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Period: 500 to Jan 1, 1000
Thesis and Theme
Theme: The impact of political structure on World History from 500CE to 1206 CE.
Thesis: The Post-Classical era, within the time period of 500CE to 1206CE, brought new law interpretations, deadly invasions, and increased centralized imperial rule. -
527
Justinian's Code
Once he seized the throne, Justinian called for the codification of
Roman law. For this, he collected laws from the entire rule of Rome, and added some of his own. The codified law was used throughout the Byzantine Empire.
Analysis:
Justinian's Code had a great influence on western Europe. It's importance contiuned over time and even modern laws can be connected to Justinian's Code. -
Jan 1, 650
Quran
The Quran is a compilation of Muhammad's revelations. It is viewed as the holy book of Islam and serves as definitive authority for Islam.
Analysis:
The Quran led to the sharia, which is Islamic holy law. The sharia made Islam more than just a religion, but rather a way of life. -
Jan 1, 661
Islamic Dynasties Begin
The Islamic Dynasties, Umayyad and Abbasid, were established in 661(Umayyad) and collapsed in 1258(Abbasid) with the attack of the Mongols.
Analysis:
The Islamic presence brought growth to the dar al-Islam. These dynasties set the tone for how Islam was viewed and were largely responsible for the spread of Islam after Muhammad's time. -
Jan 1, 755
An Lushan's rebellion
An Lushan's rebellion lasted from 755 to 757. Lushan was a military commander who was upset with the emperor's neglecting of public affairs. Lushan captured Chang'an and Luoyang until he was murdered and the revolt was ended.
Analysis:
An Lushan's rebellion greatly weakened the Tang, as they were forced to give up their capital cities to nomadic people.The imperial house and armies were never able to regain control, and the empire was in immediate decline. -
Jan 1, 1001
Mahmud of Ghazni's Raids
Mahmud of Ghazni was a leader of the Turks who embarked on 17 raiding expeditions in India. He came with an interest in plundering wealth from temples.
Analysis:
Muhmud destroyed Hindu and Buddhist sites, and replaced them with Islamic mosques. However, the nature of his attacks caused Indians not to want to turn to Islam. -
Jan 1, 1206
The Sultanate of Delhi
The Sultanate of Delhi was an Islamic state created by Muhmud's successors. Delhi was the capital and the sultans commanded a large army.
Analysis:
The Sultanate of Delhi replaced northern India and its Hindu kingdoms with Islamic rule. It established a place for Islam in India. -
Huang Chao's Rebellion
Huang Chao's revolt lasted from 875 to 884. The revolt was a large-scale peasant rebellion where many of the wealthy were attacked and then their riches were distributed among the poor.
Analysis:
Huang Chao's revolt damaged an already weak empire. The emperors gave away their power to regional military commanders in an effort to control the rebels, but the Tang dynasty fell a short 30 years later. -
Revival of Chinese Imperial Rule
589 was the beginning of a succession of Chinese dynasties: the Sui, the Tang, and the Song. Yang Jian started the short-lived Sui Dynasty, but the idea of centralized rule remained prevelant in society for much longer.
Analysis:
The restoration of centralized imperial rule in China made it powerful within the eastern hemisphere. The organization of government allowed for projects like the Grand Canal to be constructed, and for immense advancements in all aspects of society. -
Charlemagne's Reign
Charlemagne was a ruler of the Franks. He temporarily reestablished centralized imperial rule and successfully expanded his authority despite interfering forces.
Analysis:
Charlemagne built a powerful imperial state and was seen as a great leader. He grew the Frankish kingdom and affected much of Europe, including Spain, Bavaria, Italy, and Germany. -
Invasions
Invasions by the Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims beginning in the ninth century destroyed the Carolingian empire and caused many political and military changes.
Analysis:
England, Germany, and France all were forced to alter themselfs with the presence of these invaders. England merged small kingdoms into one. Germany organized regional states. France devloped a decentralized political order.
