Post-classical history

Leonardo Bruni 2

Piquillacta Archaeological site - street

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Siege of Antioch, France, Lyon, Municipal Library, Ms 828 f. 033

Rakaposhi View from Babusar Top

2000 Year Temperature Comparison

Mahmud of Ghazni receiving Indian elephants as tribute (Majmu al-Tawarikh, Hafiz i-Abru, Herat, 1425)

Post-classical history refers to the period of time that follows the end of the ancient world, traditionally considered to end with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, and extends to the beginning of the Early modern period, around the 15th century, marked by the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the Age of Discovery's commencement. This era is characterized by significant transformations in many regions of the world, including the rise of the Islamic Caliphate, the expansion of the Byzantine Empire, and the establishment of the feudal system in Europe.

Overview

During the post-classical period, major civilizations underwent vast changes, influencing the development of the modern world. The era saw the spread of major religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, deeper into Asia, Africa, and Europe, shaping cultures and societies. Trade networks, such as the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean trade, flourished, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies across continents.

Key Regions and Empires

Islamic Caliphate

The rise of the Islamic Caliphate, following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD, marked a significant development in the post-classical world. The Islamic empire expanded rapidly, encompassing large parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. This expansion facilitated a golden age of scientific, mathematical, and astronomical discovery, significantly influencing later Western thought.

Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, played a crucial role in preserving Greek and Roman knowledge through its scholars and libraries. The empire also served as a buffer between the Islamic world and Europe, influencing the cultural and religious landscape of the region.

Feudal Europe

In Europe, the post-classical period was marked by the development of the feudal system, a hierarchical structure of lordship and vassalage that organized society and facilitated the rise of powerful kingdoms. The period also saw the spread of Christianity and the establishment of significant monastic and cathedral schools, which would later evolve into universities.

Asia

In Asia, powerful empires such as the Tang dynasty in China, the Gupta Empire in India, and the Mongol Empire across Eurasia, contributed to the era's rich tapestry of cultural and technological advancements. The Mongol Empire, in particular, connected the East and West through its vast trade networks and conquests.

Cultural and Scientific Achievements

The post-classical era was a time of significant cultural and scientific achievements. In the Islamic world, scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. In Europe, the translation of Arabic and Greek texts into Latin spurred the Renaissance, a cultural rebirth that laid the foundations for the modern age.

Conclusion

Post-classical history is a period of transition, connecting the ancient to the modern world. It is characterized by the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, and the exchange of ideas and technologies that shaped the future of humanity.