Cultural Diffusion and Connectivity (1200-1450)

The video explores the impact of increased connectivity from 1200 to 1450, focusing on cultural diffusion, syncretism, and the spread of belief systems like Buddhism and Islam. It highlights the exchange of literary, artistic, scientific, and technological innovations, such as the Renaissance and gunpowder. The rise and fall of cities due to trade and military conquests are discussed, along with the travels of figures like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, who documented diverse cultures.

What was one of the most significant effects of increased connectivity among states from 1200 to 1450?

• The decline of trade routes

• The isolation of cultures

• The exchange of ideas and cultural diffusion

• The rise of new empires

How did Buddhism change as it spread from India to East Asia?

• It blended with Chinese Daoism to form Chan Buddhism

• It became less popular

• It remained unchanged

• It was rejected by the Chinese

What was a key factor in the spread of Islam across Africa and Southeast Asia?

• Natural disasters

• Adoption by local leaders for trade benefits

• Isolationist policies

• Military conquest

Which innovation from China significantly increased literacy in Europe by the 13th century?

• Compass

• Silk weaving

• Movable type

• Gunpowder

What was the impact of the Mongols on the spread of gunpowder?

• They restricted its use

• They banned it in their territories

• They spread it to Islamic and European states

• They invented it

Which city became a significant trading hub due to its location at the southern end of the Grand Canal?

• Rome

• Hangzhou

• Constantinople

• Baghdad

What led to the decline of Baghdad in the 13th century?

• Natural disasters

• Mongol invasion and sacking

• Economic collapse

• Isolation from trade routes

Who was the Muslim scholar from Morocco known for his extensive travels across Dar al-Islam?

• Zheng He

• Marco Polo

• Ibn Battuta

• Margery Kempe

What was unique about Margery Kempe's travel writings?

• She was a skilled writer

• She focused on economic aspects

• She was illiterate and dictated her observations

• She traveled only within Europe

What did Marco Polo's writings reveal to his European audience?

• The decline of Chinese culture

• The isolation of China

• The grandeur and wealth of China

• The poverty of China