You will look at non-European civilizations that developed roughly between the years of 500 and 1500. You will investigate significant developments of each and, if applicable, summarize how the civilizations influenced one another, in a formal way

1 answer

During the time period of 500 to 1500, several non-European civilizations made significant developments that shaped their societies and influenced each other in various ways.

1. Islamic Civilization: One of the most prominent civilizations during this period was the Islamic civilization, which spread across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. Significant developments during this time included advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and architecture. Islamic scholars preserved and translated ancient Greek texts, contributing to the development of science and philosophy. Islamic trade networks connected the eastern and western worlds, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

2. Chinese Civilization: The Tang and Song dynasties in China witnessed significant developments in art, literature, and technology. The invention of papermaking, printing, and gunpowder revolutionized Chinese society and influenced neighboring civilizations. Chinese merchants traded along the Silk Road, connecting China with the Islamic world, India, and Europe. The spread of Chinese goods, such as silk and ceramics, had a lasting impact on global trade and cultural exchange.

3. Indian Civilization: The Gupta Empire in India experienced a golden age of art, literature, and science during this period. India made significant contributions to mathematics, including the invention of the concept of zero and the decimal system. The spread of Buddhism from India to neighboring countries, such as China and Southeast Asia, influenced religious beliefs and cultural practices in those regions.

4. Mesoamerican Civilizations: In the Americas, civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca made significant advancements in architecture, agriculture, and writing systems. The Maya developed a complex calendar system and hieroglyphic writing, while the Aztec built elaborate cities and practiced human sacrifice. The Inca built a vast empire in the Andes and constructed impressive feats of engineering, such as the Inca road system.

Overall, these non-European civilizations developed unique cultural, intellectual, and technological achievements during the period of 500 to 1500. Their interactions through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange facilitated the spread of ideas and innovations across regions, shaping the course of world history.