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570
Muhammad
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Period: 570 to Jan 1, 632
Muhammad
Born into merchant family, married rich woman and gained status. Founder of Islam. Believed that he was chosen by Allah to be his last prophet. Wrote the Quran, Five Pillars, and Hadith. -
Period: 586 to Jan 1, 618
Sui Dynasty
Sui dynasty forms after collapse of Han dynasty. Ruler Yang Jian consolidates control of China into the Sui dynasty. Builds a strong centralized government. They construct palaces, granaries, and repaired defensive walls. Built grand canal which promoted trade between north and south China. These projects served China well, however, high taxes and forced labor caused uprising. The dynasty ended when Yang Jian was assasinated. -
Jan 1, 618
Sui Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 618 to Jan 1, 709
Tang Dynasty
Started by rebel leader, Chang'an Tang. Dynasty survived for nearly 300 years. Organized China into a productive and powerful society. Maintained communication and trade networks. Created an equal-field system that distributed land. They possessed a Bureaucracy based on merit. Military conquered large empire. Fashioned stable foreign relations. Declined due to careless leadership and rebellion. -
Jan 1, 649
Tang Dynasty
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Jan 1, 661
Umayyad Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 661 to Jan 1, 750
Umayyad Dynasty
Umayyad dynasty is established after the death of Ali temporarily relieving the problem of succession. The dynasty was established by prominent merchant clans who built alliances and stability. They were a conquering dynasty. Damascus, capital of the dynasty, enabled them to have a tight, centralized rule. They treated their conquered people with high morale, not forcing conversion, however they taxed people who practiced their own religion. Resistance and the privlaged class led to their fall. -
Jan 1, 668
Silla Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 669 to Jan 1, 935
Silla Dynasty
Prevented the Chinese from dominating Korea. Political compromise between Tang and Silla, both did not want conflict. Tang withdrew from Korea and Silla recognized them as "overlord." Tributary relationship with China, which strongly influenced trade. Tributary relationship allowed Korean merchants to trade, and students to be educated in China. Highly influenced by Chinese ideas of bureaucracy, Confucianism, and literature. -
Jan 1, 710
Nara Period
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Period: Jan 1, 710 to Jan 1, 794
Nara Period
Prominant influence of China in Japan. Observed both Confucian and Buddhist traditions and continued the practice of Shinto. (ancestral worship) Used China's equal field system. Transfered Nara to Heian. Period in Japan where there was strong Chinese influence. -
Jan 1, 750
Abbasid Dynasty
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Period: Nov 12, 750 to Nov 13, 1258
Abbasid Dynasty
Cosmopolitan dynasty following the Ummayad. Founded by Abu al-Abbas.Not a conquering dynasty, but focused on governing previously conquered land. Clashed with Byzantine and nomadic people of central Asia. Baghdad was the wealthy capital, center of banking and commerce. Harun Al- Rashid ruled at the peak of the dynasty where they grew wealthy economically and developed culturally. After he died, the states seceded under the division of the empire and finally fell to the Mongols. -
Jan 1, 768
Reign of Charlemange
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Period: Jan 1, 768 to Jan 2, 814
Reign of Charlemagne
Grandson of Charles Martel. Temporarily re-established central imperial rule, however was disrupted by invasion. Established educational systems. Built court and capitol, but continued to travel around his territory. Built Frank kingdom into empire, however did not want to be addressed as a emperor. Titled emperor by Pope Leo II. -
Jan 1, 794
Heian Period
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Period: Jan 1, 794 to Jan 1, 1185
Heian Period
Local rulers of Honshu recognized the emperor as supreme political authority over them. They served as figureheads of authority. The truly political men were from Fujiwara family, an aristocratic clan that ruled throughout the Heian Period. Culturally, they developed literature and language. Education was prominent and there were many officials in court. "The Tale of Genji" is a famous work written during the Heian period. Their decline was caused by wars between aristocratic families. -
Jan 1, 830
Kingdom of Ghana
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Period: Jan 1, 830 to Jan 1, 1235
Kingdom of Ghana
Principal state of West Africa during Islamic arrival. Located between Senegal and Niger river. Twenty-two kings ruled before Muhammad came for the Hijra. Developed as a state, settled by agriculturalists. Muslim arrivals made it a regional state. Involved in serious gold trade, becoming a crutial commercial site. Economically, the kingdom of Ghana controlled and taxed trade, allowing for them to strengthen their realm. -
Jan 1, 889
Kingdom of Angkor
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Period: Jan 1, 889 to Jan 1, 1431
Kingdom of Angkor
Located in modern day Cambodia, the kingdom of Angkor was home to magnificent religious cities. Diffusion of Indian culture in Southeast China. Initially, they built Hindu cities but later they were turned to Buddhism by the Khmers.These cities show the influence of Indian political, cultural, and religious traditions. In the tenth century, Muslim merchants spread Islamic ideas, establishing the religion in South-East Asia. The kingdom of Angkor was abandoned when attacked by Thai people. -
Jan 1, 945
Saljuq Control over Abbasid Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 945 to Jan 1, 1118
Saljuq Control Over Abbasid Dynasty
The Turks lived on borders of Abbasid dynasty. Stayed along the borders for trading purposes. Large amounts of Seljuq Turks served in the Abbasid military. By mid-eleventh century they "overshadowed" the Abbasid caliphate. In 1055 the caliphate selected Tughril Beg as sultan, he was a Seljuq Turk who consolidated control over Abbasid capitol at Baghdad. The Turkish sultans degraded the calphites to figureheads. -
Jan 1, 960
Song Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 960 to Jan 1, 1279
Song Dynasty
Post-Tang collapse reconstructed central imperial rule. They did not have a powerful state and did not trust their military leaders. They advanced civil administration, industries, art, education, and military affairs. Song Taizu consolidated Song control throughout China. Focused on tight military and central rule. Financial and military problems were their weaknesses, leading them to be conquered by the Mongols in 1279. -
Jan 1, 1054
Schism between Eastern and Western Christian Church
The Eastern Orthodox church versus Western Roman Catholic church. Both churches believed they were "proper Christianity." The Eastern side's capital was Constantinople and the West, Rome. Both sides fought over power. -
Jan 1, 1066
The Norman Invasion of England
Duke William of Normandy conquered England. They introduced Norman principles of government and founded the English Monarchy. They led the crusades of Eastern Europe and took over the rest of the Byzantine empire in southern Italy. Organized reasonable and effective government. -
Jan 1, 1096
First Crusade
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Period: Nov 1, 1096 to Nov 1, 1199
First Crusade
Military expedition organized by French and Norman nobles to the holy land. Began advancing in Palestine in 1096, capturing Edessa, Antioch,and Jerusalem. Turned conquered states into Christian territory. They won their territory efficiently due to the unorganized structure of the Muslim enemies. However, this encouraged Turks, Egyptians, and other Muslims to alliance and remove the European Christians from the Medditeranian. -
Jan 1, 1200
The Great Zimbabwe
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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to Jan 1, 1500
The Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe
Best known kingdom of Africa. Made up of wooden residences "zimbabwes." The Great Zimbabwe was a large stone castle. Indicating complex and well-organized society. The capital was situated between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. Kings were able to control and tax trade and forge alliances with other leaders. Very wealthy position.Trade involved gold, ivory, slaves, and local products from the coast. Trade encouraged empires and states to expand, it generated wealth and financed organized states. -
Jan 1, 1202
Fourth Crusade
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Period: Jan 1, 1202 to Jan 1, 1204
Fourth Crusade
Crusaders annihilated Constantinople. This crusade had both negative and positive, social, economic, and cultural consequences. European and Muslim philosophers influenced each other. Islamic science and astronomy, as well as Arabic numerals were exchanged with Europeans due to the fourth crusades. -
Jan 1, 1206
Sultanate of Delhi
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Period: Jan 1, 1206 to Jan 1, 1528
The Sultanate of Delhi
Islamic state formed by Mahmud's successors through a systematic campaign. Established capital at Delhi, which controlled access to the Ganges valley and Northern India. Built mosques, shrines, and fortresses, as well as the development of arts and literature. No permanent bureaucracy or administration. Sponsored Islam and established it in the Bengal region. -
Jan 2, 1206
Chinggis Khan
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Period: Nov 18, 1206 to Nov 19, 1227
Rein of Chinggis Khan
Formed the Mongol clans into one large army. Built the largest empire the world had seen. He was born into a noble class, giving him power. Rose to power with intense loyalty and alliances. Assembled political organization within the allied tribes. Conquered Persia and China. -
Jan 1, 1211
Mongol Conquest of all China
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Period: Jan 1, 1211 to Jan 1, 1279
Mongol Conquest of China
Led by Kublai Khan, small Mongol army conquered most of China. Relentlessly attacked Song dynasty and finally captured Khanbaliq. Eliminating resistance throughout the empire. Mongols administrated territory themselves. They forbid China to intermix with their own. (no intermarriage or language) Dismantled China's administration, got rid of Civil Service. Allowed religious freedom for conquered people. Fell with difficulties in governing and vast financial issues. -
Jan 1, 1235
Mali Empire
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Period: Jan 1, 1235 to Jan 1, 1559
Mali Empire
Benefiting from trans-Saharan trade, the Mali empire controlled and taxed all trade passing through West Africa. (even more than Ghana) Capitol city of Niani attracted merchants seeking gold trade. Caravan routes connected it to market cities such as Timbuktu, Gao, and Jenne. Honored Islam but did not force it. Ruled by Mansa Musa. -
Jan 1, 1254
Marco Polo's Trip to China
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Period: Jan 1, 1254 to Nov 1, 1324
Marco Polo's Trip to China
Started journey at 17, released home after he arranged a marriage between a Mongol princess and Persian king. Very educated and knew foreign merchant skills. Wrote books while imprisoned in China. Became a confidant of Kublai Khan and went on diplomatic journies across Asia. The significance of this journey brought knowlage to Europe of central Asia and China. -
Jan 1, 1264
Kublai Khan
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Period: Nov 18, 1264 to Nov 19, 1294
Reign of Kublai Khan
Consolidated Mongol rule in China, a descendant of Chinggis Khan. Attacked enemies passionately and culturally tried to improve the welfare of the people. Promoted Buddhism, and supported Daoism, Muslims, and Christians. Decline due to civil war, economic strain, and his assassination -
Jan 1, 1279
Yuan Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 1279 to Jan 1, 1368
Yuan Dynasty
In 1279 Khubilai Khan declared himself to be the emperor and established the Yuan dynasty which ruled until the fall of China. Failed to expand past China, however still a wealthy Mongol empire. Empire brought in administration and denied all Confucian values. They fell to civil wars and attacks. -
Jan 1, 1304
Ibn Battua
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Period: Jan 1, 1304 to Jan 1, 1368
Ibn Battua
Muslim traveler known as the greatest of his time, went on many journeys to Islamic states. Born in Tangier. Left home at age 21 and journeyed to Mecca. He went through Egypt, Africa, and Syria before reaching Mecca. He continued to travel all around the world. He influenced Islamic ideas of gender relations. Ibn Battuta was significant for the documents of his travels. -
Jan 1, 1312
Mansa Musa
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Period: Jan 1, 1312 to Jan 1, 1337
Reign of Mansa Musa
Sundiata's grandnephew, ruled Mali during the high point of empire. He made a pilgrimage to Mecca and became inspired, so he built mosques and temples for Islam. He also established religious schools and desired to improve Mali. He was able to establish central government and was eventually replaced by Songhay realm. Decline involved a defective centralized government, seceded states, and military pressure. -
Jan 1, 1330
First Bubonic Plague Pandemic
Known as the "black death." Spread throughout Eurasia through trade routes. Began in southwestern China in 1330 and spread to Asia and Europe in 1340. Killed half of the population specifically in the first few years of the epidemic. This wore down the Mongol empire due to labor shortages. -
Jan 1, 1336
Tamerlane
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Period: Nov 18, 1336 to Nov 19, 1405
Tamerlane
Charismatic leader and courageous warrior led armies in conquests. Weakened Golden Horde, gained control over Persia and Southwest Asia. Conquerer rather than administrative. Spent his whole life leading military campains. -
Jan 1, 1337
Hundread Year's War
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Period: Jan 1, 1337 to Jan 1, 1453
Hundreds Years War
Hundreds Years was caused by kings trying to gain territory in France by leading campains and wars. They built up different districts under the Mongol empire and taxed them. This funded the Hundread Years War because the states funded them. -
Jan 1, 1368
Ming Dynasty
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Period: Nov 18, 1368 to
Ming Dynasty
Founded by emperor Hongwu, reliant on mandarins. Hongwu established a centralized government and got rid of all Mongol administration. Re-established civil service exams, rebuilt all agricultural techniques lost with Mongols, re-created Chinese cultural traditions, and created a tribute system. Culturally rebuilt literature, art , and philosophy. Developed rich porcelain trade, paper, and art. Fell due to loss of the mandate, famine, and invasions. -
Jan 1, 1405
Zheng He's Expeditions
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Period: Jan 1, 1405 to Jan 1, 1433
Zheng He's Expedition
Ming government sponsored naval expeditions to integrate China into the Indian basin. Zheng He was a Muslim from Yunnan who led a fleet of ships on voyages. Journeyed many voyages to Asia, India, and Ceylon. He gave Chinese silk and porcelain and gathered many other exotic gifts from his journies. Overall, expanded China's maritime trade routes. -
Jan 1, 1438
Inca Empire
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Period: Jan 1, 1438 to Jan 1, 1533
Inca Empire
Incas settled into the area around Lake Titicaca and sent military campaigns to expand their empire. By the 15th cen. their empire stretched from Quito to Santiago. They ruled as military elites, encouraging obedience. The administration was a system designed to consolidate territory as well as implement taxes and storehouses. The designed quipo to help record information. The cuzco was an administrative temple. A large road system was put in place and trade was a huge part of their culture. -
Jan 1, 1453
Fall of Constantinople
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Period: Jan 1, 1453 to Jan 1, 1480
Fall of Constantanople
Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople which ended the Byzantine empire by absorbing remaining territory. Osman's campaign attracted Byzantine commoners and resulted in an unstable government, uprising, and political conflict. Turkish nomads re-named Instanbul.