Unit I:Rise and Fall of Empires
4.1.1 Crisis in the Classical World
Explain the responses to common forces of change that led to the ultimate collapse of classical empires and discuss the consequences of their collapse.
4.1.2 World Religions
Using historical and modern maps and other documents, analyze the continuing spread of major world religions during this era and describe encounters between religious groups including
Islam and Christianity (Roman Catholic and Orthodox) - increased trade and the Crusades
Islam and Hinduism in South Asia (See 5.3.3)
continuing tensions between Catholic and Orthodox Christianity
4.1.3 Trade Networks and Contacts
Analyze the development, interdependence, specialization, and importance of interregional trading systems both within and between societies including
land-based routes across the Sahara, Eurasia and Europe
water-based routes across Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, South China Sea, Red and Mediterranean Seas
4.2.1 Growth of Islam and Dar al-Islam [A country, territory, land, or abode where Muslim sovereignty prevails]
Identify and explain the origins and expansion of Islam and the creation of the Islamic Empire including
the founding geographic extent of Muslim empires and the artistic, scientific, technological, and economic features of Muslim society
diverse religious traditions of Islam - Sunni, Shi'a/Shi'ite, Sufi
role of Dar al-Islam as a cultural, political, and economic force in Afro-Eurasia
the caliphate as both a religious and political institution, and the persistence of other traditions in the Arab World including Christianity.
4.2.2 Unification of Eurasia under the Mongols
Using historical and modern maps, locate and describe the geographic patterns of Mongol conquest and expansion and describe the characteristics of the Pax Mongolica (particularly revival of long-distance trading networks between China and the Mediterranean world).
4.3.3 China to 1500
Explain how Chinese dynasties responded to the internal and external challenges caused by ethnic diversity, physical geography, population growth and Mongol invasion to achieve relative political stability, economic prosperity, and technological innovation.