1200-1450

Definition

The period from 1200 to 1450 marks a significant era in world history characterized by the growth of empires, the spread of religions, and the flourishing of trade networks. This time saw the rise of powerful Islamic states, the expansion of trade routes like the Trans-Saharan, and significant developments in Africa, all contributing to global interactions and cultural exchanges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mongol Empire expanded rapidly during this time, connecting Europe and Asia and facilitating trade across the vast territories they controlled.
2. Islamic culture thrived during this period, with advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy largely occurring in centers like Baghdad and Cordoba.
3. The Trans-Saharan trade routes became crucial for exchanging gold, salt, and slaves between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa, greatly enriching empires like Mali and Songhai.
4. European kingdoms began to establish more formal connections with Asian markets, leading to increased demand for luxury goods such as silk and spices.
5. The period also saw the rise of city-states along the coast of East Africa, where trade flourished between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, especially in cities like Kilwa and Zanzibar.

Review Questions

• How did the Mongol Empire influence trade during the period from 1200 to 1450?
  • The Mongol Empire had a profound impact on trade during this time by creating a vast territory that connected different regions across Europe and Asia. They established a system of relay trade routes that improved safety for merchants traveling long distances. This not only facilitated the exchange of goods but also allowed for the cross-cultural interactions that led to greater exchanges of ideas, technologies, and even diseases across continents.
• In what ways did Islamic states contribute to cultural advancements during 1200-1450?
  • Islamic states were pivotal in cultural advancements during this period by fostering environments that encouraged learning and innovation. Centers like Baghdad's House of Wisdom became hubs for scholars who translated ancient texts from Greece and Rome while making their own contributions to fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. This cultural flourishing not only preserved knowledge but also laid foundations for future scientific progress in both the Islamic world and Europe.
• Evaluate how the interactions between African empires and external trade networks transformed local economies during 1200-1450.
  • The interactions between African empires, such as Mali and Songhai, with external trade networks dramatically transformed local economies by integrating them into global commerce. The exchange of gold and salt along the Trans-Saharan routes not only enriched these empires but also spurred urbanization as cities grew around trade hubs. This economic integration allowed for greater wealth accumulation, cultural exchanges with traders from the Middle East and beyond, and significantly altered societal structures within African communities as they adapted to new economic opportunities.

Related terms

Silk Road:

An ancient trade route connecting East and West, facilitating not just trade but also cultural exchange and the spread of ideas.

Mansa Musa:

The ruler of the Mali Empire during its peak, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca, which showcased the power of his empire and promoted trade.

Crusades:

A series of religious wars initiated by European Christians aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control, impacting both European and Middle Eastern societies.