
The Persian Empire, as well as
the Byzantine Empire were both
growing
in
strength
and
influence. Both of these Empires
looked at Arab lands, and
threatened to conquer them.

2.5. Religious Movement

Arabia lie between several cultures who had rejected the idol
worship of their ancestors. The Jews and Christians both
worshiped a single God. Many of the nations surrounding
Arabia practiced one of these two faiths.

Arab teachers called hanifs began searching for a new

monotheistic faith. Monotheistic means that they worship only
one god, instead of many idols. These hanifs rejected both
Judaism as well as Christianity, and instead formed their own
monotheistic faith which they called Islam. Islam means
submission to the will of Allah. Allah is the name of the god
that followers of Islam worship.
2.6. Muhammad
In the year A.D. 570 a man who would greatly influence the
religious beliefs of Islam was born in the city of Makkah. This
mans name was Muhammad
Muhammad was orphaned when his parents were killed, and
was left to be raised by an uncle. In order to survive,
Muhammad went to work as a caravan leader when he was
only a teenager. He was very good at his job, and brought his
employer, a 40 year old widow tremendous wealth.
When Muhammad reached the age of 25, this widow proposed
marriage to him. After marrying this wealthy woman,
Muhammad was now free to contemplate life. His new found
wealth allowed him more free time than before his marriage.
As Muhammad contemplated his faith, he became concerned
about the greed and wickedness of his people. He saw a great
disparity between the wealthy and the poor. He was also
concerned about the worship of idols, instead of worshiping
Allah, or God.
In A.D. 610 after years of prayer, and anguish over the sins of
his people, Islamic tradition states that Muhammad received a
revelation from Allah telling him to preach to the people.
Muhammad later received other revelations giving him further
instructions about what to share with his people.

2.6.1. Muhammad Shares His Message

By A.D. 613 Muhammad began sharing the message that

Allah had given him with others. Beginning with his family and
close friends. As word spread that Muhammad had seen a
vision from Allah, many in Makkah began to persecute him
and his followers. One of the most important elements of the
economy in Makkah was the pilgrims who traveled to the city
to worship their idols. The wealthy merchants feared that this
new religion which forbad the worship of idols would hurt their
economy.
Muhammad did have some early success however. Mainly with
the poorer classes of people who lived in and around Makkah.
They were drawn to his message because he taught that the
poor and wealthy were equal, and that the wealthy should
share their means with those who did not have enough.
/// Activities ///:
a. What was Muhammad message?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Look up the meaning of these words:
Pilgrim:__________________________________________________
Wealthy:_________________________________________________
Equal:___________________________________________________
Poor:___________________________________________________
Success:_________________________________________________
Allah:__________________________________________________

2.7. The Hijrah

In the year A.D. 622 persecution against Muhammad and his

followers
became
especially brutal. Muhammad had
received a number
of threats against his life,
including
attempted
assassinations.
In
order to protect both
himself,
and
his
people, Muhammad sent
his followers, which
consisted of about 60
separate families to the
town
of
Yathrib.
Muhammad
himself
traveled
to
Yathrib
secretly, shortly there after.
Followers of Islam, known as Muslims call this the Hijrah.
Hijrah means great emigration. The year that the Hijrah took
place marks the first year of the Islamic calendar, and is the
year that most historians consider the beginning of the Islamic
era.
/// Activities ///:
a. Who were the Hijrah?
_________________________________________________________
b. What does Hijrah mean?
_________________________________________________________
c. When was the persecution behind Muhammad and
his followers start?
_________________________________________________________

2.8. City of Yathrib

In Yathrib Islam began to flourish. The people accepted
Muhammad as their leader and king. Muhammad established
all laws, and settled all disputes. He taught the people that
they owed their loyalty first to Islam, second to their families,
and only thirdly to their own tribes. These
teachings united his people under his rule
and authority.
The teachings and laws revealed by
Muhammad were written in books, which
became known as the Quran. The Quran
today is considered to be Holy Scripture by
those
who
practice
Islam.
Gradually the city of Yathrib became known as Madinah, which
means The City of The Prophet.
/// Activities ///;
a. What did Muhammad teach people of the city of
Yathrib?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Where were written Muhammads teachings?
_________________________________________________________

2.9. An Islamic State

In A.D. 630 the people who lived in Makkah attacked
Muhammad and his people in an attempt to destroy them. The
Muslims were not only able to defend themselves against

attack, but in the same year were able to overthrow and

conquer Makkah.
Many tribes throughout the Arabian Peninsula saw this as a
sign of Allahs power. By A.D. 631 Muhammad was recognized
throughout the region as the prophet of God. As Allahs
prophet, Muhammad was then easily able to conquer the
entire
Arabian
Peninsula
with
little
opposition.
Muhammad setup a strong central government, whose capital
was in Madinah. He destroyed all the idols that were in Kaaba,
and instead established Kaaba as the center of Muslim
worship. Thus, Makkah became the religious capital of this
Islamic nation.
/// Activities ///
1. How did Makkah become the religious capital of Islam?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.10. Muhammad Dies
In the year A.D. 632, after battling a fast moving infection,
Muhammad died. However, he left behind a legacy that is
almost unparalleled in world history. During his short reign,
Muhammad founded a new world religion, and united all of the
Arabian tribes behind one central government, giving it new
strength, that would help it survive the coming centuries.
/// Activities ///
1. When did Muhammad die?
______________________________________________________
2. What did Muhammad do during his short reign?

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.11. The Holy Quran
The teachings of Muhammad were not written
down in a single book during his life time.
Instead, they were recorded on what ever
happened to be available to the people at the
time, including bones, palm tree husks, and
scrolls. Islamic legend states that these
revelations were given to Muhammad by the
angle Gabriel over a period of 22 years.
After his death, a new leader by the name of Abu Bakr rose to
power. Abu Bakr ordered that all the teachings of Muhammad
should be recorded into a single work, or book. He had the
people search throughout the land in search of all the
teachings of Muhammad. After two decades, these works were
gathered into a single book, which became known as the Holy
Quran.
The Holy Quran established the religious beliefs and practices
of the Islamic people. It also established appropriate practices
of both leaders and subjects within government, within their
personal lives, and within their livelihoods.
This book was instrumental in insuring that the beliefs of the
Muslims remained constant throughout the many centuries
since the religions foundation
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain what The Holy Quran is.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.12. Five Pillars of Islam
The Quran established five pillars or responsibilities that are
necessary for all faithful Muslims to fulfill. These five duties
are faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage to
Makkah

2.12.1. Faith
The Muslims believe that
they must confess their faith
in Allah, and in the prophet
Muhammad. Muhammad is
believed to be a mortal man,
and the last of a long line of
prophets, including Abraham,
Moses, and Jesus.
They believe that Allah is an all-powerful, just, kind, and
merciful god. They believe that he looks after his children, and
that he wants them to be happy. Their confession of faith
includes an acceptance that is will is supreme, and must be
followed at all costs.
2.12.2. Prayer

Muslims believe that they

must pray to Allah as a sign of
respect, submission, and in
order to receive his guidance.
These prayers are always
offered five times a day. The
first prayer is offered at
sunrise, followed by a prayer
at noon, a prayer in the
afternoon, a prayer at sunset,
and a prayer in the evening.
These prayers are offered
while
standing
kneeling,
bowing, and touching ones forehead to the ground in a sign
of respect to Allah.

Often Muslims will meet together in a mosque or religious

center on Fridays to pray together as a group. These prayer
services are lead by an imam, who is not a formal clergyman,
but is a self-appointed religious leader.

2.12.3. Almsgiving
The third pillar of Islam is the
practice of giving alms to the poor.
Muhammad had taught his people
that the wealthy and the poor were
equal in importance before Allah,
and that the wealthy should give of
their substance to help support
those who do not have enough for
their needs and the needs of their
families.

Alms are given privately from the individual who is giving, to

the individual who is in need. Many Islamic governments also
collect these alms in the form of a tax, which they administer
to those who are in need.
2.12.4. Fasting
Islamic traditions state that Muhammad
received the first revelations of his new
faith in the ninth month of the Islamic
year. This month is called Ramadan.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims
practice fasting.
This fast begins in the morning at
sunrise, and ends at sunset. Between
sunrise and sunset, Muslims do not eat
or drink anything. The setting of the
Sun is announced in each city or town is
announced by the shooting of a cannon.
Following this cannon blast, Muslims stream into the streets,
where they eat, and socialize with one another.
2.13. Pilgrimage
The fifth and final pillar of Islam is the practice of pilgrimage
to Makkah. All Muslims are expected to make this pilgrimage
at least once within their lifetime
Today millions of Muslims from around the world gather at
Makkah each year around the Kaaba to worship.
The Pilgrimage also allows Muslims to meet other members of
their faith from around the world, and share ideas, and create
lifelong friendships

/// Activities ///:

Write the correct pillar of Islam according to each
picture:

________________________________

____________________________

2.14. Caliphs

___________________-

_______________

_________________________

After the death of Muhammad, the

Muslim people began looking to a
new type of ruler, which they
called a caliph. The word caliph
means successor. The caliph was
the governmental successor to
Muhammad. He was not however
the prophetic successor, since
Muslims believed that Muhammad was the last prophet.
Under the direction of the caliphs, the Islamic empire
continued to spread in influence, wealth, and power. The first
four caliphs were close friends and relatives of Muhammad.
Through their military might they greatly expanded the
borders of Islam, bringing their once great neighbors, the
Persians, completely under their control. These leaders also
conquered much of the Byzantine Empire.
/// Activities ///
a. Who was Muhammads successor?
________________________________________________________
b. What happened under the direction of the caliphs in the
Islamic empire?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.15. Jihad
The Quran teaches that Muslims
have an obligation to fight in
order to spread their faith to new
lands, and in order to gain new
converts. The word fight does
not always refer to battle, but
can also refer to the labors of missionary work. A
fight for religious expansion is known in Islam as a
Jihad.

Guided by the principal of Jihad, the armies of Islam were

united. They fought with courage, and strength against their
enemies, and continued to expand their borders and
influence. By A.D. 650 their conquests had led them to
possess much of the lands around the Mediterranean sea,
including Egypt, Persia, Iraq, Iran, and surrounding regions.
/// Activities ///:
a. What does fight mean for Muhammad?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
b. What nations were conquered by the armies of Islam?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.16. Islam Divided
In A.D. 656 the fourth
Caliph, a man by the name
of Ali, was elected as ruler
of Islam. Ali came to power
when his predecessor was
murdered.

The governor of Syria, Mu

Awiyah, was the nephew of
Uthman, the former, and
now murdered, caliph. Mu
Awiyah accused Ali of
planning the murder of his uncle, so that he could take power
for himself.
The supporters of Mu Awiyah fought for several years against
the supporters of Ali for control of the government. In A.D. 661
Ali was murdered by one of his own followers, ending the civil
war.

Mu Awiyah was now the undisputed ruler of Islam. The

followers of Ali were upset at their lose, and refused to accept
the rule of Mu Awiyah. Instead they installed the son of Ali as
their leader. A man by the name of Husayn.
Those who followed Husayn became known as the Shiite
Muslims, while those who remained faithful to Mu Awiyah
were known as the Suni Muslims.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain about the division of Islam.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
2.17. The Umayyad Dynasty
From A.D. 661 until A.D. 750 Islam
would
be
ruled
by
the
descendants of Mu Awiyah known
as the Umayyads. Under the
guidance of the Umayyads, Islam
continued
its
rapid
spread
throughout the world.
The Umayyad armies went as far
East as China, and as far West as
Spain. Islam quickly became one of the largest and most
powerful nations on Earth.
2.18. The Abbasids Dynasty
The Shiites continued to work against the Sunni Umayyad
leaders. A building resentment for the Umayyads was

furthered by their mistreatment of non-Arab Muslims. These

non-Arabs were considered second class citizens. They paid
higher taxes, and had fewer rights.
In A.D. 747 the Shiites and non-Arab Muslims gathered
together an army under the leadership of Abu l- Abbas, who
was a direct descendant of Muhammad.
After defeating the Umayyads, Abbas established himself as
caliph. He and his descendants would rule Islam until A.D.
1258. They would become known as the Abbasids Dynasty.
Abbas commissioned the building of a new city. A city that
would grow to become one of the wealthiest cities in the
region. He named his new capital city Baghdad. By A.D. 900
over one million people lived and worked in Baghdad.
/// Activities ///:
Fill in the chart with the right information required:
The
Umayyad
characteristics

Dynasty The
Abbasids
Characteristics

Dynasty

2.19. Islam crumbles

From A.D. 1000 through A.D. 1258 the Islamic state began to
see a long slow period of decline. The massive empire that
had been conquered by Islam, and brought under the rule of
one leader began to splinter into smaller groups, lead by local
leaders.

By A.D. 1258 the caliph in Baghdad ruled nothing more than

Baghdad itself, and a small territory around it. In this year, the
Mongols entered the region, and destroyed the city of
Baghdad. They slaughtered over 50,000 of the cities residents
as
they
sought
to
control
it.
/// Activities ///
a. What causes the disintegration of Islam?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b.

What were
disintegration?

the

consequences

of

the

Islam

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

UNIT 3: MEDIEVAL EUROPE

3.1. Medieval Europe
With the decline of Rome, there was no one to stop the
advancement of the warring Germanic tribes.
These tribes traveled in search of
food, wealth, and shelter, and
often left devastation behind
them.
The result was that civilized life
saw a long period of decline. Building
slowed down, bridges and roads fell into
serious decline and disuse.

The lack of good roads and bridges, and the danger caused by
the roaming Germanic tribes, and bandits made it difficult to
send
goods
from
one
place
to
another.
The lack of trade seriously hurt the local economies of Europe.
Additionally, during this time period there was a general
decline in education.
Overall, the lives of the people were harder; they had less
food, poorer educations, and lower living conditions than
earlier generations. This time period has come to be known as
the Dark Ages, or Medieval times. Medieval means Middle
Age and refers to the fact that these difficult times bridged
the ancient world with the modern world.
/// Activities ///:
a. What causes the serious hurt of Europe Economy?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
b. What does Medieval mean?
________________________________________________________
c. What does Middle age refer to?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.2. Merovingian Kings
The Germanic tribes often caused mayhem and destruction in
medieval Europe. However, it is important to also note that
some of the Germanic tribes were not barbarians, but instead
settled in homes, and tried to help build up civilization.

The largest of these Germanic tribes settled in

lands that are now part of western Germany,
and France. The kings of this tribe were called
the Merovingian kings, and ruled from A.D.
400 until the A.D. 700s.
3.3.1.

Clovis

In A.D. 481 a Merovingian King by the name of Clovis came to

power. He was a brutal warrior, who delighted in bloodshed on
the battlefield. Fifteen years after taking the throne, Clovis
became converted to Christianity.
The conversion of Clovis was critical in European history. He
encouraged his people to also convert to this new faith. The
Germanic tribes would be critical in later years in defending
Christianity against invading Muslims.
3.3.2. Mayors of The Palace
By A.D. 700 the Merovingian kings had lost control of the
region inhabited by the Franks. Instead, power fell to a leader
who was known as the Mayor of the Palace. In A.D. 732 Islam
invaded Europe in an attempt to convert the Christians to the
Islam faith.
They had already conquered much of Europe, including almost
all of Spain. As the Muslims entered what is now modern day
France, a mayor of the palace by the name of Charles Martel
met them with his forces in the city of Tours.

Martel and his forces were able to beat back the Muslims,
protecting the rest of Europe, and insuring that the religion
practiced by the Europeans would remain Christianity.

3.3.3. Pepin The Short

Charles Martel was succeeded as mayor of the palace by his
son Pepin, often called Pepin The Short.
In A.D. 752 the Pope anointed Pepin The Short as king. This
anointing by the Pope was important. To his subjects, it meant
that Pepin had the backing of God, or that he was Gods
chosen ruler.
In exchange for the blessing of the Pope, Pepin promised to
offer his protection to the Church. At this time, the Church in
Rome was under attack by a non-Christian Germanic tribe
called the Lombards. The Pope had sought assistance from the
Byzantine Empire, but they refused to send aid. This left the
Pope with no choice but to turn to the Franks.
In A.D. 754 Pepin The Short successfully removed the
Lombards from Rome, and gave their lands to the Pope. This
strengthened the ties between the Catholic Church and the
Franks, while the ties between the Church and the Byzantines
were weakened.

3.3.4. The Frankish Empire

In A.D. 771 Pepin The Short was succeeded as king by his son
Charlemagne. Charlemagne was a tall, friendly ruler, and was
also a skillful politician. Under his leadership, the kingdom
controlled by the Franks doubled in size growing to include
France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
This kingdom became known as the Frankish Empire. For the
first time since the fall of the Roman Empire, all the people of
Western Europe were ruled over by a single government and
by a single leader.
/// Activities ///:
a. Write down a definition of each term:

Merovingian
__________________________________________

Kings:

__________________________________________________________
Clovis:_____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Mayors
of
Palace:________________________________________

The

__________________________________________________________
Pepin
Short:____________________________________________

The

__________________________________________________________
The
Empire:________________________________________

Frankish

__________________________________________________________

3.3.5. The Holy Roman Empire

Many western Europeans longed for the return of the Roman
Empire. During the days of the Empire, they were the
strongest and wealthiest people on Earth. By the A.D. 800s
they were just a shadow of their former glory.
In A.D. 800 after coming to Rome to defend the Pope from
invasion, Pope Leo III anointed Charlemagne as the emperor of
the new Holy Roman Empire. As emperor he worked with
leaders to strengthen and protect the empire. He relied
heavily on local counts who solved problems in small
geographical
districts.

These counts were instructed

in
their
duties
and
responsibilities personally by
Charlemagne,
and
they
swore allegiance to him.
Charlemagne then sent loyal
authorities known as Missi
Dominici on annual tours of
his empire to observe how
loyal his subjects were to
him, and how closely the
counts were following the
laws he had established.
3.6.

Holy Roman Empire

Collapses
After the death of Charlemagne in the year A.D. 814 his son
Louise the Pious took the throne as emperor. Louise was not
as effective a leader as his father. Upon the death of Louise,
his three sons began fighting over control of the empire.
After several years of civil war, which greatly weakened the empire, the three
brothers signed a treaty in A.D. 843, which divided the empire into three equal
pieces. Louis The German took control over most of what is now present day
Germany. Charles The Bald took control of what is present day France, and
Lothair took the land in-between the two, stretching from the North Sea, down
into Italy. Lothair retained the title of emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, since
Rome
laid
within
his
territory.
Franks Faced Threats On All Sides

The civil war between the sons of Louise the Pious, greatly
weakened the Frankish civilizations at a time when barbarians
and outsiders threatened to attack the kingdoms from almost
every side.
Muslims from northern Africa, Slavs from the East, and
nomads known as Magyars from Asia, all with their eyes on
conquering and controlling the Franks. The biggest threat of
all came in the form of the Vikings, from Scandinavia.

/// Activities ///:

a. What causes the Holy Roman Empire collapse?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Who was Louise the Pious?

3.7. The Vikings

In the

A.D.

800s
the
Viking
homeland
of
Scandinavia
had
become
over
crowded. Many of
these
Scandinavian
warriors left their
homes in search of
wealth and adventure. They
traveled in medium-sized sailing ships that were large
enough to sail in the open sea, but small enough to navigate
through the rivers of Europe.
The Vikings were expert warriors. They used their light weight
ships to sneak up on their victims, and then retreat before
their enemies could retaliate. Whatever they did not steal,
they would burn to the ground. They were brutal, and showed
no mercy to their victims, often torturing and killing them.
With fearsome names, like Eric The Blood Axe, the Vikings
struck fear in the hearts of Western Europeans everywhere.
No one was safe from their attacks.
/// Activities ///:

a. Who were the Vikings?

__________________________________________________
b. Where were they from?
___________________________________________________
c. What did the presence of Vikings cause
Europe?

in Western

___________________________________________________
3.7.1. Viking Conquest
In addition to attacking and raiding Western Europe, the
Vikings also established colonies throughout the world,
reaching as far as the new world. They settled in Greenland,
Iceland, parts of France, and Great Britain, North America,
Ukraine, and Russia.
3.7.2. Vikings Convert to Christianity
For centuries the Vikings worshiped a variety of gods and
deities. However, as they expanded their territories, and built
colonies in distant lands, they came into close contact with
the rest of Western Europe. Most of Western Europe at this
time was Christians. Eventually most Vikings became
converted to Christianity as well. Their conversion helped to
civilize them in many ways, and introduced them to written
language.
/// Activities ///:
a.

Explain the process when Vikings converted into

Christianity.

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.8. Feudalism Develops In Europe
As a result of the constant attacks by the
Vikings
and
other
nomads,
the
governments of Europe were constantly
under attack. Communities did not feel that
their
governments
were
providing
adequate protection for them against
outsiders. The economies of Western
Europe were in a shambles, and trade
routes were disrupted.
As the monarchs of central governments lost power, a new
type of government evolved called Feudalism. Feudalism
began in France around A.D. 900, and spread throughout the
remainder of Europe within 150 years.
/// Activities ///:
a.

Define the following terms.

necessary:

Use a dictionary if

Feudal:______________________________________________________
Feudalism:___________________________________________________
Monarch:____________________________________________________

3.9. Lords And Knights

Feudalism began as monarchs started giving control of local
territories to lords. These lords controlled almost all aspects of
life within their estates. Along with their lands, these lords

also owned the peasants who lived on

their land, as well as all of their
possessions. The peasants were obligated
to work for the Lords, farming their lands,
and filling other necessary duties.

In exchange for this sovereignty, the lords pledged their

loyalty to the king, and promised to supply him with knights
for his armies. Often a lord would have lesser lords who he
controlled, and greater lords who he was loyal to.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain the way that Lords and Knights lived during the
Feudalism.
_________________________________________________________
3.10. Feudal Castles
Because there was no strong central government, feudal lords
often went to war against one another. In order to protect
themselves, these lords began building
large
beautiful castles. These castles
consisted of a central
building known as the
keep where the nobles
lived,
and
where
prisoners were kept in
dungeons. The keep was
usually the most secure
part
of the castle, and the
hardest part to enter during battles.
Surrounding the keep was a large area known as the bailey.
The bailey contained a number of buildings including food
stores, soldiers quarters, workshops, and even a chapel.

Finally, the castle was usually surrounded by a high outside

wall, and a large deep mote which made it difficult for
outsiders to attack.
3.11. The Lives of Nobles
Lords, ladies, and knights were called nobles. They had a
higher status in feudal society than that of the peasants. The
peasants served the nobles, and were controlled by them.
A lord had complete authority over his
lands, and the people who lived on his
lands. A lady had very few rights. She
was expected to marry whoever her
father chose, and could be married at
an age as young as twelve years old.
Her responsibilities were to care for
the household, and to bare and raise
children.
A knight served his lord during times
of battle, which was frequent. He
enjoyed more freedoms and rights
than peasants, but his life was always at risk.
The castles were beautiful from the outside, but they were
damp, smelly, and cold on the inside. They were built to
protect the lords and ladies, and not to be comfortable.
/// Activities ///:
a. Were Feudal Castles important? Explain why/why
not.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Describe the lives of nobles.

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.12. Knighthood
The

sons of lords began training for

knighthood at the age of 7. By 15 they
became squires. A squire was assigned
as an apprentice to a knight. He
followed the knight around, and assisted
him in his duties. When a squire had
successfully proven himself in battle, he would be knighted in
an elaborate ceremony.
/// Activities ///:
a. What does Knighthood mean?
_______________________________________________________
3.13. Chivalry
Knights were guided in their conduct by a code of ethics
known as chivalry. Chivalry promoted honesty, fairness in
battle, and proper treatment of noble women. The concepts of
chivalry gradually blended with the expectations of proper
manners for gentleman in western culture.
3.14. Manorialism
Lords and peasants worked together to support one another.
The wealth of the lords came by the labors of the peasants
who worked their lands. In return, the lords protected the
peasants, offered them shelter, and insured that they were
fed.
The lands of a lord were referred to as a manor. A manor
might be small and only include a few hundred acres, or it

might me huge, encompassing several hundred thousand

acres.
A manor consisted of the lords estate or castle, farm lands,
forests for hunting, and a village where the peasants lived.
Because war was rampant, trade was nearly impossible. This
meant that a manor had to be self-sufficient. They had to
produce everything they needed to survive within their own
manor.
The lord directed these efforts and protected his peasants. In
exchange, the peasants worked on road repairs, built bridges,
farmed the lords lands, and built buildings. They also paid
tribute to the lord in the form of grain, food, clothing, and
other goods.

/// Activities ///

a. Explain these terms:
Chivalry:_____________________________________________________
Manorialism:________________________________________________
__

3.15. Lives of the Peasants

Medieval peasants had a

difficult and often short
life. They lived in one room
huts, with dirt floors. These huts
had no chimneys, which made
them very cold in the winter.
They had little or no furniture,
and had huddle together to keep
warm.

These peasants ate mostly grain, and occasional vegetables

from small gardens. Meat was scarce and rarely available.
When meat was available, they often hung it from the rafters
of their homes to show off. The term bringing home the
bacon comes from this time period. When men were
successful enough to bring meat or bacon home to their
families, they would brag that their husband brought home
the bacon.
Disease was common, and most peasants did not live beyond
the age of 40.
/// Activities ///
a. Write a short description about The Peasants life.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.16. The Authority of the Church
Under the feudal system, the Catholic Church grew in power
and prestige. The bishop of Rome, known as the Pope claimed
authority over all Christians in Western Europe. The Pope often
became involved in political affairs, and even anointed kings
and rulers of various nations. Some Roman Popes were more
powerful than the local monarchs.

Local religious leaders also grew in

power,
influence,
and
wealth.
Because the leaders of the Church
were almost always nobles, they
received lands and wealth from the
king, and in turn from the peasants
who served them. Other nobles
often paid them tributes in hopes of
obtaining the grace of God.
Over time, these religious leaders
became the wealthiest and most
powerful leaders in Western Europe.
As this happened, they became
more concerned about the affairs
of
their
estates, and less concerned about fulfilling
their religious responsibilities.
/// Activities ///
a. What influence did the Church have in the Peasants?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

3.17. Religious Reforms

In A.D. 1059 the Church instituted a series of reforms that
were meant to bring them closer to God. Up until this time,
popes were usually appointed by kings, and local bishops and
cardinals were appointed by their local lords.

The Church ruled that from this time on, popes would be
elected to office by cardinals, and that cardinals, bishops, and
other leaders would be appointed by higher officials.
The Church fought with great energy to convert the
Waldensians
from
their
heresy,
and
eventually
excommunicated many of them.
/// Activities ///:
a. List the hierarchy in the Church.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.17.1. The Inquisition
In A.D. 1232 the Catholic Church
established a court known as the
Inquisition. The Inquisition was charged
with the responsibility of seeking out
and punishing heretics. This court was
given substantial authority in order to
allow them to fulfill their charge.
Often individuals were charged with
heresy with little or no proof. The courts
would then torture these individuals in
order to acquire a confession from
them. If these individual would confess,
and repent, they would be forgiven. If
they would not, then they would be
punished.

Punishments included imprisonment,

property, loss of titles, and even death.

loss

of

land

and

/// Activities ///

a. Define these terms:
Inquisition:______________________________________________
Punish:_________________________________________________
Court:__________________________________________________
Seek out:________________________________________________
Heresy:_________________________________________________
Confession:______________________________________________
Repent:________________________________________________

b. Explain why
inquisition

and how the Church applied the

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.18. English Monarchy Established
In the A.D. 800s the island of Great Britain was divided among
several small kingdoms. Like the rest of Western Europe,
these small kingdoms faced significant threats from the
Vikings in the North.
These kingdoms were made up of the Anglo-Saxons. They
shared a common language and culture. In A.D. 886 an AngloSaxon leader by the name of Alfred The Great was able to
unite these kingdoms into one nation, which he called
Angleland. This would later be changed to England.

Alfred The Great created a strong

central government, and was able
to use his strength to defeat the
Vikings, as well as other threats in
the area.
Alfred sought to bring about
cultural reform in his kingdom. To
do this he established schools, and
had
a number of literary works translated
into the language of the Anglo-Saxons.
The Anglo-Saxon kings would rule England for the next 200
years. In A.D. 1066 the last Anglo-Saxon king of England died.
His name was Edward The Confessor. After his death, three
different individuals claimed the right to rule the nation.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain how the English Monarchy was established.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Who was Alfred The Great?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
c. What does Anglo-Saxon King mean?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3.19. William The Conqueror
In A.D. 1066, after the death of Edward The Conqueror, king of
England, a man by the name of William The Conqueror
asserted his right to rule England. William was Edwards
cousin, and lived in Normandy, France. He was a vassal, or

lord to the king of France, and had many vassals, or lords

under himself in Normandy.
Using his influence, William gathered an army of 6,000
soldiers, which he used to conquer England. After placing
himself on the throne, he rewarded his vassals from
Normandy with the lands of many of the English nobles.
William the Conqueror began to raise funds by enacting a tax
on his people. In order to find out how much he could tax
them, he established a census. This census was very thorough
and counted everything in the kingdom, down to the last
chicken.
/// Activities ///:
a. Who was William the Conqueror?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. What did William do using his influences?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
c. Why did William establish a census?
________________________________________________________
3.20. Henry I and Henry II
Under the rule of Williams son, Henry I and the subsequent
rule of his great grandson Henry II, the authority of the English
monarchy
was
further
strengthened.

Henry I setup a system of royal courts to

judge the people who were accused of
crimes, and to settle disputes between
individuals. Henry II established a set of
common laws, which applied throughout the
kingdom.
This was an important accomplishment.
Prior to this time, laws were different from
manor to manor, and depended on
individual lords. Now, under the rule of
Henry II, laws were unified throughout his
kingdom.
Henry II also established the practice of trial by jury, and an
attempt to make sure that the guilty were punished, while the
innocent went free.
/// Activities ///:
a. What system was set by Henry I?
________________________________________________________
b. What system was set by Henry II?
________________________________________________________
3.21. The Magna Carta
After the death of Henry II, the rule of England fell to his son,
Richard I, and later to another of his sons, John. These leaders
were not effective. John lost territory to the French, which
upset many. He also increased taxes, and oppressed many of
his people, arresting them without trials.
In A.D. 1215 many of the nobles in England who were tired of
losing their power, and who were concerned by the tyrant-like
behavior of John, came together, and wrote a document called
the
Magna
Carta.

The Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in

history. It guaranteed the people certain rights, and bound the
king to certain laws.
After writing the document, these
nobles forced King John to sign it, on the
threat of civil war. Their intention was
only to protect the rights of nobles.
They did not care so much about the
poor peasants. Nevertheless, in time,
the rights established by the Magna
Carta
were
also
extended
to
commoners.
/// Activities ///:
a. Who was Richard I?
______________________________________________________
b.

Why were the government of Richard I and John

incompetent?
_____________________________________________________

c. What was the origin of The Magna Carta?

______________________________________________________
d. What does The Magna Carta guarantee?
______________________________________________________
e.

Was The Magna Carta an exclusive document for

nobles?
______________________________________________________

3.22. French Monarchy Established

During the
middle
ruled by
region
series

early parts of what is known as the

ages, much of modern day France was
the Franks. By the A.D. 900s however, the
was in chaos, and was instead ruled by a
of feudal lords.

In A.D. 987 a noble by the name of

Hugh Capet defeated the last
Frankish king, and took the throne
of France for himself. In truth, Capet
only ruled a very small territory. He
ruled the city of Paris, and a small
strip of land bordering the city.

Capets ancestors however would rule France for the next 300
years, and would greatly strengthen Frances government, and
expand its borders.
/// Activities ///:
a. How did Hugh Capet get his throne?
_______________________________________________________
b. What state did Hugh Capet rule?
_______________________________________________________
3.22.1. . Louis VI
In

A.D. 1108 a descendant of Hugh Capet took the

throne. This new king was Louis VI. Louis VI further
strengthened the power and authority of the his
throne by working to increase the loyality of the
people to himself, rather than to their feudal
lords. To do this, Louis VI took lands that had
always been owned by nobles, and gave them to the common

people. He also gave important positions in both clergy, and

on his royal court to commoners.
3.22.2. Philip II
In A.D. 1180 Philip II known as Philip Augustus took the throne
of France. Philip doubled the size of his kingdom through both
marriage, as well as through war. Philip Augustus also placed
his friends in important positions within the government, and
established a permanent French army, which further
strengthened his own power, and weakened that of the feudal
lords.
3.22.3. Louis IX
In A.D. 1226 King Louis IX baned feudal lords from minting
money. He also banned them from warring against one
another. In addition, King Louis IX declared that his royal
courts were the highest authority in the land. Even higher
than the feudal courts, which had long held the higher
authority.

/// Activities ///:

Fill in the chart with one characteristic of each personage:
Louis VI

Philip II

Louis IX

3.24. The Crusades

The city of Jerusalem was the center of faith for three major
world religions. For the Jews it was their homeland. It had
been promised to them by Jehovah, who they believed had
covenanted with Abraham to give him the land of Israel. To
the Muslims, Jerusalem was the location where the Prophet
Muhammad had ascended into heaven. After Makkah, and
Medinah, Jerusalem was Islams third most holy city. To the
Christians Jerusalem was both the location of Christs birth,
and the location of his death. It is also the location of much of
the New Testament.
This Holy Land was conquered by Islam in the A.D. 600s, and
would remain in their control for many centuries to come. In
A.D. 1095 Pope Urban II called for volunteers to travel to
Jerusalem and fight to take it back from the Muslims. He called
their mission a crusade. The word crusade comes from the
word Crux, which means cross in Latin. Those who
volunteered for the crusade would be called crusaders,
meaning that they took the cross of Jesus upon them.
This crusade would be the first of nine total crusades, that
Christians would carry out as they attempted to control Israel
territory.
These crusaders were promised that they would receive
eternal life if they died while fighting non-Christians. As a
result of the rhetoric these Christians killed thousands of nonChristians, including Jews, and Muslims, as they traveled to
Jerusalem. In some cases the slaughtered entire Jewish
communities.
After two years of traveling in the desert, the crusaders finally
reached Jerusalem. They laid siege upon the city, surrounding
it for two months. Finally the city fell, and the crusaders

entered, killing almost all of the non-Christians who inhabited

the city, men, women, and children.
Europeans would control many parts of Israel and the
surrounding regions for a little over 200 years. During this
time, Muslims made slow but steady efforts to regain control
over Jerusalem. Eight more crusades would follow, in an effort
to keep control over the city in the hands of the Europeans. In
A.D. 1291 the Muslims capture the last European stronghold in
the area. European leaders lost interest in the area, and the
crusades came to an end.
/// Activities ///:
a. Write True of False. Justify the False Statements:
The Crusades are the journeys that Christians did to
Jerusalem to know Jesus.
_____
____________________________________________________
Jerusalem was considered
Muhammad. _____

The

Holy

Land

for

____________________________________________________
The Crusaders found Jerusalem after a decade.
_______
____________________________________________________
3.25. The Hundred Years War
The English had been conquered and ruled by a French feudal
lord from Normandy by the name of William The Conqueror.
Because William the Conqueror had been a powerful leader in
Normandy, he claimed both England, as well as much of
France as his kingdom.

Later English kings maintained

their right to rule parts of
France. This created a
great deal of resentment
for both the French people,
as well as their kings, who
wanted control of their
lands back.
In A.D. 1152 King Henry II
of England married Eleanor
of Aquitaine. Eleanor was
the heiress to much of the
lands in the southwest of
France. This gave King
Henry II control over more
of France than the French
king had.
In A.D. 1328 when the king of France died without leaving a
direct heir the situation became dangerous. King Edward III of
England was the grandson of the former French King. As such,
he was the rightful successor to the French throne. This gave
the King Edward III the right to rule both England and France
from a single throne.
The French were not ready to be ruled by an English King.
Feelings between the English and French were too bitter. A
Frenchman by the name of Philip of Valois who was the
nephew of the former king of France began preparations for
war with England. A war that would last from A.D. 1337 until
A.D. 1453.
At first it appeared as though England would win the war.
Their superior technology and strategies lead them to victory
in a series of battles where they were often outnumbered by
the French. Eventually, however the tables would be turned.
After more than one hundred years of fighting, the French
were eventually able to declare victory of the English.

The One Hundred Years War greatly strengthened France,

while weakening England. Following the war, England would
enter a period of turmoil and civil war that would last for
another 30 years.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain the most important facts in the hundred years of
war.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Why were the French not ready to be ruled by an English
King?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3.26. The War of The Roses

Following
the
Hundred Years War,
England
found
itself in turmoil.
The
war
had
seriously
weakened
the
monarchy,
and
drained much of
the
nations
treasury.
The
nation was ruled by the
house of Lancaster, which

bore the emblem of a red rose. The Duke of York, whose family
bore the emblem of a white rose saw the kings weakened
state as an opportunity to seize power, and establish himself
as
king.
For the next 30 years the house of Lancaster and the house of
York would fight one another for control over England. In the
end, the Duke of York was successful.
Unit 4: MEDIEVAL ASIA
4.1. Asia In The Middle Ages
During the middle ages Asia had become home to some of the
most advanced civilizations on Earth. These civilizations
flourished while much of Western Europe was swallowed up in
chaos, war, and poverty. As Europe declined, Asia excelled.
4.2. The Steppe Nomads
During the middle ages Asia was a mix of complex and simple
civilizations. Advanced civilizations were intermixed with
tribes of nomads who lived, for the most part, off of the land
around them. These nomads presented a great threat to the
security of the more advanced nations. From time to time, the
nomads rose up armies to attack and attempt to conquer the
more civilized nations for their own gain. At times they were
successful in these efforts.

4.3. The Seljuk Turks

The first group of nomads to successfully conquer parts of
Asia were the Seljuk Turks. These nomads were hired by the
nation of Islam as mercenary soldiers to fight in their wars of
conquest. As the Turks served in these military units, they

learned the skills that they would latter use to eventually

control much of Islam, and parts of central Asia.

These fearsome warriors were quick, brutal, and effective.

Through their military exploits they eventually controlled a
large empire that included some of the most important trade
routes in Asia. Their conquests took them as far as the
Byzantine Empire, which they almost defeated in A.D 1071.
What the Seljuk Turks had in fighting capacity however, they
lacked in talent for governing. Their empire was short lived,
because they were not able to establish an effective
government. Internal squabbles and civil war weakened their
nation, making it impossible for them to defend themselves
against other nomadic tribes.

4.6. The Mongols

Isolated in northern central Asia, a group of nomads thrived,
isolated from the rest of the world. These nomads were known
as the Mongols. Their name comes from their homeland,
which was known as Mongolia.

Their isolation protected them from outsiders, and allowed the

Mongolian people to grow stronger, and their technologies to
gradually become improved.
Like other nomads in the region, the Mongols lived off of the
land around them. They lived in tents, which allowed them to
migrate from place to place in search of the best hunting
grounds, and the most fertile soil.
For the most part these nomads lived in small tribes that were
united by their common family relationships. Tribes often

joined together forming larger co-dependent tribes, in order to

offer greater protection and stability.
/// Activities ///:
Fill in the chart with the right information about each Asian
civilization:
The
Nomads

Steppe The Seljuk Turks

The Mongols

4.6.1. The Mongols Conquer Asia

Genghis Khan was not satisfied to rule only his fellow
Mongolians. Under his leadership the armies of Mongolia first
conquered the other steppe nomads. As they did so, they
became more powerful. These conquered peoples paid the
Mongols tributes, giving them increased wealth. They also
provided thousands of soldiers to fight in the Mongolian
armies.
In A.D. 1211 an army of over 100,000 horsemen invaded
China. By A.D. 1270 all of China lay under the control of the
Mongols.
The Mongols also conquered much of Russia, Islam, and many
of the Slavic peoples. Their conquests were swift and brutal,
often leaving thousands dead behind them

/// Activities ///:

a. What happened under Genghis Khan leadership?
_________________________________________________________
b. What places were conquered by the Mongols?
_________________________________________________________
4.6.2. The Mongol Empire
By

the late A.D. 1200s the Mongols had

conquered more territory than any other
nation in history, either prior to that
time, or since. The Mongol Empire
stretched almost from sea to sea on the
largest continent on Earth.

Because almost all of Asia was being ruled

by a single government, there was great
peace in the land. This peace led to
prosperity and wealth. However, the
Mongol Empire was short lived. The
massive size made it difficult to rule. Gradually local leaders
became more powerful, while the Khans became less
powerful. By A.D. 1300 the empire had divided into smaller
independent states.
/// Activities ///:
a. Write TRUE or FALSE. Justify the false statements.
Mongols had conquered a few territories.
(
)
________________________________________________
Because almost all of Asia was being ruled by many
governments, there was great peace in the land.
(
)

_________________________________________________
The Mongol empire lasted for a long period of time.
(
)
_________________________________________________
4.7. China In The Middle Ages
During the middle ages, the Chinese enjoyed a higher
standard of living than almost any other contemporary nation.
This high standard of living was made possible by their stable
civilization, which for the most part had remained unbroken
for centuries. While Europe was amidst dark times, poverty,
war, and disease, China was flourishing, producing new art,
science, and literary works.
4.8. The Sui Dynasty
In A.D. 220 after the fall of the Han Dynasty, China fell into a
state of unrest and civil war. The region would be divided and
ruled for over 350 years by a variety of war lords, and local
leaders. Then in A.D. 589 a new emperor emerged from
among all the competing war lords. This emperor was Yang
Jian. Yang Jian started the Sui Dynasty.
After uniting all of the Chinese people behind him, Emperor
Jian began again to build up the Chinese Empire. He ordered a
number of new building projects to begin, including canals,
roads, bridges, and buildings. He also ordered that the Great
Wall be repaired and strengthened. In order to accomplish
these new public works projects, Jian used peasants, in a form
of forced labor that resembled slavery.
His forced labor projects made him quite unpopular with the
peasants, and eventually led to a peasant uprisings that
would lead to the overthrowing of the Sui Dynasty in A.D. 618.

4.9. The Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty came to power in A.D. 618, after a series of
peasant uprisings against the Sui Dynasty, gave an ambitious
territorial lord by the name of Li Yuan the opportunity to
proclaim himself emperor.

Under the Tang Dynasty the empire continued to grow in

strength, wealth, and size. Yuans son, Tai Cong established a
strong central government, allowing him to easily maintain
control over his massive kingdom.
Officials in the government were required to pass difficult
written exams, that measured how qualified an individual was
to serve in government. These tests help insure that the most
talented individuals were selected and promoted within the
government.
The peace that lasted during the Tang Dynasty allowed the
people to improve their technologies. One important
technological advance was in the area of growing rice.
Farmers developed better methods for growing rice, which
resulted in greater crop yields, and allowed the population of
China to increase.
Under the Tang Dynasty, trade flourished. With new roads, and
improved waterways, merchants were able to bring Chinese
goods out to the rest of the world, and exotic goods back into
China. This new wealth allowed the Chinese capital of
Changan to grow into the largest city in the world at the time,
with more than two million inhabitants.
While the capital flourished, many of the outlying provinces
began to experience decline and poverty. The Tang Dynasty
put so much of their resources into building the capital, that
the military became weaker, and less effective. In A.D. 765
turmoil and uprisings began to plague the dynasty. In A.D. 907
these uprisings led to the dynasty being overthrown.

4.10. The Song Dynasty

In A.D. 960 a military commander by the name of Zhao
Kuangyin took control of the empire, and established the Song
Dynasty. For the next 300 years, Song emperors would rule
China from their new capital of Kaifeng.
The Song Dynasty emperors collected taxes, and then used
these taxes to build important public works projects that
helped to spur on the economy of the empire. As a result, a
new middle class grew in China, as well as a large group of
wealthy city dwellers. These families lived in nice homes, and
had modest grounds, with gardens, ponds, and flowers. They
spent their free time in restaurants, markets, sporting events,
and viewing dramatic plays.
Under the Song Dynasty China also flourished in the area of
science. New technologies were developed, including gun
powder. This gun powder was first used in fireworks, and latter
in weaponry, including the first missiles, which were made
from bamboo poles stuffed with gun powder.
In A.D. 1234 nomadic invaders from the North known as the
Mongols invaded China. By A.D. 1279 they were able to
completely overthrow the Song Dynasty.
/// Activities ///:
Fill in the chart with the right information about each Asian
civilization:
The Sui Dynasty

The
Dynasty

Tang The
Dynasty

Song

4.11. Vietnam
China ruled Vietnam from 200 B.C. to A.D. 939. Because of
this millennia of rule by the Chinese, in many ways
Vietnamese culture resembles the culture of China.
However, the Vietnamese managed to retain many aspects of
their own culture, including their own language, religious
beliefs,
and
customs.
One of these customs was the practice of tattooing their
bodies. Elaborate tattoos communicated religious beliefs and
teachings, as well as identified the ranks of some members of
society.
The Vietnamese gained their independence from China in A.D.
938. Under the leadership of a Vietnamese general by the
name of Ngo Quyen the Vietnamese defeated a fleet of
Chinese warships, which led to the eventual overthrowing of
Chinese rule in Vietnam.
/// Activities ///:
a. Complete
Vietnam:

the

following

Statements

about

China ruled Vietnam from ___________to _________.

Because of these millennia of rule by the Chinese,
Vietnamese
culture
resembles
___________________________.

Vietnamese managed to retain many aspects of their

own
culture,
including
________________________________________________.
The Vietnamese gained their independence from China
____________.
Under the leadership of a Vietnamese general by the
name of __________________ the Vietnamese defeated a
fleet of Chinese warships, which led to the eventual
overthrowing of Chinese rule in Vietnam.
b. Oral Lesson
4.12. Korea
The first Koreans are believed to
have migrated into Korea from
northern Asia around 3000 B.C.
These peoples lived in villages, and
survived by farming, and through
hunting.
The Koreans practiced Shamanism,
which is the belief that both living
and non-living things contained
powerful spirits. Priests known as shamans helped the people
communicate with the spirits, and helped the people
understand their will.
By the 100s B.C. Korea had been conquered by China. From
109 B.C. until A.D. 220 the Koreans would be under the control
of the Chinese. During this time period they would be heavily
influenced by the Chinese. However, they would also manage
to maintain many elements of their own culture.
/// Activities ///:
a. What is the Shamanism?
______________________________________________________

b. Why did Korea have a heavy influence from Chinese?

______________________________________________________

4.13. The Three Kingdoms Period

After obtaining their independence from China in A.D. 220, the
Koreans eventually formed themselves into three separate
kingdoms. These kingdoms were known as Silla, Paekche, and
Koguryo. From A.D. 313 until A.D. 668 these three kingdoms
would rule the Korean Peninsula. Then in A.D. 668 the
Kingdom of Silla conquered the other two kingdoms, uniting
all of Korea under a single government.
/// Activities ///:
a. Why did the Koreans eventually form themselves into
three separate kingdoms?
________________________________________________________
b. Which kingdom conquered Paekche and Koguryo?
________________________________________________________
4.14. The Yi Dynasty
In A.D. 1392 a dynasty known as the Yi Dynasty came to
power in Korea. Yi rulers built a new capital city, which they
named Hanyang. Hanyang would become the present day city
of Seoul, which for many years was the modern capital of
Korea.
Under Yi rulers the Koreans developed many cultural
advancements, including an alphabet, advancements in
weather forecasting, and advancements in war technology.

These advancements in wartime technologies allowed helped

them to defend themselves against outside attacks, and
allowed them to maintain their independence for centuries.
/// Activities ///:
a. When did the Yi Dynasty come to power in Korea?
_________________________________________________________
b. What is Hanyang?
_________________________________________________________
c. What cultural advancements did the Koreans develop
under Yi rulers?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
4.15. Japan
The first people to migrate into the islands of Japan probably
arrived around 8000 B.C. These hunter-gathers probably lived
in temporary huts, as well as in caves and ravines. Four
thousands of years, the people of Japan lived off of the land,
hunted, farmed, and developed a unique cultures and
religious beliefs within their small clans or tribes.
Around 200 B.C. invaders from the Asian mainland entered
Japan. Using their superior technology and weapons, these
new comers were easily able to defeat and conquer the
peoples of these islands.
These newcomers intermarried with the islanders, and over a
period of many generations helped raise their standard of
living, teaching them new methods for farming, and new
technologies, including the use of both Bronze and Iron.
Around A.D. 250 another wave of invaders entered Japan from
the Asian mainland. These invaders had mastered the use of

horses in battle, and their warriors were again able to quickly

conquer
the
islanders.
It is believed by many historians that these warriors would
eventually become the ruling class in Japan.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain how the fist people in Japan lived.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________.
b. How did Japanese learn more about technology and new
methods of living?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________.

4.16. The Heian Era

Between A.D. 800 and A.D. 1200 the Japanese aristocracy
began to push a new cultural movement known as Heian
Culture. The focus of this movement was to find as
much beauty as possible. Every aspect of life was
modeled around trying to find beauty, including
handwriting, dress, appearance, gardens, and
homes.
During this period some of the most beautiful
Japanese poems were written. It was not
uncommon for individuals to spend hours
writing poetry.
downside

All this attention on beauty did have a

however. With all of their energies focused

elsewhere, the Japanese government grew weaker. As the

government was neglected, ambitious warlords began to grow
more independent of the central government.
/// Activities ///:
a. Look up the meaning of these terms in the
dictionary:
Aristocracy:_________________________________________
Beauty:_____________________________________________
Appearance:_________________________________________
Weak:______________________________________________
Neglect:_____________________________________________
Warlords:_____________________________________________
Poetry:________________________________________________
b. Oral lesson
4.17. Yoritomo Minamoto
In A.D. 1185 a powerful aristocrat by the name of Yoritomo
Minamoto defeated all other opponents, and became the
defacto ruler of Japan. The emperor remained in Kyoto where
he carried out religious and cultural rituals. The emperor
named Yoritomo the shogun, which means general in
Japanese. As the shogun, Yorimoto had all the political and
military power in Japan.
Actvities:
a. Who was Yoritomo Minamoto?
____________________________________________________

b. What influence did Yoritomo Minamoto have with the

military power in Japan?
_____________________________________________________
4.18. Japanese Feudalism
In

A.D. 1336 civil war broke out in Japan. Both the

shogun and the emperor remained in office, but
both became nothing more than figure heads,
having no real political power.

Japan fell into a feudal system similar to that of

Europe. Landowning warriors known as samurai
pledged their allegiance to lords known as daimyos, and
fought to protect their lands.
Poor farmers paid the daimyos taxes for the right to farm their
lands. In exchange, the daimyos used his samurais to protect
these poor farmers.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain why Japan fell into a feudal system.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
UNIT 5. ANCIENT AMERICA
5.1. Ancient America
The first inhabitants of the American continents were nomadic
hunters and gathers. These nomads probably arrived in North
America around 40,000 years ago, following a land bridge that
formed between North America and Asia. It is believed that
another group of humans migrated from Asia into North
America around 12,000 years ago. Some scientist also think
that some people might have used boats to follow ocean
currents to the tip of South America, while others arrived

following ice from

Western Europe.

into

the

As these various
groups
traveled
new world following
wild game, they
spread out across the
land, forming new
cultures, and in some
cases,
complex
civilizations.

Four thousands of years, these early inhabitants of the

Americas made a life by hunting game, and gathering food
from seeds, berries, and wild plants. Then around 5000 B.C.
an agricultural revolution took place near present day Mexico.
5.2. Agricultural Revolution
For thousands of years, the inhabitants who lived on the
American continents lived off of the land. Then in 5000 B.C.
near present day Mexico many groups of people began to
discover farming.
They realized that they could plant crops such as corn,
pumpkins, potatoes, and squash, and by doing so, could
better provide for the needs of their people.
This new technology spread from Mexico outward to other
parts of the Southwest, so that by 3000 B.C. many groups of
people in the region were actively practicing farming.
5.3. Villages Develop
The practice of farming the land led to the development of
villages. The people no longer had to travel in search of wild
game and plant life. Instead, they could settle down in one
place, and begin to build more permanent structures.

These permanent villages allowed for more complex societies

and cultures to evolve in the region. New religions and
governments began to form, and individuals began to become
more specialized in their jobs.

This specialization of work tasks

allowed technology to really take off,
so that great advancements were
made. The people became more
skilled in tool making, creating special
implements for farming, fishing,
building and so forth.
All of this meant that the standard of living in the Americas
could be greatly improved. This improved standard of living
led to a population explosion. By A.D. 1500 it is estimated that
more than 50 million people lived in the Western Hemisphere.
5.4. Cultural Differentiation
The various peoples inhabiting North America gradually
developed many different and unique cultures. Each culture
was heavily influenced by the land, and natural resources
around the people. These cultures included their traditions,
religious practices, and their everyday lives and customs.

As this happened, the

various cultures became
regionalized. That is to say
that the cultures of different
groups of people were very
similar to one another in
the same region, but very
different from the cultures
of the peoples in another
region. The process of cultures developing in a specific region
is known as cultural differentiation.

The regions that developed in North America were the Arctic,

the Northwest, the California region, The Great Basin, the
Southwest, the Great Plains, and the Eastern Woodlands.
/// Activities ///:
a. Class will be divided into 4 groups to prepare an
exposition.
b. Any of the integrants of each group must be able to
expose.
c. Rubrics are
Chart5 points
Knowledge10 points
Eye contact2.5 points
Fluency2.5 points
d. Topics are:
Ancient America
Agricultural Revolution
Villages Develop
Cultural Differentiation

5.5. The Arctic Peoples

The peoples who settled in the Arctic lived in an area of frigid
temperatures. The hostile cold created a condition in the

ground known as permafrost. This

permafrost was a layer of ice,
underground that never melted. This
meant that farming the land was
impossible.
These peoples survived by hunting seals,
whales, bears, sea birds, and other
animals. Because resources were scarce,
they learned to make use of every part
of the animals they hunted. The meat
and fat could be used as food, while the
bones could be used to build huts, and
skins could be used to create warm
clothing.
5.6. The Northwest Peoples
The
peoples
of
the
Northwest settled along the
West
coast
of
North
America. The warm ocean
currents helped keep the
climate in this region more
moderate. Like the peoples
of the Arctic, the Northwest
peoples lived off of the
ocean, and rivers. They
fished, and hunted wildlife.

The peoples of the Northwest had an advantage though that

the Arctic peoples did not. Their lands were covered with thick
forests. These forests provided another source of food,
including many wild animals, as well as wild berries, nuts, and
fruits.

Overtime, these peoples became experts in hunting and

fishing, developing some of the most advanced hunting and
fishing technologies of the era. They also developed trade
routes with other native peoples in order to obtain goods that
they could not produce themselves

5.7. The Southwest

The peoples of the Southwest lived in
some of the most extreme conditions
in
North
America.
The
North
American deserts were hot, dry, and
offered little in the way of food and
shelter.
Yet
despite
these
difficult
circumstances, the people of the
Southwest were well adapted to their environments. They
developed complex systems for irrigating their crops,
including massive irrigation projects. They also creating
unique methods for building villages.
One group of peoples in this region known as the Pueblo built
their villages into the side of desert cliffs. These villages were
made out of cement and stone, and often included buildings
that could be several stories high. The ruins of many of these
villages still exist to the present day, showing just how skilled
these builders were.

5.8. The Great Plains

The great plains stretched from the Eastern edge of the Rocky
Mountains out to the Mississippi River. This vast region of
rolling hills and regular rainfall were covered in wild grasses.
These grasses supported a wide variety of wildlife, which
included bison herds that were almost unimaginable in size.

These herds could stretch across miles of terrain, and include

millions of individual animals. The peoples who lived in this
region depended heavily on the bison as a source of food, as
well as skins which they used to create clothing, and shelters.

5.9. The Eastern Woodlands

The peoples who inhabited the Eastern
Woodlands lived in farming villages, as well
as hunter-gatherer groups. The land was
rich and fertile, and the climate provided
ample rainfall. They also hunted the forests
for animals such as bear, deer, elk, turkey,
and squirrel.
One group of people who lived near the
Mississippi river began to build large
mounds, were they buried their dead, along
with tools and implements in elaborate religious ceremonies.
/// Activities ///:
a. Underline the most important facts in the texts above
about each of these topics:
The
The
The
The
The

Arctic Peoples
Northwest Peoples
Southwest
Great Plains
Eastern Woodlands

b. Look up the meaning of the following terms. Use a

dictionary if necessary: Frigid, hostile, permafrost, live
off, cliff.

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
5.10. Mesoamerican Cultures
The people who inhabited Central America formed a number
of advanced civilizations between 1500 B.C. and A.D. 1200. As
one civilization faded in the region, another developed to take
its place. Later civilizations borrowed many aspects of culture
from earlier civilizations, as well as creating their own unique
traditions.
Historians call these civilizations the Mesoamerican cultures.
The word meso means middle. These peoples all lived in
middle America.
/// Activities ///:
a. What does Meso mean?
________________________________________________________.
b. Which part of America did Mesoamerican Culture belong
to?
_______________________________________________________.
5.10.1. The Olmecs
The first civilization to evolve in Mesoamerica was that of the
Olmecs. Around 1500 B.C. villages in Mesoamerica became
more complex and specialized. These people formed a nation
which they called Olmec.

The Olmecs built huge religious stone emblems of their gods

and rulers. Some of these emblems were more than nine feet
tall, and weighed more than 40 tons. These massive figures
were transported miles across the terrain without the use of
wheels, or the aid of animals.
The Olmec villages were organized, with a market square in
the center, where trade and business could take place. They
worshiped a variety of gods and deities. Their chief god was
believed to be a being with a human body, and a jaguar face.
The Olmecs were expert farmers, and practiced a type of
farming known as slash-and-burn farming. They would cut the
trees of a forest down, and wait a period of several months as
the trees dried out. They would then light the trees on fire,
burning them all into ashes. These ashes acted as a fertilizer,
making the soil more fertile. These farmers then farmed the
land a few years until it was no longer fertile, at which point
they moved on to the next forest.
5.10.2. The Mayans
Around 900 B.C a group of people known as the Mayans begin
to settle the territory around the Yucatan Peninsula. By 300
A.D. they Mayan culture had become quite advanced. The
Mayans were not ruled by a central government. They shared
the same language, traditions, and culture, but they were lead
by small local governments.

The Mayans believed that the universe was made up of two

separate worlds. The everyday world, and the otherworld. The
everyday world was the world in which they lived. The
otherworld, they believed, was were gods, spirits, and their
dead ancestors lived.
The village chief acted as the leader of political life, as well as
the priest. He was responsible for standing between his
people, and the otherworld. He performed important religious
ceremonies, that the Mayans believed would earn the favor of
those in the otherworld, and bring about their blessings.
These ceremonies included the sacrifice of humans, as well as
the blood letting of the priest.
The Mayans are one of the first peoples to develop and play
professional sports. One of the most important sports played
by the Mayans was called Pok-a-tok.
Using a solid rubber ball, which was about the size of a
basketball, teams battled one another in a way that reminded
the people of ancient Mayan battles, and legends. To protect
themselves from injury, these players wore protective
padding.
The goal of this game was to hit the ball into a stone hoop.
The ball could not be picked up however. It had to be bounced
off of leather shields that were attached to the players, arms,
legs, and chest.
The Mayans became excellent scientists in many different
fields, including medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. They
tracked the movement of the stars and planets across the sky,
and were able to accurately predict celestial events such as
eclipses.
They also developed an accurate calendar of 360 days, which
they used to plan their harvests, and religious ceremonies.

One of the most important advancements developed by the

Mayans was written language. The Mayans developed a
complex system of writing, which consisted of both an
alphabet, as well as symbols, which represented whole words
or thoughts.

These writings were recorded in books made out of bark and

plaster, as well as carved into monuments, bones, and stone.
Many of these writings have survived to the present, and help
give us an accurate look at their history, and culture.
By A.D. 900 the Mayan culture began to decline. It is not
entirely clear as to why, however many historians believe that
war broke out between different members of royal families.
This civil war made farming difficult, and as a result, many
people died from hunger and disease. By the late A.D. 900s
almost all signs of this once great civilization were gone.
5.10.3. The Teotihuacanos
Just outside of present day Mexico City, a civilization
developed known as the Teotihuacanos. This people built a
massive capital city, that at its height had more than 200,000
inhabitants. This city was expertly laid out with wide streets,
town squares, markets, and plazas.
This massive city had over 600 pyramids, which were believed

to be used for religious purposes. It also had well over 2000

apartment buildings, were many of the people of this
civilization lived.
The Teotihuacanos thrived for nearly 750 years. Then in A.D.
750 invaders from the north known as the Toltecs conquered
and destroyed them.
5.10.4. The Toltecs
Around A.D. 750 a new empire began to form in Mesoamerica.
Using their powerful armies, the Toltecs began to conquer
much of the territory in the region. Their capital city was
called Tula.
The Toltecs were expert miners, and effective traders. These
efforts brought significant wealth to their empire.
In A.D. 1170 invaders attacked the capital of Tula, and were
able to conquer it. As a result, the empire itself collapsed.
5.10.5. The Aztecs
In A.D. 1200 a group of nomadic hunters called the Aztecs
migrated into Mesoamerica in search of food and wild game.
By A.D. 1325 the Aztecs had settled in present day Mexico
City, and had built a large, beautiful and powerful city, on a
small island which they called Tenochtitlan.

As the population of Tenochtitlan grew, the island became too

small. Their innovative solution was to make the island bigger.
They built large wooden rafts, which they covered with mud,
and secured to the lakebed with stakes. Many people lived
and farmed on these floating parcels of land.
By A.D. 1500 the Aztecs had used both their military strength,
as well as political ties to conquer almost all of the territory in
and around their capital city. Their empire stretched from the
Pacific Ocean in the west, to the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
The Aztecs founded a strong secure central government. This
helped provide stability, and allowed the empire to thrive. At
the top of this government was the royal family, headed by an
emperor or king.
This emperor appointed various authorities to rule different
regions of his empire. These leaders swore allegiance to the
emperor himself. The emperor maintained his control over the
empire through the use of his vast and powerful army.
/// Activities ///:
a. Fill in the chart with the most relevant feature of each
culture:
The Olmecs

The
Mayans

The
Teotihuacano
s

The
Toltecs

The Aztecs

b. Write an Essay about the Mesoamerican Cultures.

it using times New Roman # 12.

Type

5.11. The Inca Empire

In the Andes Mountains around A.D. 1200 a civilization
developed
independently from the civilizations of
Mesoamerica. This civilization would
become
known as the Incas.
By

the

late A.D. 1200s the Incas had

settled in the city of Cuzco,
which would eventually become
their capital. In A.D. 1438
Pachacuti became the king of
the Incas. He and his son
Topa began a great period of
expansion, creating what
would be the largest empire
in the new world, and one of
the largest empires in the
world.

The Incas formed a powerful

central
government.
Pachacuti allowed local leaders to continue governing the
people, so long as they remained loyal to him. If they did not,
he relocated the people to distant parts of his kingdom, where
they would not pose a threat.
He passed and recorded laws that were consistent throughout
the empire, and founded courts, trade routes, and initiated
many building projects that strengthened his empire.

In order to further
unite
the
people,
Pachacuti required all
his subjects to learn
and speak a common
language.
This
language was called
Quechua. There are
still many people in
these regions who
speak Quechua to this
day.
5.11.1. The Incas Fall
In A.D. 1533 the Spanish arrived in South America. Hungry for
territory, and for converts to Christianity, the Spanish
overwhelmed the Incan Empire. Their armies were no match
for the far superior Spanish technologies. While the Incan
Empire disappeared completely, the Incan people remained in
the region. To this day, many descendants of the Incans still
inhabit the nations of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. These
people still speak Quechua, the official Incan language, and
still practice Incan culture.
/// Activities ///:
a. Fill in the Index Card about the Incas:
Inca Empire

Tawantinsuyu (Quechua)

14381533
Capital
Language(s)
Religion
Government

Leader(s)

UNIT 6: THE RENAISSANCE & THE REFORMATION

6.1. The Renaissance
Throughout the history of mankind, human technology and
culture has experienced many advancements, and setbacks.
As a civilization rises, new technologies are developed, as well
as new types of music, art, and literature. Then years,
decades, or even centuries later, as that same civilization
begins to decline, many of these technologies and arts are
lost.
During the Middle Ages much of the great advancements
made by the Greeks and the Romans had been forgotten due
to the decline of living conditions in Western Europe. People
went from living comfortable lives with good jobs and
educations, to living in very poor conditions, where there was
constant turmoil, war, poverty, and hunger. This time period is
known
as
the
dark
ages.
The dark ages lasted for hundreds of years, as many
generations of individuals lived and died in these terrible
conditions. Then in the middle A.D. 1300s things slowly began
to improve. People began again to discover the arts, and
technologies of the Romans and Greeks, making life a little
easier. With call this period of time the Renaissance. The
Renaissance began around A.D. 1350 in Italy, and continued
until about A.D. 1600.
6.1.1.The Renaissance In Italy
The Italian Peninsula had been home to the Roman Empire for
centuries. It had been the world center of culture, power,
business, and technology. The ideas that evolved and were

developed in this region would have a lasting impact for

thousands of years.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Italy was ruled by
many different people and groups. It was conquered by
Germanic tribes, by the Byzantine Empire, by Islam, and by
others. It also experienced many periods of self rule, where
small city-states were governed by local leaders.
Because the Italian Peninsula jets out into the Mediterranean
Sea it is an ideal location for controlling important trade
routes. As merchants traveled from China, to the Byzantine
Empire, and into Africa and other parts of the World, they
often passed through the Italian Peninsula. This brought both
money and culture into the region. As a result, the Italians
were not hit as hard by the dark ages as were other parts of
Western Europe.

As the study of humanism

became popular in Italy in the
mid A.D. 1300s humanist
teachers began to replace the
clergy as the main source of
education
in
Italy.
These
humanists
opened
schools,
where they taught the children
of wealthy families to value the
works and traditions of classic
Rome and Greece.

These teachers encouraged

people to write in their own
languages, instead of in only
Latin and Greek. As a result, literary works became available
to the masses of people who did not speak these old

languages. New and important literary works were published

in the languages of the people, helping to spread ideas
throughout Europe more quickly.

6.1.2. The Northern Renaissance

By the late A.D. 1400s the Renaissance was in full swing in the
Italian Peninsula. As a result of the Renaissance, the Italian
economy had grown stronger, and the living standards of
those in the region had been greatly improved.
As other people in Western Europe visited Italy they became
fascinated with their ways of life, their culture, art, literary
works, and customs.
In A.D. 1494 the French invaded Italy. They brought a number
of Italian artists and scholars back to France. Among them was
an artist by the name of Leonardo Da Vinci.

The French hired these artists to paint beautiful masterpieces

for their palaces and public building. They hired the scholars
to teach their children, and improve their educations.
Soon many other monarchies including the English, Spanish,
Germany, and even as far away as the Netherlands were
actively employing humanists in their courts to help improve
life. They adopted many of the beliefs of the humanists in
Italy, but also modified them to suit their own needs and
circumstances.

6.1.3. The English Renaissance

One of the last places to be reached by the Renaissance was
the English countryside. England was locked in a bloody civil
war known as the War of The Roses. In the late A.D. 1400s this

civil war was ended, and the Tudor family began to rule the
nation.
The newly enthroned king Henry VII invited Italian humanists
to join his court, and teach his people. The Renaissance in
England focused much more on literary works than in other
areas. One of the most famous playwrights during this time
period was a man named William Shakespeare. Shakespeare
wrote immensely popular plays that were attended by
thousands of people.
/// Activities ///:
a. Describe these facts:
The Renaissance: What does it mean?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The Renaissance In
Italy:_____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The Northern
Renaissance:__________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The English
Renaissance:____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

6.2. The Reformation

As the Renaissance spread throughout Europe the standard of
living among Europeans greatly improved. As this happened,
more people could afford to have their children receive a
formal education. With more people being able to read and
write, the number of individuals who read the bible increased.
Many began to criticize the Catholic Church for its
extravagance and for its abuses.
There were many people who felt that the practices and
teachings of the Church were not consistent with the
teachings found in the scriptures. The result was what
historians call the Protestant Reformation.
/// Activities ///:
a. Write True or False. Justify the False Statements:
Renaissance means Rebirth.
(
)
______________________________________________________
Reformation means Changes.
(
)
_______________________________________________________
As soon as people began to read and write, more people
criticize the Catholic Church for its holy messages.
(
)
________________________________________________________

6.3.

Martin Luther

Many years after the formation of the Waldensian Church, the

protestant reformation continued to gather support, begining
with the efforts of a German monk born in A.D. 1483. This
monks name was Martin Luther. Luthers parents wanted him
to become a lawyer, and were sending him to law school.
Deep within his heart however, Martin Luther wanted to serve
God.

On a fateful afternoon, while

caught out in a storm, Martin Luther
was nearly struck by lightning. He
felt that this was a sign that he
should give up law school, and
become a monk.

Church

Shortly there after, Martin Luther

joined a monastery in Germany,
and began to dedicate his life to
learning and teaching the Gospel.
The more he studied, the more
he felt that the Catholic Church
had gone astray. He collected a list of 95
different points of doctrine where he felt that the
was incorrect.

On October 31 st, 1517 Martin wrote these 95 points of

doctrine on a placard, which he nailed to the door of the
Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany. These 95 points of
doctrine were copied and sent throughout Germany, resulting
in the Catholic Church loosing out on the collection of money
that they collected in exchange for indulgences. The sale of
indulgences was one of the 95 practices that Martin Luther
disagreed with. This practice allowed people to buy
forgiveness for their sins.
As the money from the sale of indulgences greatly declined,
Pope Leo X grew upset, and sent convoys to Martin Luther in
an attempt to get him to recant his disagreement. Martin
Luther refused to do so stating that he had an obligation to
God to do what he felt was right.
By A.D. 1520 the Catholic Church had had enough. They
declared Martin Luther a heretic. A crime punishable by death.
Luther escaped and went into hiding, where he translated the
Bible into German.

Citing the Waldensians as an example of a Christian church

that was separate from Catholicism, Martin Luther founded a
new religion known as Lutheranism.
/// Activities ///:
a. Who was Martin Luther?
_________________________________________________________
b. Where did Martin Luther come from?
_________________________________________________________
c. What influence did Martin Luther have in the religious life
of Germany?
_________________________________________________________
d. What is the Lutheranism?
________________________________________________________
6.4. The Swiss Reformation
As Lutheranism gained influence in Germany religious leaders
in the neighboring country of Switzerland began a reformation
of their own. Like Martin Luther, these leaders felt that the
Catholic Church had grown corrupt. Unlike Martin Luther,
however, these leaders wanted to establish a religious
theocracy, or a government, based on their new religion, so
that they could rule the lives of their people, and insure that
they were keeping the commandments of God.
The first of these leaders was a man named Huldrych Zwingli.
Zwingli established his theocracy in the city of Zurich. His
government successfully ruled the city for six years. Then in
A.D. 1531 a Catholic army of 8,000 soldiers conquered and
overthrew them.
/// Activities ///:

a. What did the Reformation in Switzerland consist of?

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
6.5. John Calvin
In the mid A.D. 1500s another religious
leader by the name of John Calvin began
working to bring about reform in the
Catholic Church. Like Huldrych Zwingli,
Calvin lived in Switzerland, and wanted to
setup a theocracy.
By

and could

A.D. 1541 John Calvin had managed to

setup his theocracy in Geneva. The city
government forced all citizens to attend
church several times a week, and had
very strict rules about what people could
not do.

John Calvin wrote a book, which he called The Institutes of The

Christian Religion. This book became quite popular in his day,
and would become very influential among future reformers.
Calvins most important teaching was that mankind could not
control or change anything in this earth life. Calvin believed
that everything was controlled by god, the past, the present,
and the future. He called this doctrine predestination.
According to this doctrine, certain people were predestined to
heaven, while others were predestined to hell. They believed
that an individual could do nothing to change their
predestination.
As they worked to insure that their people practiced the
religious teachings that were required by law, they put many

people to death for various crimes against the church, such as

witchcraft, or being too Catholic.
/// Activities ///:
a. Explain about the theocracy of John Calvin.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
b. Investigate about John Calvins Biography. Type it on a
separate sheet of paper using Times New Roman # 12.

6.6. The Anabaptists

One group of reformers known as the Anabaptists believed
that no one should be baptized until they were old enough to
make the decision for themselves. These peoples spread
throughout Western Europe.
They believed strongly that religion should be kept separate
from politics. They cited the many examples where political
power had corrupted the Christian faith. The Anabaptists were
heavily persecuted in Europe for their beliefs.
These Anabaptists would eventually migrate to North America,
and become fundamental in forming the ideas of separation of
church and state, and religious freedom
/// Activities ///:
a. What were the Anabaptists beliefs?
_________________________________________________________
b. Write down the meaning of these words:

Baptize:_________________________________________________
__
Persecute:_______________________________________________
_
Corrupted:_______________________________________________
6.7. The Church of England
The protestant movement arrived in England after the Pope
would not grant King Henry VIII the right to divorce his wife
Catherine. Henry VIII wanted to produce a male heir. He
feared that without an heir his nation would again be thrown
into civil war. His marriage to Catherine had only produced
daughters, and she was too old to bare any additional
children.
After being denied the right to divorce, King Henry VIII
convinced Parliament to declare the Church in England
separate from that of the Catholic Church, and to place
himself at the head of the Church.
After becoming the head of the newly formed church, King
Henry VIII granted his divorce. He then married Anne Boleyn.
After she failed to produce a male heir, King Henry VIII had her
executed on charges of treason. He would marry four more
times, and would have only one son, who would rule as King
Edward VI.
Edward would only rule for a short time, and would die in A.D.
1553. Following his death Henrys Catholic daughter came to
the throne. Her name was Mary. Queen Mary attempted to use
fear and death to bring the Catholic Church back into England.
After putting many people to death, she became known as
Bloody Mary.
Queen Mary was overthrown by her half-sister Elizabeth I.
Queen Elizabeth was protestant, and helped to strengthen the

Church of England. She brought all the people together by

making the Church of England more like the Catholic Church,
while still maintaining it as a separate church.
/// Activities ///:
a. Look up the meaning in the dictionary of the underlined
words in the text above.
b. Explain about the protest against the Church rules in
England.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/

http://www.gradebook.org/Social%20Studies%20Worksheets.htm

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/hyper_titles.cfm

http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsan
d/// Activities ////presentations/timeline/

http://www.worldhistory.com/

http://old.sandi.net/depts/history_social_science/world_history_c
urriculum.pdf

http://iss.schoolwires.com/1685204410347887/lib/1685204410
347887/Chapter_20.pdf

http://www.historyonthenet.com/Lessons/worksheets.htm

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/work
sheets/worldhistory/world_explorers.pdf

http://www.eduplace.com/ss/socsci/books/content/gfxorganizers
/graph_2-col.pdf