Medieval Period

Definition

The Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages, refers to the time in European history from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century. This era is characterized by the decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of feudalism, and the significant expansion of trade networks, including the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes that connected sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Medieval Period is often divided into three sub-periods: Early Middle Ages (5th to 10th century), High Middle Ages (11th to 13th century), and Late Middle Ages (14th to 15th century).
2. The rise of Islam in the 7th century significantly influenced trade patterns and cultural exchanges across Europe and Africa during the Medieval Period.
3. Trans-Saharan Trade Routes became vital for transporting gold, salt, and other goods between West Africa and North Africa, impacting economies on both sides.
4. The Medieval Period saw the establishment of powerful kingdoms and empires in Africa, such as Mali and Songhai, which thrived due to their control over trade routes.
5. Trade during the Medieval Period contributed to the spread of ideas, technologies, and religions, including the spread of Islam across North and West Africa.

Review Questions

• How did the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes impact the social structure of African societies during the Medieval Period?
  • The Trans-Saharan Trade Routes facilitated significant economic interaction between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa, leading to increased wealth in certain regions. This wealth allowed for the rise of powerful kingdoms like Mali and Songhai, which created a more complex social structure. As trade intensified, social hierarchies evolved with elites emerging from traders and leaders who controlled trade routes, reshaping communities across Africa.
• Evaluate the role of trade in connecting different cultures during the Medieval Period, particularly through the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes.
  • Trade during the Medieval Period played a crucial role in connecting diverse cultures by facilitating exchanges of goods, ideas, and technologies. The Trans-Saharan Trade Routes not only enabled the movement of commodities like gold and salt but also acted as conduits for cultural exchange, including religious beliefs such as Islam. This interaction fostered a greater understanding between different societies and contributed to a more interconnected world.
• Synthesize how the decline of feudalism towards the end of the Medieval Period influenced trade networks like those established in the Trans-Saharan region.
  • The decline of feudalism in Europe towards the late Medieval Period led to increased urbanization and a shift towards a market-based economy. As towns grew and merchant classes gained influence, this created demand for goods from distant regions. The established Trans-Saharan Trade Routes became essential for supplying these emerging urban centers with resources from Africa. This transformation not only boosted trade but also linked economies across continents, setting the stage for global trade networks in subsequent eras.

Related terms

Feudalism:

A social and economic system prevalent during the Medieval Period where land was held in exchange for service, leading to a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.

Manorial System: The economic structure that defined rural life in the Medieval Period, centered around a lord's manor and the agricultural labor provided by peasants.

Silk Road:

An ancient trade route that connected China with Europe, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchanges during the Medieval Period.