Q25: The social classes in ancient Greek poleis varied based on wealth, occupation, and gender. The upper class, known as aristoi, were wealthy citizens who owned agricultural land, held government positions, and had the most rights and privileges. The middle class, called artisans, were skilled craftsmen who provided specialized goods and services and were granted citizenship and voting rights. The lower class, known as perioikoi, owned less valuable land and consisted of agricultural workers. Women had limited rights and privileges and could not own land or vote. Laborers and enslaved people had no legal rights and relied on their employers. Foreign citizens had limited rights and could achieve citizenship based on their resources.
Q26: A significant contribution made by a Greek scholar to math or science that still impacts us today is the work of Archimedes in the field of mathematics. Archimedes developed numerous mathematical concepts and principles, such as the Archimedes' principle and the method of exhaustion, which laid the foundation for modern calculus and the understanding of fluid mechanics. His work is still relevant and used in various scientific and engineering applications.
Q27: The development and spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire was relatively slow due to several factors. Firstly, Christianity was seen as a radical and foreign belief system that challenged the traditional Roman religion, which made it difficult for it to gain widespread acceptance. Secondly, Christians faced persecution and were frequently marginalized by the Roman authorities, which hindered their ability to spread their religion freely. Additionally, the decentralized nature of the Roman Empire meant that it took time for Christianity to reach all parts of the empire.
Q28: The motivations for territorial expansion differed between the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I. Under Trajan, the Roman Empire aimed to expand its territories for economic and political reasons. They sought to increase their wealth through access to new resources and control over lucrative trade routes. On the other hand, under Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire sought to reclaim territories that were lost during the fall of the Western Roman Empire and restore the boundaries of the Roman Empire. The motivation was driven by a desire to reunite the empire and establish Byzantium as the successor to Rome.
Q29: The motivations and conquests of the Ottoman Empire and the Umayyad dynasty were driven by different factors. The Ottoman Empire aimed to expand its territories and establish a powerful Islamic state. Their conquests were driven by a combination of religious fervor, desire for economic resources, and geopolitical ambitions. In contrast, the Umayyad dynasty sought to spread Islam and establish their rule over conquered territories. Their conquests were primarily motivated by religious expansion and the desire to spread their faith.
Q30: The relationship between religious and secular authorities changed substantially in the two centuries following Muhammad's death due to the establishment of the caliphate system. Initially, after Muhammad's death, the caliphs held both religious and political authority. However, as the Islamic empire grew and faced various challenges, secular authorities began to gain more power and influence. This shift led to the emergence of dynasties and the separation of religious and political powers, creating a new balance between religious and secular authorities.