The+Post+Classical+Period

Pg. 120-125 Summary
 * THE POSTCLASSICAL PERIOD, 500-1450: NEW FAITH AND NEW COMMERCE **

The major changes during the period 500-1450 included the spread of religion. It involved the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. There was also new more regular systems of trade. The Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean became the core of the new systematic international trade. Trade development advanced, connecting different societies rather than separate developments within societies. Buddhism and Christianity started before this period but they gained new strength as the classical empires collapsed. All these religions benefited from government sponsorship and military pressure. Conquerors could impose taxes on those they conquered who didn’t convert to their religion, which forced many to convert. The religious beliefs they adopted during this time established the major religious that still exist until this day.

After the decline of the great classical empires, people turned toward religious faith for security, reassurance, and guidance. Decline of classical empires was the collapse of established boundaries, which cause people to turn to different areas. Expanding trade led to development of better ships and new navigational devices as well as the compass. Religion and commerce became the engines of change. The spread of disease “Black Death,” killed up to a third of the population.

Major religions insisted that women were spiritually equal to men. Although women gained new roles and modes of expression in religious life, the condition of women also deteriorated because of the growing trade and urban prosperity reduced their roles in political and economic life.

