Period III Unit ExamA

600-1450 Regional & Trans-regional Interactions

Questions 1 through 3 refer to the images below

  1. These two images from a book known as “Labors of the Months” from the early 1400s show scenes of the daily lives of the upper and lower classes on a “manor” in Europe. A modern historian would find this source useful because it demonstrates:
  1. Cultural rituals during the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate
  2. Political structures of the Mongol “Yuan” Dynasty.
  3. Social structures of feudalism in Western European Christendom.
  4. Economic trading networks between merchants across Eurasia
  1. The scene depicted in the FIRST image is best understood in the historical context of which development during the period from 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E.?
  1. Technological innovations which increased agricultural production.
  2. The expansion of trade increased elite demand for foreign luxury goods like Asian silk textiles
  3. A weakening of patriarchal social structures during the reign of the pastoralist Mongols
  4. Declining population and trade caused by the ravages of the bubonic plague
  1. The dominant form of labor organization depicted in the SECOND image was:
  1. Free Peasant agriculture
  2. Nomadic Pastoralism
  3. Coerced Slave Labor
  4. City based Craft and Guilds

In this excerpt from Travels in Mali, Ibn Battuta (1307-1377 CE), a Moroccan Muslim scholar and traveler, describes his impressions of Muslims in Mali.

“Their women are of surpassing beauty, and are shown more respect than the men. These people are Muslims, punctilious in observing the hours of prayer, studying the books of law, and memorizing the Koran. Yet their women show no bashfulness before men and do not veil themselves, though they are assiduous in attending prayers. Any man who wishes to marry any of them may do so, but they do not travel with their husbands, and, even if one desired to do so, her family would not allow her to go. The women have their "friends" and "companions" amongst the men outside their own families.” Ibn Battuta

J.F.P. Hopkins and N. Levtzion, eds. and trans., Corpus of Early Arabic Sources for West African History (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981).

  1. The views in this document are best seen as evidence of which of the following?
  1. Muslim clerics used expanded trade routes to spread their religious beliefs.
  2. Increased travel within Afro-Eurasia led to greater intercultural conflict.
  3. West African societal structure was more influenced by Christianity than by Islam
  4. Muslim diasporic communities incorporated their own cultural traditions with indigenous cultures.
  1. The syncretism described by Ibn Battuta in this passage most strongly resembles which of the following?
  1. Muslim society during the early Caliphates
  2. Latin American Catholicism in the 18th century
  3. The Eastern Orthodox Church in the Byzantine Empire
  4. China during the Cultural Revolution.

  1. Which of the following factors was the MOST influential on the Mongol’s ability to create the empire shown above?
  2. The weakness of central Asian empires at the end of the 13th century.
  3. China’s lack of regional influence due to conflicts with Japan and Korea.
  4. Mongol nomadic culture and merit-based military leadership.
  5. Alliances between Mongol khans and European feudal lords.
  1. Based on the map above, which of the following statements is TRUE?
  1. The Mongol empire was unified under one Khanate by the end of the 13th century
  2. Europe and India were invaded by, but never integrated into, the Mongol khanates.
  3. Constantinople came under the direct rule of the “Golden Horde” in 1294 CE.
  4. The Khanate of the Great Khan included both China and Japan.
  1. In both the Ilkhanate, Golden Horde, and Chagatai Khanates, Mongol rulers:
  1. Converted to Islam over several decades after their conquest.
  2. Supported traditional Mongol animism over established religions.
  3. Persecuted Hindu majorities due to their polytheistic beliefs.
  4. Preferred the public practice of Buddhism over Christianity.

Chinghis (Ghenghis) Khan's letter of invitation to Ch'angch'un, a Daoist Chinese Monk

Heaven has abandoned China owing to its haughtiness and extravagant luxury. But I, living in the northern wilderness, have not inordinate passions. I hate luxury and exercise moderation. I have only one coat and one food. I eat the same food and am dressed in the same tatters as my humble herdsmen. I consider the people my children, and take an interest in talented men as if they were my brothers. We always agree in our principles, and we are always united by mutual affection. At military exercises I am always in the front, and in time of battle am never behind. In the space of seven years I have succeeded in accomplishing a great work, and uniting the whole world in one empire. I have not myself distinguished qualities.

  1. Which of the following key characteristics of his ability to rule and conquer is found in Genghis Khan’s above letter?
  1. Openness to adopt and embrace new cultures.
  2. Tolerance towards more established religious institutions.
  3. Conservation of important resources due to a frugal lifestyle.
  4. Promotion of leaders on the basis of individual skill.
  1. Which of the following is MOST LIKELY Genghis Khan’s reason for writing the above letter?
  1. To convince Daoist monasteries to embrace traditional Mongol shamanist beliefs.
  2. To scare Chinese leaders into surrendering before any actual conflict with the Mongols..
  3. To lay out several justifications and reasons for his right to rule China.
  4. To dissuade the Chinese from attempting any invasions of Mongol territory.

Questions 11 through 13 refer to the map below

  1. This map is best understood in the context of which of the following period 3 key concepts?
  1. The growth of urban areas that was caused by the expansion of trade routes.
  2. The decline of urban areas following invasions and falling agricultural productivity
  3. Technological and cultural transfers that were caused by the expansion of trade routes.
  4. The diffusion of crops and epidemic diseases caused by the expansion of trade routes.
  1. The “progress of the Black Death” shown on this map could be used as evidence to support which of the following claims?
  1. The Middle East was the site of the first outbreak of the disease because of the Crusades
  2. Eastern Europe had the first outbreak and the disease spread to Western Europe
  3. Starting in East Asia, the Black Death spread via the silk routes to the west.
  4. African deaths were not as numerous as those in Eurasia
  1. Which is the BEST description of the effects of the Black Death on Europe?
  1. One-third of the population died, creating economic and social problems for feudal kingdoms.
  2. Physicians rapidly developed a cure for the disease, launching a medical revolution.
  3. Seeking help, Europeans voluntarily joined the Mongol Empire which became stronger.
  4. Fearful of the outside world, Europe lost interest in all trade and exploration opportunities.

Questions 14 through 16 refer to the bullet points below

“First and foremost, then, the city of Hangzhou is so great that it hath an hundred miles around. There were also in this city twelve guilds of the different crafts, and that each guild had 12,000 houses in the occupation of its workmen. Each of these houses contains at least 12 men, whilst some contain 20 and some 40, - not that these are all masters, but inclusive of the journeymen who work under the masters. And yet all these craftsmen had full occupation, for many other cities of the kingdom are supplied from this city.

The number and wealth of the merchants, and the amount of goods that passed through their hands, were so enormous that no man could form a just estimate thereof. And I should have told you with regard to those masters of the different crafts who are at the head of such houses as I have mentioned, that neither they nor their wives ever touch a piece of work with their own hands, but live as nicely and delicately as if they were kings and queens. Moreover it was an ordinance laid down by the Emperor that every man should follow his father's business and no other, no matter if he possessed 100,000 bezants [note: a Byzantine coin, often used as a standard coinage].” –

Marco Polo, The Glories of Hangzhou, c. 1300. Marco Polo had spent 17 years in China when China was under the leadership of Kublai Khan

  1. MarcoPolo’s description of the wealth of Hangzhou’s merchants is best understood in the context of which of the following trends of the 600-1450 period?
  1. Increasing demand for foreign luxury goods in Afro-Eurasia.
  2. The spread of Buddhism and other Chinese customs to Japan and Korea.
  3. The increase of agricultural production to the spread of new crops and technologies across trade routes.
  4. The diversification of labor organization emerging with more complex economies.
  1. Which of the following would be a valid comparison between the economy of China, following Polo’s description, and the economy of Western Europe at the same time?
  1. In comparison to Western Europe, China’s economy was more agriculturally based.
  2. In comparison to Western Europe, China’s economy experienced more urban growth.
  3. In comparison to Western Europe, China’s leaders intervened less in economic matters.
  4. In comparison to Western Europe, China had a smaller population contributing to its economy.
  1. Which of the following major changes in Afro-Eurasian technologies resulted from the activity described in Marco Polo’s account?
  1. The spread of the horse collar agricultural technique to Western Europe.
  2. The diffusion of gunpowder technologies across the Mongol Empire.
  3. The diffusion of sugar cultivation from South Asia to the Middle East.
  4. The mixing of Bantu and Arabic languages on the Swahili coast.

PLAN OF THE TANG DYNASTY CAPITAL CITY OF CHANG’AN,

NORTH-CENTRAL CHINA, EIGHTH CENTURY C.E.

  1. Based on the map and your knowledge of world history, which of the following likely encouraged the development of cities such as Chang’an?
  1. The growth, in volume and extent, of overland trade and commerce
  2. Improvements in maritime technology, such as the compass and lateen sail
  3. The spread of Buddhism into East Asia
  4. Long-distance migrations of central Asian peoples
  1. The variety of temples shown on the map of Chang’an was most likely the result of which of the following broader processes from 600 to 1450 C.E.?
  1. Conquests by nomadic Central Asian groups
  2. Diffusion of cultural traditions along the Silk Roads
  3. Religious conflict resulting from the An Lushan rebellion
  4. Neo-Confucian influence on the Tang government
  1. The integration of natural bodies of water and waterways in the plans for the palace most likely shows the influence of which of the following?
  1. DaoismB. ConfucianismC. ZoroastrianismD. Buddhism

Sculptures from the Tang Dynasty, China c. 600- c.950 CE

  1. Both sculptures above BEST reflect what key aspect of the Tang Dynasty’s rule over China?
  2. The reinforcement of traditional Confucian values on Chinese society.
  3. The revision of the Civil Service exam for entry into government service.
  4. The re-establishment of interregional trade along central Asia routes.
  5. The rearming of Chinese armies with advanced armor and weapons.
  1. The statue of the seated figure could BEST be used to support which of the following historical claims?
  1. The Tang Dynasty was immune to the effects of Islam’s rapid rise and expansion across Eurasia and North Africa.
  2. Christianity made a strong impression on Central Asian societies during the Post-Classical time period.
  3. Interactions with Indian traders in South East Asia led to Hindu values diffusing into Chinese culture.
  4. Buddhism remained an important religion in East Asia, even after being largely abandoned in its area of origin.
  1. The statues of the man and camel are MOST related to which of the following Tang actions?
  1. The construction of a new capital at Chang’an
  2. Increased interference in political struggles on the Korean peninsula.
  3. Emperor Taizong’s establishment of a new legal code.
  4. Military campaigns that expanded China’s western borders.
  1. The shrinking size of the Song Dynasty over time can BEST be attributed to what factor?
  1. Pressure from nomadic groups along China’s northern border
  2. An increase in the spread of epidemic diseases over the Silk Road.
  3. The emergence of a powerful state in Tibet.
  4. The unification of Korea under the Goryeo Kingdom.
  1. Compared to the previous Tang dynasty, the Song were:
  1. Larger in size but more focused on Daoist values.
  2. Smaller in size but more advanced in terms of military technology.
  3. Equal in size but more active in maritime trade.
  4. Unable to be compared in terms of size, but more populous.

Questions 25-27 refer to the image and timeline above.

25. The monk working in the scriptorium in the image above demonstrates:

  1. how Chinese inventions transformed Europe
  2. Europe’s superior technology compared to contemporary China
  3. the importance of monasteries in preserving knowledge during the “Dark Ages”
  4. the extreme poverty endured by European monks

26. How was the work of monks shown above transformed by Chinese technology during this period?

  1. Printing technology made the copying of manuscripts by hand obsolete.
  2. Monks used gunpowder-based weapons against Muslim armies in the Crusades.
  3. The compass encouraged monasteries to send monks on voyages of exploration.
  4. Demand for new books led to thousands more monks copying manuscripts.

27. How did the spread of Chinese technologies shown above transform Europe?

  1. Easier access to knowledge and technology stimulated fresh thinking during the Renaissance.
  2. Gunpowder-based weapons strengthened the grip of Europe’s feudal nobility on power.
  3. New technology helped Europe defeat the Muslims and reconquer the Holy Land.
  4. Printing technology caused many monasteries to close.
  1. According to the map above, the spread of Islam into Southeast Asia during this time can best be explained by merchant voyages along which of the following trade routes?
  1. The Silk Roads
  2. The Mediterranean Sea
  3. The Trans-Saharan
  4. The Indian Ocean
  1. Which of the following represents the best summary of the similarities between the spread of both Islam and Buddhism during this time period?
  1. Both religions spread only within the regions in which they started.
  2. Only people living in major urban centers converted to the new religions.
  3. Interregional travelers were important agents responsible for cultural diffusion.
  4. Hinduism and Christianity were displaced by the emergence of these religions.
  1. This map would BEST provide a historian with information that could prove:
  1. environmental factors contributed to and limited human settlements.
  2. hunter-forager cultures universally rejected the spread of an agricultural way of life.
  3. state-building by imperial governments relied on large public works projects.
  4. economic trade within regions was limited by barriers such as large rivers.
  1. Which of the following statements is MOST connected to the migration of the Bantu throughout Africa?
  1. The development of a Bantu Empire that conquered much of Africa.
  2. The use of camels to transport goods throughout Africa.
  3. The influence of merging Bantu language with other native languages.
  4. The gold-salt trade that evolved in West Africa.
  1. Which of the following statements could be supported by the evidence found in this map?
  1. Powerful monsoon winds prevented Indian sailors from reaching East Africa.
  2. Indonesian sailors dominated the Indian Ocean trade.
  3. Trade contributed to the growth of coastal cities with shipping ports.
  4. Cotton textiles from India were heavily in demand around the Indian Ocean basin.
  1. Which of the following political states would have had the LEAST ability to control trade in the Indian Ocean during the time period shown on the map?
  1. Yuan Dynasty ChinaC. Western European Kingdoms
  2. Islamic CaliphatesD. Great Zimbabwe

The Chester Beatty Library

  1. Although the painting above refers to religious figures, its design includes no attempt to capture their images. The best reason for this emphasis on geometric designs rather than images is that:
  1. Religious doctrine forbade artistic representations to prevent the worship of images as idols.
  2. Artists of the time period were much more skilled at drawing geometric designs than human figures.
  3. Human forms were considered to be shameful; only spiritual values should be captured in art.
  4. The geometric figures are actually language symbols, and the painting tells a story.
  1. The painting reflects the religious doctrines of:
  1. HinduismB. BuddhismC. DaoismD. Islam

Medieval manuscript, Timbuktu, c. 1300.

  1. Which of the following Islamic traditions encouraged the development of Timbuktu?

A. The hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca

B. Zakat, the tradition of giving alms to the poor

C. The shahadah, or profession of faith

D. Salat, praying five times a day facing Mecca.

  1. The trade and cultural links with the Islamic world, on which Timbuktu's growth depended, could not have been forged without:

A. horses B. camelsC. the lateen sail D. wagons capable of traversing the desert

  1. Which ruler's sponsorship brought both trade and scholarship to Timbuktu?

A. Sundiata, the “Lion King” B. Ibn Battuta C. Sunni Ali D. Mansa Musa