Overview
This lecture covers the major world religions and their impacts, key political and social developments across global regions, and the emergence of early nation-states from 1200 CE onwards.
Major World Religions in 1200
- Religions shaped social, political, and cultural development and often underwent internal divisions (sects).
- Buddhism: Originated in India, rejected caste system, spread via trade, split into Theravada (simplicity) and Mahayana (rituals).
- Christianity: Began in the Middle East, focused on Jesus, appealed to lower classes, became Rome’s religion, influenced Europe and the Mediterranean.
- Confucianism: Founded in China, emphasized social order through five relationships, compatible with other religions, shaped Chinese society.
- Hinduism: India’s main religion, belief in Brahma, linked with caste system, goal is moksha, guided by Vedas and Upanishads.
- Islam: Originated with Muhammad in 7th-century Arabia, believes in Quran and Five Pillars, split into Shia and Sunni, rapidly expanded.
- Judaism: Monotheistic faith of Hebrews, follows Torah, concept of chosen people, influential as the first monotheistic religion.
Developments in the Middle East
- Abbasid Dynasty (750–1258 CE): Golden age in Baghdad, advances in science, math, and trade (receipts and bills).
- Decline due to internal conflicts and Mongol invasions; Mongols destroyed Baghdad in 1258.
- Mamluks preserved Islam in Near East; Ottomans later unified Islamic regions.
Developments in Europe
- Middle Ages: Western Europe fragmented, Eastern became Byzantine Empire, Christianity persisted.
- Feudalism: King, nobles, vassals (land/fiefs), serfs (peasants); land-based hierarchy, manors were self-sufficient.
- Three-field system improved agriculture; emergence of middle class as trade grew.
Emergence of Nation-States
- Shift from feudal kingdoms to linguistic-cultural states.
- England: Magna Carta led to Parliament; France unified after Hundred Years’ War; Spain united under Ferdinand and Isabella, enforced Catholicism.
- Russia: Mongol (Tartar) rule ended by Ivan III; Ivan IV (the Terrible) centralized power.
Developments in Asia
- China: Song and Ming dynasties; foot binding; Neo-Confucianism blended Buddhism.
- Japan: Feudal system with emperor, shogun, daimyo, samurai; bushido code; women had few rights.
- India: Delhi Sultanate (Islamic rule); Rajput Kingdoms resisted Muslims; religious conflict between Islam and Hinduism.
- Southeast Asia: Khmer Empire built Angkor Wat, influenced by Hinduism from Indian Ocean trade.
Developments in Africa
- Islam spread to North Africa and sub-Saharan regions, boosting trade.
- Hausa Kingdoms: Prosperous Islamic states along Niger River, traded salt and leather, later declined due to internal wars.
Developments in the Americas
- Aztecs: Central Mexico, capital Tenochtitlan, expansionist, trade-based, practiced sacrifice, women could inherit.
- Inca: Andes, centralized bureaucracy, extensive roads, polytheistic, practiced sacrifice, women held property rights.
- Mayans: Existed in Central America (not detailed).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mysticism — Religious focus on personal, direct experiences of the divine.
- Caliphate — Islamic state led by a religious and political leader (caliph).
- Feudalism — Land-based medieval European social-political hierarchy.
- Fief/Manor — Estate of land held by vassals under feudalism.
- Primogeniture — Right of the eldest son to inherit the estate.
- Bushido — Samurai code of conduct emphasizing loyalty and honor.
- Czar — Russian emperor.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review core beliefs and impacts of each major world religion.
- Study political structures and major dynasties/states mentioned.
- Prepare for quiz on regional developments and terminology.