Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#4)

Explain reasons for the decline of classical China. (p.106)◦1) Centralized government became

weaker and regional landlords corrupted the political stability of the empire.

◦2) Increased taxes were far too burdensome on the peasantry, which led to social unrest and disdain of rulers.

◦3) Revolutions by Daoist forces in 184 C.E.

Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#4)

◦4) The decline of government morality

◦5) Civil wars throughout empire.

◦6) Frequent invasions from borderland nomadic groups (Huns)

◦7) Plagues which may have killed up to half of the population.

Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#5)Explain reasons for the decline of classical

India. (p.107)◦1) The inability of the Gupta emperors to control

regional princes.◦2) Invasions by nomadic Hun tribes, especially in

the more well developed northern regions.◦3) The introduction of Islam competed with

Hinduism strong religious hold on the subcontinent.

◦4) Arab traders took control of the majority of trade routes throughout the Indian Ocean region and hurt India’s economic prosperity.

Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#6)Explain reasons for the decline of

classical Rome. (p.107-109)◦1) Declining population◦2) Difficulty in recruiting effective armies (Disloyal mercenaries)

◦3) Weak emperors

Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#6)

◦4) Declining tax revenues due to economic downturn

◦5) Citizens saw life as futile and therefore their participation in politics and their state declined.

◦6) A series of plagues that wiped out a large part of the population

Declines of the Classical Civilizations (#6)

◦7)Rome’s upper classes became more pleasure seeking and stopped producing many offspring, because raising children seemed counter to the pleasure seeking nature of their lives.

◦8)Rome had growing difficulty protecting its borders and farmers began to look for protection from landlords. (Beginning of manorial system)

◦9)Invasions from Germanic tribes.

Roman Fall (#7)Unlike China and India, Rome

lacked a strong political system or religious institution to bind its society together.

The Chinese had strong centralized government that allowed dynasties to fall and return.

India had its religion and social structure that trumped political stability.

Rome had neither of these.

Roman Empire Splits (#8)1) The Byzantine Empire (aka the

eastern portion of the old Roman Empire) Centered on Constantinople.

2) North African zone3) Western part of the former

empire. (Included Italy, Spain, and parts of northern Europe)

Roman Empire Splits (#8)

The Growth and Spread of Religion Why?

◦Devastating plagues and growing political instability caused many to seek comfort in growing belief systems. (#9)

◦Christianity became a widespread religion throughout the Mediterranean.

◦Buddhism surged into eastern Asia as classical China collapsed.

◦Finally, shortly after 600 C.E., a new faith, Islam, surfaced to become a dynamic force.

The Spread of Christianity

The Spread of Buddhism (#10)

Monks and missionaries were the main method by which the faith spread.

The growth of a monastic system was seen in BOTH Buddhism and Christianity.

Buddhism mainly spread east towards China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam .

BUDDHISM’S SPREAD (#10)

Buddhist monks in front of the Angkor Wat

Buddhism’s Evolution Over the centuries, like most religions,

Buddhism evolved. Buddhism aimed to make it easier for

ordinary citizens to gain salvation while continuing to work and meet their spiritual obligations.

A prime example of this evolution is that of bodhisattvas, which were followers that could maintain salvation through prayer and meditation for others.

Buddhism’s Evolution (#11)As the religion spread to China, it took

on Chinese cultural elements.In the east Asian form of Buddhism,

known as Mahayana Buddhism (“greater vehicle”), more emphasis was placed on Buddha as a divine savior or god. The religion also became more organized with more monks, priests, temples, creeds, and rituals. (Kinda like the Chinese political structure, very organized)

Chinese culture alters Buddhism (#12)Chinese influences affected

Buddhism’s stance on most issues, but especially women’s role in society.

It did not improve women’s status in China as was to be expected. Instead, the Chinese altered some of the Buddhist doctrines to reflect their strict patriarchal system. Ex. “ Husband supports wife” was changed to “Husband controls wife”.

Christianity compared to Buddhism (#13)Christianity placed more

emphasis on church organization and structure (which it borrowed from the political structure of the Roman Empire)

More emphasis placed on missionary activities in Christianity.

Stressed its exclusive nature of truth and was more intolerant of changes to its origins and beliefs.

Reasons for Christianity’s Spread (#14)The opportunity for spiritual equality

(Egalitarianism)Fervor of early Christians (disciples and

martyrs).The Roman extent and road system helped the

faith to spread.The organization, rituals, and structure of the

churchChristian doctrine became organized through

the writings of the New Testament.Constantine’s (Roman emperor) conversion

made it much easier to spread the faith that was not viewed as a threat anymore.

Core Beliefs of Christianity (p.113-115)Christianity centers around the

person of Jesus of Nazareth. He is believed to be the Son of

God by Christian believers and responsible for the redemption of humanity.

His teachings promoted faith in God and fellowship among believers. Good works and righteous living were necessary for true believers.

Core Beliefs of Christianity (p.113-115)Absolutely central to the belief in

Christianity in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Believers see his death on the cross as a sacrifice for human sin and his resurrection as proof of his defeating sin and death as well as his divine status.

Early Christians, such as Paul, helped spread the faith throughout the Mediterranean world through letters to various churches in that region.