State formation in this era demonstrated remarkable continuity, innovation, and diversity
In Afro Eurasia, some states attempted to preserve or revive imperial structures
- eastern Roman Empires and Chinese Empires
Challenges : expansion of Islam introduced the caliphate to Afro Eurasia
In the Americas, powerful states developed in both mesoamerica and Andean region - Aztec and Inca
Slide 2
Post Classical China
China expirences its second Golden Age during Post Classical period
After centuries of decentralized rule, Sui Dynasty emerged
China hadn't been united since fall of Han dynasty in 220 CE
Reunited empire
Built Grand Canal
Short lived Sui Dynasty gave away greatest dynasty, Tang dynasty
Slide 3
Imperial China
Many important technological advances created Post Classical Era - Gunpowder, compass, and movement
Alchemists were trying to make a portion of immortality
- Expanded, failed
Used it for fireworks, then weapons
Originally ivented in Tang Dynasty, firdt written record in Song Dynasty
Slide 4
Civil Service Exam
Examination used to select people to work in state bureaucracy
Bureaucracy : People who work in government who implement laws
- Early forms in Han Dynasty , institutionalized during Tang Dynasty
- Very important for for Chinese politics, allows for merit based testing
- Standardized Chinese language due to test (ON ACCIDENT)
- Changed Chinese society from a military from a military aristocracy to a gentry class of scholars
- Used until 1905
Slide 5
Byzantine Empire
A part of Roman Empire until western half fell in the 5th century
- Peak of Byzantine Civilization achieved under Justinian was reached in late 500's
While a constant state of decline throughout era, continued to be an important empire during Post Classical Era
Decline due to Muslim pressure
Major religions rift between Roman and Constantine, in 1054, called Great Schism
Slide 6
Post Classical Empires
Great Schism (AKA East west Schism, maybe on AP) in 1054
- Pope Leo IX in Rome
- Patriarch Michael I in Consantine
- Lead very different churches with different rules and official languages
- Both leaders excommunicate (to exclude someone from a participation in sacraments and services of Christian Church) each other
- Problem of Schism was about powers of Pope in Rome
Pope believed he had authority over Christians and that Patriarchs did not
Fall of Constantinople in 1453 marks the end of direct Roman legacy in Eurasia
Hagia Sophia, built in 837
From 537 to 1453, it served as a Greek orthodox Cathedral
- Converted to Mosque in 1453, after fall of Constantine
- Example of cultural diffusion in Eurasia
- Massive construction during Byzantine height
- Shows political as well as religious legitimacy