Post Classical EraPost Classical Era

600 - 1450

Early Post Classical Age

600-1200

Enlarged Civilization sitesEnlarged Civilization sites

During Classical Era:Mediterranean BasinSouth Asian SubcontinentNorthern Chinese PlainMesoamericaAndean Region

Emerging Zones: new Emerging Zones: new locationslocations

• Interior Eastern Europe• Sub Saharan Africa

– West & East

• Northern Europe• Extension of East Asia: Korea &

Japan• Southeast Asia

Expansion of tradeExpansion of tradeTrend: From Local trade Regional Trade

– New Silk Road– Indian Ocean– Mediterranean– South China Sea– Trans-Saharan– Vertical Trade – Americas

Impact: • Diffusion (technology, disease, religion)• Development of cosmopolitan CITIES

ZONES OF DEVELOPMENT: Post Classical Age

MAJOR TRADE ROUTES: Post Classical Age

Dominant CultureDominant Culture• End of Classical Balance of Power

• Empires as a political system declined

• Development of Arab Kingdoms

• Spread & Adaptation of Muslim Beliefs, into…– Southern Europe– India– North, West & East Africa– Middle East

Pax Islamica

Spread of World ReligionsSpread of World Religions

Trend: Polytheistic One creator• European Sphere – Christianity (E&W)• East & Southeast Asia – Buddhism• South Asia & Southeast Asia – Hinduism • North South Asia, West Asia & Africa – Islam

Impact of:Impact of: Organized Churches, Monasteries, Clergy, Religious scholars

Impact Impact ON: Literature, Learning, Gender

So, What will we study?So, What will we study?1. Mediterranean Basin

A. Eastern Europe (Byzantine Empire, Rise of Russia)

B. Arab Caliphates & Muslim Invaders (Caliphates)

C. Western Medieval Europe

D. Sub Saharan- West African Kingdoms (Gold for Salt Trade)

2. Indian OceanA. East African City-States

B. South Asia - India

C. Southeast Asia (Vietnam)

3. East Asian DevelopmentA. Chinese Reunification (Tang & Song)

B. Creation of Korean Kingdoms & Japan

General CharacteristicsGeneral Characteristics

1. Arab-Muslim Influence strong

2. Spread of Civilization beyond classical empire zones (Regional Civilizations)

3. Spread of World Religions which define regional civilizations

4. Development of World Trade Networks

What happens after 1200?What happens after 1200?

New Nomadic Invaders, Disease & Late Post Classical Empires