The study guide for the final exam provides a comprehensive review of significant historical periods and events, starting with the Byzantine Empire, its rulers like Justinian, and societal structures such as the Carolingian dynasty's inheritance practices. It examines the Viking expansion and Charl...
STUDY GUIDE: FINAL EXAM
EARLY MIDDLE AGES
People who lived in what historians call the Byzantine Empire would
have called themselves "Byzantine." How did they think of
themselves?
- The Western part of the Roman Empire falls to the barbarians
- The Byzantine Empire consists of the Eastern part of the Roman
Empire— Byzantium or modern Constantinople.
- This name, "Byzantine,” was created by historians later on so the
Byzantine people only knew themselves as "Romaioi,” or simply,
Romans. They did not know that they were the newer generation or
that there was a divide at all.
Who was Emperor Justinian? What 2 things is he best remembered
for?
Justinian is regarded as the best-known emperor of the Byzantine.
- He expanded the Byzantine Empire to its greatest extent (including
recapturing Rome)
- He sponsored a code of law that united all existing laws, cultures,
and traditions under a single code of law.
What was the general trend among the Byzantine rulers, such as
Empress Irene, who succeeded Justinian?
The general trends among Byzantine rulers are:
- They are less talented as rulers—cruel and incompetent.
- Loss of land—the Empire shrank continuously throughout time.
,How did the Carolingian dynasty typically pass land and titles to
heirs? How did their approach affect the dynasty's stability over time?
The eldest son would receive the title and the land would be split equally
between the sons of the family. This would inspire conflict because there
was no superior brother. They were equals and could fight each other for
their shares of land. This would be repeated for generations to come.
Supposedly, Charlemagne was upset when the pope crowned him
emperor on Christmas Day 800. Why?
- Political concerns: displayed that the emperor was below the Pope
in hierarchy or that his power was given to him by the Church rather
than earned through his own achievements.
- It is speculated that Charlemagne did not anticipate the coronation
and the ceremony was a surprise to him, showing that the Pope was
involved in plans that he was not
Why did the Vikings sail so far from their homeland in Scandinavia?
The Vikings would raid and plunder far-off European territories and trade
their captured slaves through long-distance trade to places like
Constantinople and Russia. This is how they would have made their living.
, EXPANSION OF EUROPE AND CRUSADES
What was the Medieval Optimum? How did it contribute to population
growth?
The Medieval Optimum refers to a period in the Middle Ages where the
climate was slightly warmer, allowing for greater harvests and better
health, which ultimately led to population growth.
How did innovations such as the horse collar, three-field system, and
iron plow contribute to population growth?
These innovations contributed to population growth by allowing for
greater harvests and productivity of land.
What kinds of people were most likely to go on Crusade?
- European Christian men, typically French, who were above average
wealth and were in search of money, power, & glory.
How did many Crusaders explain their interest in going Crusading?
Crusaders were after money, power, and glory, but they would explain it
by saying Crusades were:
- An act of religious devotion
- An act of love for God
- An act of penance
- Pilgrimage (peaceful travel to holy place for religious devotion)
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