In the Backroom

The revelations of Muhammad form the basis of the Islamic religion, a monotheistic faith. Muhammad and his followers spread Islam. 

Islamic traditions and practices developed over centuries and created a distinctive culture. 

Major historical turning points marked the spread and influence of Islamic civilization.

In the first three centuries after Muhammad’s death, Muslim rule expanded rapidly, overcoming geographic barriers, facilitated by weakened political empires.

Political unity and the Arabic language facilitated trade and stimulated intellectual activity.

Early Islamic civilization was characterized by achievements in science and the arts that transformed the Islamic world and had a major global impact.

 The capital of the Eastern Roman Empire was established at Constantinople to provide political, economic, and military advantages. We also discuss the connection to Russia. 

 The Roman Republic, in the face of changing social and economic conditions, succumbed to civil war and was replaced by an imperial regime, the Roman Empire. 

Over a 300-year period, the western part of the Roman Empire steadily declined because of internal and external problems. 

Although women, most aliens (non-Romans living in the Republic), and slaves were excluded from the governing process, the Roman Republic made major strides in the development of representative democracy, which became a model for modern democracy.

The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, presenting a powerful challenge to Roman polytheism.

Japanese cultural development was influenced by proximity to China.

Shinto and Buddhism coexisted as religious traditions in the Japanese culture.

Essential Knowledge

Location and place

· Mountainous Japanese archipelago (four main islands)

· Sea of Japan or East Sea between Japan and Asian mainland

· Proximity to China and Korea

Influence of Chinese culture

· Writing

· Architecture

· Buddhism

Shinto

· Ethnic religion unique to Japan

· Importance of natural features, forces of nature, and ancestors

· State religion; worship of the emperor

· Coexistence with Buddhism

Mongol armies invaded Russia, Southwest Asia, and China, creating an empire.

Essential Knowledge

The Mongols

· Nomadic herders

· Genghis Khan

· Golden Horde

· Mongols converted to local religions, such as Islam, after conquest

Mongol armies

· Invaded Russia, China, and Muslim states in Southwest Asia, destroying cities and countryside

· Created an empire

River valleys were the “cradles of civilization.” Early civilizations made major contributions to social, political, and economic development.

Language and writing were important cultural innovations because they facilitated the preservation and spread of knowledge.

• Hebrews settled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River Valley (part of the Fertile Crescent in Southwest Asia).  Origins of Judaism • Abraham • Moses  Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Judaism • Belief in one God (monotheism) • Torah, which contains the written records and beliefs of the Jews • Ten Commandments, which state moral and religious conduct • Covenant  Spread of Judaism • Exile • Diaspora

River valleys were the “cradles of civilization.” Early civilizations made major contributions to social, political, and economic development.

Old Kingdom - New Kingdom