Medieval History and Trade

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What were the major medieval African kingdoms?

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The Kingdom of Ghana, the Kingdom of Mali, and the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.

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What was the Trans-Saharan trade?

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Trade across the Sahara Desert connecting West Africa and North Africa, exchanging gold, salt, ivory, and slaves among others.

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What were the two main elements of Trans-Saharan trade?

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Gold from West African mines and salt from Saharan mines.

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Why were camels important in the Trans-Saharan trade?

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Camels enabled long-distance travel across the Sahara, carrying heavy loads without much water, making trade possible and efficient.

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What was the First Crusade?

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A military expedition (1096-1099) by European Christians to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim rule, resulting in Christian control of the Holy Land.

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What was the Battle of Tours?

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In 732, Charles Martel's Frankish forces stopped Muslim expansion into Western Europe, preserving Christian dominance.

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How did religion influence the Middle Ages?

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Religion influenced politics, laws, education, and culture; the Church held great power over society.

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What was the Great Schism of 1054?

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The split between the Roman Catholic Church (West) and Eastern Orthodox Church due to theological and political differences.

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What caused the 'dark ages'?

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The decline of the Roman Empire caused political instability, economic downturn, and reduced cultural output in early medieval Europe.

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What is feudalism?

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A social system where kings granted land (fiefs) to nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty.