Packet Pages 6-7

The Romans ruled most of Europe and the Middle East for 500 years.

The collapse of the Roman Empire led to a time period called Medieval Europe around AD 500.

Also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire was based in modern day Turkey.

Constantinople was its capital city and it lasted 1,000 years longer than the Western Roman Empire.

Islam is a religion established in the AD 600s. This religion spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe (especially Spain).

The leaders of Islam created an empire from conquered territory that challenged Europe for control of the Holy Land.

Islam spread to West Africa where trading kingdoms had developed.

These kingdoms were known as Ghana, Mali, Songhai and created great wealth in gold and salt.

Dynasties ruled China for thousands of years. Two of the most artistic and important dynasties were the Tang and Song dynasties.

They ruled over a “Golden Age” of artistic and scientific achievement.

Japan suffered from a period of warfare and confusion. This brought about a system of government known as feudalism. In this government, the military, with the use of samurai warriors, controlled the country.

North and South America were ruled by 500 different native groups before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.

The Maya achieved great things. They developed one of the first writing systems in the world. Mayan Numbers

The Aztecs and Inca created huge empires through military conquest and strong systems of government.

Europe fell in to chaos and warfare after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

They used the system of feudalism, knights, and castles to control and protect the people of Europe Kings Knights Lords Peasants

Europe eventually recovered from the Fall of Rome and the battles of the Middle Ages to bring in a time period of incredible artistic, scientific, and technological advancements which led to advancement in exploration as well. Renaissance Art Renaissance Exploration Renaissance Scientists

The ideas of the Renaissance helped create the foundations of our modern world.

The Fall of Rome & The Byzantine Empire Medieval Europe Imper ial China Medieval Japan