WH Unit 2: Post-Classical Era Review

Front

What was one major similarity between the Roman and Byzantine Empires?

Back

Both shared a similar culture and government

Answer explanation

The Roman and Byzantine Empires shared a similar culture and government, as the Byzantine Empire was essentially the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, maintaining many Roman traditions and administrative practices.

Front

Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian, is remembered for:

Back

Advocating for women’s rights and influencing government policies

Answer explanation

Theodora was the wife of Emperor Justinian. She is remembered for advocating for women’s rights and influencing government policies, notably improving the legal status of women in the Byzantine Empire, rather than for military or legal achievements.

Front

The Silk Roads were important during the Byzantine and Mongol Empires because they:

Back

Allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas between Europe and Asia

Answer explanation

The Silk Roads were crucial for the Byzantine and Mongol Empires as they allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas between Europe and Asia, fostering trade and cultural interactions that shaped both regions.

Front

Marco Polo’s writings provided Europeans with insight into which empire?

Back

Mongol

Answer explanation

Marco Polo's writings primarily detailed his travels through Asia, particularly under the Mongol Empire, providing Europeans with valuable insights into its culture, governance, and trade practices.

Front

Byzantium had a lasting impact on the Russian Empire primarily through:

Back

The establishment of Orthodox Christianity as a dominant religion

Answer explanation

Byzantium significantly influenced the Russian Empire by establishing Orthodox Christianity as its dominant religion, shaping cultural and spiritual life, which remains a cornerstone of Russian identity to this day.

Front

What was the main cause of the Great Schism of 1054 CE?

Back

Disagreements over the authority of the Pope

Answer explanation

The Great Schism of 1054 CE primarily stemmed from disagreements over the authority of the Pope. The Eastern Orthodox Church rejected the Pope's claim to universal authority, leading to a significant rift between the Eastern and Western churches.

Front

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE/AD had which major impact?

Back

It enabled the Ottoman Empire to control Eastern Europe.

Answer explanation

The fall of Constantinople allowed the Ottoman Empire to expand its influence, leading to control over Eastern Europe. This marked a significant shift in power dynamics in the region, establishing Ottoman dominance.

Front

The Mongol leader Chinggis (Genghis) Khan is best known for:

Back

Creating a vast empire that stretched from China to Europe

Answer explanation

Chinggis Khan is best known for creating a vast empire that stretched from China to Europe, uniting diverse cultures and territories under Mongol rule, rather than expanding control solely over Europe or uniting other empires.

Front

What role did Genghis Khan play in the development of the Mongol Empire?

Back

He unified Mongol tribes and expanded the empire through military conquest.

Answer explanation

Genghis Khan played a crucial role in unifying the Mongol tribes, which allowed for a coordinated military effort that led to the expansion of the Mongol Empire through conquest, making this the correct choice.

Front

How did the Mongols affect trade along the Silk Roads?

Back

They made the roads safer, which encouraged more trade.

Answer explanation

The Mongols improved safety along the Silk Roads by establishing a system of governance and protection, which encouraged more traders to use the routes, thus boosting trade significantly.