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The Mongols were nomadic horsemen on the steppes (plains) of Central Asia. Once unified, there command of the horse and composite bow made them almost unstoppable conquerors in Asia and Eastern Europe..
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The Slavic/Viking Rus are defeated by the Mongols, splitting the Rus and creating a Golden Horde- a massive Mongol and Turkic population and army in Eastern Europe that threatens the Byzantine Empire and Western Europe.
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These West African empires were among the richest in the world because of their control of vast amounts of gold.
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The Mongol siege of the Abbasid capital is seen as the end of the Golden Age of Islamic philosophy and science. From this point, Western Europe slowly assumes intellectual leadership from the Islamic World.
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Ethiopia was one of the first areas to convert to Christianity. This medieval kingdom claimed descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
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This ends Medieval China which was known as a golden age of poetry, calligraphy, and Buddhism in China.
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Perhaps the most influential royal family in European History, the Hapsburgs would control Central Europe and the Holy Roman Empire for centuries.
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Marco Pollo traveled from Venice to China where he served the Mongol court for almost 20 years. His account increased European interest in the wealth and culture of China.
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This Turkic Islamic Empire would come to control large sections if southern and central Europe. It would last until World War I.
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This period saw Japan adopt a feudal structure with a military leader known as the shogun controlling the real power while the emperor had a ceremonial role. Clans of samurai were controlled by various noble families.
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Despite being outnumbered, the English use the longbow to defeat the French.
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Within the first year, 20-40% of the population died.
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The Ming Dynasty was a high point in international trade along the Silk Road as well as exploration by sea and the construction of the current Great Wall. This dynasty lasted until 1644
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The Mongols, now Muslims, are unified into an Islamic Empire that extends from Eastern Europe to India.
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Moscow emerges as the new center of the Rus.
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Henry V becomes heir to the throne of France.
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Leading a siege of the city of Orleans, Joan secures the French throne for the French. She is executed two years later
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Byzantine Empire falls. English give up claims in France.
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By the end, Henry Tudor becomes King of England.
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Thus period is a high point of art and theatre.
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Inspired partially by Constantinople's fall to Muslims, Columbus hopes to find a sea route to India to disrupt Muslim control of the trade between Asia and Europe. This would decrease Islamic wealth and perhaps fund a new Crusade if successful.
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Pope divides the New World. Spain gets North America/Caribbean , Portugal gets African coast and Brazil.
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Sailing for Portugal, de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope and secures a direct route to India, accomplishing Columbus' initial goal.
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