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History > Medieval History - Semester 1 Exam Study Guide > Flashcards

Medieval History - Semester 1 Exam Study Guide Flashcards

1
Q

How many pillars of Islam are there?

A

five

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2
Q

What is the Shahada?

A

a confession of faith, the first pillar of Islam, and it is how Muslims are converted: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

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3
Q

What are the four ways to fulfill jihad?

A
  1. The Heart- fighting temptation
  2. The Tongue- verbal defense
  3. The Hand- right actions
  4. The Sword- warring against enemies
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4
Q

What do Muslims believe about Jesus?

A

They believe he was simply a man and a prophet of Allah.

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5
Q

What does jihad mean?

A

struggle

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6
Q

What is a ‘hadith’?

A

A ‘hadith’ is a non-Quranic saying uttered by Muhammad or about Muhammad, but not by Allah.

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7
Q

What is the Koran, and how is this different than a hadith?

A

The Koran (or Quran) is the revealed word of God spoken by Muhammad.

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8
Q

Why do Muslims pray towards Mecca?

A

The Ka’aba is in Mecca, and Muslims pray towards this holy site.

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9
Q

What is Ramadan?

A

a holy month of fasting and meditation during the ninth month of the year

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10
Q

What is sharia law?

A

A sharia law is civic law based upon the teachings of the Koran.

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11
Q

How many Muslims are there today?

A

1.6 billion

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12
Q

What is the most common form of Islam?

A

sunni

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13
Q

What does the word ‘Koran’ mean?

A

recitation

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14
Q

What is the Hijrah?

A

when Muhammad left Mecca for Medina in 622AD and marks the first year of the Muslim calender

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15
Q

How did Roman victory over the Persian empire ready the world for the Arab empire? What other factors contributed to the sudden rise of the Arabs?

A

Persians were in disarray, overthrew their king, military defeat, Romans and Persians were both affected by the plague, Romans were short on money, resources, and soldiers, Romans’ and Persians’ border cities in disarray

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16
Q

Who experienced greater loss to the Arabs, the Romans or the Persians?

A

the Persians- lost whole empire, Romans maintained their empire but lost Egypt, Italy, Palestine, Hispania, and North Africa to the Arabs

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17
Q

Islam is said to be a religion of peace, what can be said in favor of this opinion? What can be said in contradiction to this opinion?

A

Pros- 2.5% of wealth goes to poor, stay with family and elderly, Koran says to be peaceful, some desire peace
Cons- 9/11, bombings/terrotists, jihad, women (beatings)

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18
Q

How did Constantine use Christianity as a political tool? How was Christianity politically useful?

A

unified Romans and empire (used Edict of Milan and Council of Nicea), there were more Christians in the empire than pagans, cross on shields at Milvian Bridge with Constantine, conquered Maximinus, and exile and later hung Licinius for persecuting Christian spies

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19
Q

What is the Edict of Milan?

A

the document that legalized Christianity issued by Constantine

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20
Q

What is a pontifex maximus?

A

leader of Christianity, high priest, pope, emperor

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21
Q

What is a magister militum?

A

the chief official under the emperor (the right-hand-man of the emperor)

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22
Q

What are foederati? How was the widespread usage of them a sign that the Romans were weakening?

A

mercenaries (non-Roman, paid), not enough resources for the Romans to produce an army, the Lombards: Refugees from Scandinavia settled north of Alps. Hired as mercenaries to the Byzantines to reclaim Italy in return for land and small amount of leadership. Transferred control with few battles because of plague in east and population growth in west. Few battles at Milan and central Italy lead by Alboin (king)

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23
Q

Who, to the Romans, were considered barbarians?

A

any non-Roman

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24
Q

Were barbarians ever allowed to rule Rome? What was the highest position a barbarian could achieve in Rome? Why were barbarians useful for this position?

A

No, they were a non-Roman. The highest place they could get was magister militum. job = to protect young emperors but can never usurp power because of barbarian blood, no reason to assassinate. Alaric- hatred of Romans. Battle of Frigidus = Goths used in battle. After Theodosius’ death, Alaric not made magnus militum

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25
Why did the church split between east and west?
dispute between bishops if pope (capitol of church) should be in Rome or Constantinople
26
Who was Arius and what were his beliefs? What did his beliefs come be known as?
Jesus is not of the same essence of God (heteroousios). He was a heretic and monotheist, was considered anathema (enemy of the church), and was excommunicated. Bishop from Alexandria. Beliefs are now known as heresies.
27
Describe the difference between homoousios, heteroousios, and homoiousios.
``` Homoousios = Jesus is of similar essence to God. Homoiousios= Jesus is of the same essence to God. Heteroousios= Jesus is of different essence to God. ```
28
Who was Bishop Alexander?
bishop of Alexandria, presided at Council of Nicea, defined Nicean Creed
29
Who was Athanasius?
canonized the Bible, bishop of Alexandria, presided at Council of Nicea
30
Who was Augustine? What was his famous book called? What is the core message of this book?
died in Carthage, important patriarch and church father, Nicene Christianity, converted and baptized by Ambrose, bishop of Hippo Regius. As the city of man rises and falls, the City of God is Eternal, so we should be like citizens of that city, meaning we should not do things that are clearly wrong yet under man's authority. Just war theory. written for the fall of Rome in 410
31
What does catholic mean?
universal
32
What happened at the Council of Nicea? What was the central issue being discussed there?
Christian doctrine for Jesus established, Arianism
33
Who were the major figures in the Council of Nicea? Who called for it and why?
Athanasius, Alexander, Constantine, Arius, Constantine called for it to unify Rome
34
What is the message of the Nicene Creed?
Jesus is of the same essence as God, Trinity
35
What was the name of the new capital of Rome?
Constantinople
36
Who was the emperor that established this new city?
Constantine
37
What were the old and new names of that city?
old: Byzantium new: Istanbul
38
What is the current place of this city?
Istanbul, Turkey
39
How is the rebuke of Theodosius by Bishop Ambrose a revealing event in the lives of both Rome and the church?
continued precedent of Christian bishops exerting authority over pagan rules: Theodosius starting riots in Thessalonica, killing revolters and bystanders, Ambrose excommunicates him from the church, eventually repents and is admitted back in
40
What Roman Emperor issued the Edict of Thessalonica and what did this edict accomplish?
Theodosius, made Christianity the state religion
41
Who canonized scripture and in what year was this done?
Athanasius, 367
42
What three methods do rulers commonly use in order to validate their right to rule?
validation of authority to gain respect and trust from their people 1. divinity- son of god, the god, chosen by god 2. heredity- inherited position 3. usurpation/warfare- conquer and raise nations
43
Who sacked Rome in 410? Explain why this was such a monumental event throughout the world?
Visigoths, shook people's confidence in the eternal city of Rome, 1st time Rome was taken
44
Who "conquered" Rome in 452?
Attila and the Huns
45
Why was Attila known as the "scourge of God"?
Christians gave name because the only way he could be powerful was God's providence to punish Rome
46
Describe Attila the Hun and his rise to power.
came from Hun tribe east of the Danube in the wilderness, Attila- became sole ruler of the Huns, completely united them, attacked Rome several times Rua- warrior chief, uncle to Attila, started to extend his power over other tribes in 432 - unity Bleda- brother to Attila, ruled with him, 434 succeeded Rua, killed by Attila for ultimate power, either raided Roman villages on frontier or payment each other. Theodosius II chose payment which rose every year. Marcian stops these because he thinks it will go unnoticed since he is attacked the west. Honoria has an affair with her assistant. When Valentinian finds out, he executes the assistant. She gains revenge by engaging herself to Attila. Her dowry would be 1/2 of the Roman empire. Valentinian says no automatically but Attila feels robbed and attacks.
47
What made the Hunnic warriors so effective?
weakening of Rome/ unified from tribe
48
What is the theory of Attila's death?
on the way home, he marries German princess, died because of mass nose bleed, grave unknown b/c guards were killed
49
What happened to the Huns after his death?
they dispersed
50
Why did Attila not attack Rome itself?
1st raids west (France) but loses that so retreats to Alps but then invades Rome. a lot of small raids. stopped because: 1. convinced by Leo of peace because he had an incredibly divine form (shone) 2. not in good condition to attack Rome - plague prospered in Roman heat - low on numbers from battles and plague - heavy with loot from villages - had some back-up coming so it was a good time to retreat and come back as strong as ever
51
What dispute did Pope Leo have with the Bishops of Constantinople and Alexandria?
where the center of the church is
52
Why is Pope Leo generally considered the first Pope?
elected by bishops and approved by Valentinian III in letter written by Leo which said that bishop of Rome should have full authority out of the 2 parts of Rome, beginning of papacy in Rome and excommunicated the bishop of Constantinople
53
Why is this "first Pope" distinction disputable?
unbroken heritage line between Peter and Leo
54
Throughout the 300's - 630's who is Rome's chief eastern enemy?
Persia
55
Who were their (the Roman's) main enemies in the western empire?
barbarian tribes- Ostrogoths, Vandals, Visigoths, Huns
56
What subversive idea was the underlying cause of Roman decline? What was lost and what replaced it?
Christianity, old pagan religion/polytheism, idea of Roman-ness relationship with God is more important
57
What is the Persian capital?
Ctesiphon
58
What was the Persian empire known as?
Sasanian Empire
59
What is a shahanshah? What does this mean?
Persian king, "king of kings'
60
What is the "good news"?
We are forgiven.
61
What is masochism?
enjoyment of self-inflicted pain
62
What is sadism?
enjoyment of others in pain
63
What does it mean for God to "give you up" to your own desires?
darkens the hearts of those who do not exalt him, who do not accept Jesus, allows you to continue in your sin leading to death of wisdom, happiness, and righteousness
64
How did the Lombards come to occupy Italy?
Refugees from Scandinavia settled north of Alps. Hired as mercenaries to the Byzantines to reclaim Italy in return for land and small amount of leadership. Transferred control with few battles because of plague in east and population growth in west. Few battles at Milan and central Italy lead by Alboin (king)
65
Who occupied Italy before the Lombards?
Ostrogoths
66
How large was the Byzantine empire at its greatest extent?
North-borders of Pannonia and Greece East- Constantinople, Asia Minor, Syria/Palestine West- Italy and the tip of Hispania South- North Africa and Egypt
67
What other empire was the most significant threat to the Byzantines?
Persia
68
What natural enemy weakened both the Byzantine and the Persian empires? Describe the effects.
Bubonic Plague- black buboes (infected and swollen lymph nodes in armpits, neck, and inner thigh), death in 1 day
69
What important work did Gregory the Great perform?
He evangelized Britain by sending Augustine to the country. After overcoming his fear of rejection, Augustine is accepted by the king who is hesitant at first but later accepts the faith and is baptized. Augustine is later proclaimed as the bishop of Canterbury by Gregory.
70
Why would he be considered the first "Emperor Pope"?
Gregory was elected because he had previous encounters with Constantinople, fighting for Rome's rights. This event caused people (especially political leaders) to look up to Gregory for instruction. This was further implemented when Gregory stopped the Lombards from invading Rome. Also raised an army, oversaw construction, religious and civic leader
71
Did Gregory want this position?
No
72
Why during this broad time period do we see the advent of ascetics, monks, stylites, and hermits?
wanted to remove themselves from society, political turmoil and invasion, live a pious/peaceful life but really wanted to escape the world stylites- sat on pillars hermit- abandoned caves, lived alone monks- monasteries (ex. Benedict - God called him to lead a monastery) ascetics- intentionally depriving themselves, fast and pray
73
What does it mean that the world is making a shift from empires of man to empires of the mind?
empires of man: divisions, each tribe had a hatred for the other, creating war (Huns vs. Rome) empires of the mind: Christianity- unified the people, allegiance to God is more important than an allegiance to man (Augustine and king of Saxons)
74
In the 700's, name each of the significant empires who have control in Europe, including Briton.
1. Arabs 2. Romans 3. Lombards 4. Franks 5. Angles 6. Saxons 7. Britons
75
Were the Franks considered a peaceful or violent people?
earned kingship through right to rule in battles (leadership, courage), tribal differences
76
In the minds of the Franks, how did a king earn his right to rule? Did the Franks, like the Romans, feel that there needed to be a king?
earned kingship through right to rule in battles (leadership, courage), no, there did not need to be a king because the Franks were used to being a tribe so they went back to that way of life until a new king arose
77
What happened with the Franks in these times of absent rule?
back to tribal loyalties, then outbreak of violence
78
Briefly describe what is happening in Briton in the 600's.
-Britons have war with Angles and Saxons, fighting for territory while Britons are trying to drive them out and Angles and Saxons are trying to destroy the Britons
79
Who is Charles Martel? Who is Odo?
generals/war lords, Charles Martel is Charlemagne, they both defeat the Arabs at the battle of Tours
80
What is significant about the Battle of Tours? How far into Europe were the Arabs able to conquer?
end point of Arab advance, Pyranees Mts.
81
What is a Saracen?
a Middle Eastern Muslim
82
Explain western history from 312 AD-732 AD (Milvian Bridge - Battle of Tours), including all significant matters of the church.
1. Constantine - legalized Christianity - Council of Nicea 2. spread of church, advancement of Christian doctrine 3. Augustine, 410 Visigoths - Sack of Rome - City of God 4. East/West church split, advent of papacy - Pope Leo (see question) - debates about where the center of the church should be 5. Western Roman Empire ends: 476 6. empire of mind (question) 7. Islamic/Arabic empire (see questions about rise and advancement) 8. Persia/destroyed barbarian kingdoms
83
Was Roman decline gradual or sudden?
1. Constantine- 1st to unite Roman empire (312 at Milvian Bridge), used Christianity (see question) 2. Theodosius- last to unite Rome, used Christianity as well - Edict of Thessalonica (380), last unification of Rome-395 3. 410- Alaric and the Visigoths conquer Rome 4. 452- Rome falls to Attila 5. 476- Rome finally falls 6. 10 year old Romulus, conquered by Visigoth king and sent to rule in a separate castle, Rome faded out not because of warfare but because of political and cultural disruption, also, Vandals had robbed Rome of money
84
Explain the curse undergone by a rebellious man in the same terms used in Romans 1.
1. God's wrath is unleashed 2. God's being revealed through nature; without excuse 3. do not honor or give thanks to God 4. hearts were darkened, gave them up to impurity 5. jealousy, murder, malice, disobedience, gossip 6. jealousy- refuse to be thankful to God, can turn into greed 7. homosexuality- does not honor God's laws
85
Explain why man feels an intense desire to atone for his own sins.
1. perfect, sin, either accept or deny Jesus, those who deny Jesus: pride and guilt. 2. guilt- not worthy of anything, pride- attempt to feel self-worth 3. guilt: a girl punishes herself for her "evil" deeds and resorts to cutting 4. pride: eating disorders, trying to feel good about yourself and getting others to notice you 5. atoning for your own sins when everyone needs Jesus 6. leads to death (in these cases, suicide)
86
Psalm 115 and Psalm 135 discuss a sinful man becoming like his idols. Compare to modern and medieval world.
Psalm 115- 1. glory to God only, trust in the Lord and He will bless you 2. idols- sinful men become like their idols because they cannot hear, see, think, or feel when they follow idols and not God Psalm 135- 1. we are not alive (like our idols) if we do not live in God 2. he endures forever, is worthy of our praise, caused all wonders and created everything into being

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