Unit 2 week 3 vocab
tambos
Significance 2 thing here.. 1st is that the Andes Mountains of Peru are a pretty difficult terrain to create an empire in and the Inca Ruler needed a way to connect and control this vast region. These Tambos along the "roads" (trails) were a way to get messages and troops transmitted quickly to maintain control. 2nd is that they can easily be compared to the Persians and the Royal road that connected that vast empire in much the same way as well as to the Romans who built roads to connect their vast empire
vassals
Significance After Rome's fall there was no central government and no security in Europe. People turned by default to feudalism. The Vassal is the key ingredient in this system as they were the connecting piece that held it together. (Land to the Vassals in exchange for the King having their loyalty and access to their Knights if needed to protect against invasion) These Vassals are going to begin to lose power in Europe as the Dark ages end. They are going to loose power to the increasing power of a Central monarch which is going to give rise to the Absolute monarch and the divine right of Kings. (this can also be seen later in Russia)
moldboard
Significance An effect of the moldboard is that Europeans in the Feudal period were able to create food surpluses that allowed them to eventually break the Feudal dependence on the Manor system and begin to return to a trading society as the populations rise and job specialization increases. When combined with the 3 field system you begin to see the rise of Europe out of the DARK AGES and the rise in populations accompanied by more centralized governments and an expansionist spirit.
calpulli
Significance As time went on calpulli began to take on a different, more political roles within the larger Aztec empire cities. The calpulli can be compared to the tribes in Israel, which had their own portions of land and had political power of their own even when they had a king. But it was also similar to the Hindu Caste system in the each family or clan had a different level of prominence or job.
William the Conqueror
Basic Definition He was a Norseman ie.. a North man ie.. a Viking. He was first known as The Duke of Normandy before he invaded England on Christmas Day 1066. William the Conqueror introduced the feudal monarchy in England. He had already built a strong feudal domain in the French province of Normandy. He was crowned king of England when he fought Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
charlemagne
Basic Definition "Charles the Great" was a Carolingian monarch in the line of Charles Martel.. He established a substantial Frankish/Germanic Christian Empire in France and Germany around 800. He was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor on December 25, 800
3 field system
Basic Definition 3 Field system was developed in Western Europe in the 9th century. The farmland was divided into 3 equal fields. 2 fields were planted with a winter crop like wheat or rye a spring crop like peas, lentils or beans and 1 field was used as a grazing field for animals ie.... The crapped in the field which fertilized it as it lay fallow for a season. This increased the production of the fields and kept the yield of food high.
Quetzalcoatl
Basic Definition A Toltec god around 1200 CE. The word "Quetzalcoatl" means "feathered serpent" Quetzalcoatl is the Aztec God of creation (he created the world with his opposite God, Tezcatlipoca), learning, science, agriculture, and the arts. The Toltecs of Central Mexico with legends of Topiltzin, a Toltec leader and priest dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. He was one of the most important gods in ancient Mesoamerica first worshiped in Teotihuacan.
Magna Carta
Basic Definition A great charter issued by King John (he was forced to sign it by the aristocracy) of England in 1215 A.D. It confirmed feudal rights against monarchical (Kings) claims. Represented principle of mutual limits and obligations between rulers and feudal aristocracy. The Magna Carta was signed on the plain at Runnymede in 1215 A.D.
mita
Basic Definition A labor tax system devised by the Inca government, and instituted around 1438 in which the people worked for the government for a certain period of time every year. This work would be whatever the government needed. (building roads, tambos, temples, bridges, etc...) The government took care of the family whose male members were absent while doing Mita.
Holy Roman Empire
Basic Definition A major political institution in Europe that lasted from the 9th to the 19th centuries. It was loosely organized and modeled somewhat on the ancient Roman Empire. It included great amounts of territory in the central and western parts of Europe. Charlemagne was its first emperor as he was crowned by the Pope. (It really wasn't very Roman or Holy and it was a loosely organized Empire but nonetheless it did combine the legacy of Rome and the Power of the Church with Germanic traditions)
Manorialism
Basic Definition A system that described economic and political relationships between landlords and their peasant laborers during the middle ages in Western Europe from the ( 8th century ) on through the next several hundred years. This economic system in Europe was a result of the dangerous and feudal society that people lived in with threat of invasion that disrupted trade during the dark ages.
Gothic
Basic Definition An architectural style developed during the Middle Ages in western Europe; featured pointed arches and flying buttresses as external supports on main walls. When: during the Middle Ages in the 12th-16th centuries. Why: to show the power and grandeur of God and the religious power in the time period. Where: western Europe Who: Medieval Christians
Urban II
Basic Definition Around 1095 CE, Pope Urban II was the leader of the Western Church in Rome, originally from France. He began the Crusades by declaring "God wills it" and saying that whoever fights in the Crusades would receive a place in heaven, and that obviously caused many people to want to fight. The purpose of the Crusades was to capture the Holy Land (Jerusalem) which had been "taken" by the Turks, which ultimately didn't happen.
Cahokia (Mississippi River Valley)
Basic Definition Cahokia is the largest earthen pyramid now called Monk's Mound. It was most populated between 1200 and 1500 C.E. Located near East St.Louis, Illinois, this mound covered 5 square miles. More than 30,000 people inhabited in and around this area. This land was agriculturally suited for maize and bean growth.
calpulli
Basic Definition Calpulli were tribes, or clans made up of extended families in Aztec society that began around 12 century C.E. When they settled in Tenochtitlan,the Aztec capital was divided into neighborhoods called calpulli (literally means house groups). Each tribe (calpulli) had their own neighborhood, where local inhabitants had use of agricultural lands. It was built on a series of islands that covered a large part of the Valley of Mexico
Carolingians
Basic Definition Carolingian dynasty, family of Frankish aristocrats and the dynasty (ad 750-887) that they established to rule western Europe. The name derives from the large number of family members who bore the name Charles, most notably Charlemagne. One of the founders, Charles Martel
Charles Martel
Basic Definition Charles Martel was a Frankish Statesman (mayor of the palace) who became the ruler of the Franks becauses of his success at the Battle of Tours against Muslim invasion (732) where he gained the nickname "The Hammer." Some even consider him the Savior of Christianity in the West
chinampas
Basic Definition Chinampas, also known as floating gardens, were a type of agriculture used in Mesoamerica in Tenochitlan (the valley of Mexico). They were small rectangular pieces of land that floated in shallow water. This type of Agriculture was used by the Aztecs. Chinampas were used as early as 1100 AD. The chinampas worked because the lakes provided moisture and decomposing nutrients that fertilized the crops on the Chinampas. Crops grown were maize and squash.
100 Years War
Basic Definition Conflict between England and France from 1337-1453; fought over lands England possessed in France and feudal rights versus the emerging claims of national states. Who: Edward lll started the 100 years war when the french king Charles lV died. Why: It started because Edward the lll wanted to become France's new king. How: The war starts off with several stunning successes on Britain's part and the English forces dominate France for decades.When: The 100 years war start in 1337 and ended in 1453.
split inheritance
Basic Definition During the Inca Empire, which was founded in 1438 AD, split inheritance was used for succession between rulers. When a ruler died, his political power and titles transferred, but the new ruler had to accumulate his own wealth and even build his own palace. The possessions of the dead ruler would remain in his possession under the responsibility of a son who did not get his title and be used in the worship of his spirit.
investure
Basic Definition From 1073-1085 Pope Gregory VII argued with the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV for his right to appoint church officials. This lead to a war between Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV which was called the Concordat of Worms. Gregory eventually won his point andHoly Roman Emperor Henry IV begged for forgiveness on his knees in the snow. The Church had been corrupted by political appointed clergy who were first loyal to the kings of Europe instead of the Popes.
guilds
Basic Definition Guilds, which flourished in Western Europe between the 11th and 16th centuries, were groups of people who were in the same business and trade in the same city. There were two types of guilds:merchant and artisan. Merchant guilds were made up of the merchants in a city and artisan guilds were made up of the artisans and craftsmen of the city. The appearance and growth of towns after the Dark Ages aided in the development of guilds.
moldboard
Basic Definition Heavy plow introduced in northern Europe during the Middle Ages; permitted deeper cultivation of heavier soils. It was used in the manors of feudal Europe as a way to effectively deal with the difficult soil found in the north and as a way to create more arable land in order to increase the food supply for a growing population in the later middle ages.
vassals
Basic Definition Members of the military elite who received land or a benefice from a feudal lord in return for military service and loyalty from the 6th century onward in Western Europe. Greater lords provided protection and aid to lesser lords, who in turn owed their lords military service, some goods or payments, and advice.
Gregory VII
Basic Definition Pope during the 11th century who attempted to free church from interference of feudal lords; quarreled with Roman Emperor Henry IV over practice of lay investiture.
Vikings
Basic Definition Seagoing Scandinavian raiders from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway who disrupted coastal areas of Western Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries.The name 'Viking' comes from a language called 'Old Norse' and means 'a pirate raid.' The Vikings also engaged in trade and exploration in Northern Europe and even had a brief, small colony in the Americas.
serfs
Basic Definition Serfs are agricultural workers in Western Europe during the Middle Ages (476-1453) under the Feudal System. They work for Lords under the feudal system. They owned no land and they could not leave the Manor without their Lord's permission. There was essentially a contract between lords and serfs in the manorial system. The serfs provided labor and food in exchange the lord would provide protection and a share of the food produced on the manor.
Scholasticism
Basic Definition Starting after the 13th century, scholasticism was the dominant medieval philosophical approach (Christian thinkers) used logic to solve theological problems and this approach was taught schools and universities in medieval Europe. It helped Support Christian belief with the reason and logic of the Greek philosophers by spreading its learning ideas. It was a blending of Greek and Roman thought with the Christian World view. Usually associated with thinkers like Thomas Aquinas.
tambos
Basic Definition Tambos were inns, storehouses, and supply centers for the Inca armies and messengers along the VAST ROAD SYSTEM that united their empire. The Inca empire was established in 1438. Tambos were located near or along many of the roads the Incas built for conquering people. Tambos were also places for messengers to relay their messages. The Inca civilization had over 10,000 tambos throughout their road systems.
Tenochtitlan
Basic Definition Tenochtitlan was an Aztec city state located on an island in Lake Texcoco. Founded in 1325, it became the capital of the expanding Aztec Empire in the 15th century until it was captured by the Spanish in 1521. Tenochtitlan joined with Tlacopan and Texcoco in 1434 to form a triple alliance that controlled most of the central plateau of mesoamerica. At its peak, it was the largest city in pre-Columbian America ( between 200-300 thousand people). In Tenochtitlan Chinampas (4:07)were major sources of food for the Aztecian people. (present day Mexico City)
Black Death
Basic Definition The Black Death originated in China or Central Asia and was spread to Europe by fleas and rats that resided on ships; it was also spread along the Silk Road. This resulted in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people during Europe's years of 1346-1353. The Black Death began in fleas which rode on the backs of rats. The rats were the ultimate transmitters as the fleas infested the human population. Centuries after its occurrence, the disease. was named the "Black Death." There were three different strains of the plague: Bubonic plague, Pneumonic Plague and Septicemic Plague. 1/3rd of the population died)
Hanseatic League
Basic Definition The Hanseatic League is a confederation of merchant guilds and banks, and encouraged trade. They created their own trade laws and regulations. They lasted from the late middle ages to the beginning of the modern period and they lived in northern Germany and southern Scandinavia. Some of the people in these guilds were Jewish and the trade took place in and around the Baltic Sea. This was a sign that trade was starting again as the Middle Ages were ending.
Toltec Culture
Basic Definition The Toltec created an empire, from about the 10th-12th century AD, covering much of central Mexico. The following is an example of the spread of influence: the capital Tula influenced distant Guatemala. The Toltec influence later spread north. Toltec influence was dominant for a long time in the valley of Mexico and influenced Meso-American Cultures beyond it's borders and were the predecessors of the Aztec culture.
3 estates
Basic Definition This was a system of dividing French citizens of society into different groups and was popular before the French Revolution (1789). 1st estate is the Clergy who ran the Church. The 2nd estate is the Nobility who are the landowning aristocracy that doesn't have to pay taxes. The 3rd estate were the commoners/peasants who made up most of the population. The king was above all the estates.
waru waru
Basic Definition Waru Waru was an agricultural technique that used raised beds with irrigation channels to prevent soil from being washed away during floods. It was used by pre-Columbian South America, (Inca) from Colombia to Bolivia about 300 B.C. It was used because of the massive down pours that often occurred in the region. It was needed to produce enough food for a growing Inca population.
clovis
Basic Definition Clovis was the king of the Franks who converted to Christianity in 496 Ad. He became the first king over the entirety of the Frankish tribes. He is considered the founder of "France" and known for military brilliance. He is known to start the Merovingian dynasty.
Temple of the Sun
Basic Definition The magnificent Temple of the Sun, also known as Coricancha, located in Cuzco was the center of the state religion (1438-1527), and in its confines the mummies of the past Incas were kept. The cult of the sun was spread throughout the empire, but the Incas did not prohibit the worship of local gods. In the Cuzco area, imaginary lines running from the Temple of the Sun organized the huacas into groups for which certain ayllus took responsibility. Sacrificial actions occurred here as animism was profound. Also, the rooms inside of the temple were seemingly designed to be used for natural worship for different elements of nature. Most of this temple was destroyed during Spanish invasion. (most Inca cities had a temple to the sun but the main one was in the capital city of Cuzco)
Thomas Aquinas
Basic Definition Thomas Aquinas was an Italian monk and a religious scholar at the University of Paris and one of the most brilliant minds in European history living from 1225-1274 AD. He was born to a noble family in Italy. He came into contact with Roman texts in the University of Naples He worked to blend rational knowledge (science) and Christian faith and he created nearly 200 Christian theologies in less than three decades. After his death he was declared the saint of teachers by the Roman Catholic Church. He believed that the world could be usefully explored through reason and not just faith and that most things could be discovered through nature without the intervention of God
Pachacuti
Basic Definition: The ruler of Inca society, in modern day Peru, from 1438-1471. He transformed the Kingdom of Cuzco into the Inca Empire. He conquered various peoples in what is now considered southern Peru and extended his power to the north in Ecuador. The name Pachacuti, which he gave himself as he rose to power, can be translated to 'Reverser of the World' or 'Earth Shaker'.
Charles Martel
Significance Blocked the Muslim advance into Western Europe at the battles of Tours in 732 which allows Europe to grow and a Christian world region that will eventually turn the tide of Muslim dominance in the world trade routes. He is appointed ruler over the Frankish people which marks the transition from the Merovingian dynasty of Clovis to the Carolingian dynasty that will eventually bring Charlemagne to the throne.
charlemagne
Significance Charlemagne helped restore the education (Church based) in western Europe and intellectual activity began to increase slowly and eventually allow Europe to begin to claw its way out of the Dark Ages. He is known as the "Father of Europe" as he was able to unite a large geographical area under his rule for a short time reviving the idea of the Roman Empire He is symbolic of the connectedness between papal and monarchical power that defines the Middle ages. He can be compared to Justinian in the East as Justinian spreads Christianity in the Byzantine empire and revives the idea of a Roman empire long after it was actually gone.
Urban II
Significance Essentially, Urban II was the one who caused the start of the Crusades, or at least allowed the men to go to war. There were many different Crusades that extended the turmoil between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. All three of these religions claimed that the same area was their Holy Land, which is why there was such a dispute over who had it.
Magna Carta
Significance Established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king. LEX/REX this was the first time since the Roman Republic ended that the Law placed rulers under it. The significance of this document can't be overstated to Western civilization. It is what is going to eventually result in the creation of the United States which is going to be a completely LEX/REX system. With the Constitution being the law that the government must live by.
Pachacuti
Significance He can be compared to Philip II of Macedonia because they both initiated swift, far-reaching expansion of a state or empire over a hard to unite geography. After his death, he was highly venerated and worshipped and in the official Inca State Archives, almost all significant developments in the state and empire were credited to Pachacuti. He was undoubtedly the most significant Inca ruler.
Gregory VII
Significance He was vital in separating the Roman church from the Feudal Lords, which would make the church sort of function on its own and with considerable power. He symbolizes the battle between popes and kings in europe for power as well as their dependence on each other for legitimacy. This battle will continue with different popes and kings for years and will culminate in the Reformation in the 16th century.
Carolingians
Significance In the Middle Ages, the Carolingians were the one example of some sort of political unity over a wide area of Europe. When the Carolingian dynasty ended it left the outlines for modern France, Germany and the Low Countries. (similar to how Napoleon and later Hitler tried to unify Europe) also similar to the EU in that respect today. (see pic to the right of the Pope Crowning Charlemagne) The Carolingians were a major conduit in the spread of the Christian faith over Europe. The dynasty also inspired the Holy Roman Empires due to "marriage" of the Popes and the Frankish kings. Which symbolized the importance of the Church in both religion and politics as well as culture in Europe.
Tenochtitlan
Significance It was an amazing engineering feat at that time in the world, considering it was built in the the middle of a lake. Shows that the Aztecs were extremely technologically advanced considering that they didn't have the same tools that the Europeans had at the time. It can be compared to Rome because both cities used aqueducts. Can also be compared to Venice because of its extensive canal system. Mexico city is now where Tenochtitlan was located because it was built over by the Spaniards when they conquered mexico in 1521.
Gothic
Significance Medieval Europe is not known as a golden age by any stretch of the imagination however it is clear by the glorious and towering Gothic architecture that it was not void of intellect, art, skill, and beauty It is also symbolic of the great wealth and power of the Christian Church during the time period. The Church and its buildings were the center of power and culture as the late Middle ages begin. The gothic images are symbolic of the Dark Ages as a historical era.
serfs
Significance Serfs in the feudal manor in Western Europe can be compared to essentially the exact same way the Russian used serfs as a form of labor in the late middle to early modern era in Eastern Europe. There were some similarities to chattel slavery in the new world in the modern era with GREAT exceptions. Serfs had virtually no chance of improving their social status in the Feudal world much like slaves in the new world had no chance at the same thing. They were both bound to the land and lord.
Black Death
Significance The Black Death shows the connectivity between the west and asia because of the Mongol conquests.The English immune systems weren't prepared for a new disease spread by the conquests. Secondly the Black Death gave people a reason to shift away from the church and look more into science and a feudal system because the pope could do nothing about the situation. The spread of the black death can be compared to hellenistic culture spread by alexander the great because, Alexander was pushing western culture towards the east, and the mongols were pushing eastern culture towards the west. As the Black Death significantly reduced Europe's lower-class population, an effect of the plague was the alteration of the social structures of the affected regions.
Vikings
Significance The Vikings frequently invaded Western Europe, and reflected and prolonged the weakness of the West, as they made it difficult to to develop durable government or economic forms. The invasions of the Vikings could be compared to that of the Mongols in some ways. They eventually adopt the Christianity of those they invade. They sometimes settle and assimilate into the civilizations they invade ie... William the Conqueror, Rurik etc... The Vikings used long boats with shallow hulls so they could traverse the European rivers. This shows a technological adaptation to geography much like the Arab Dhows did with the lateen sails to catch the monsoon winds on the Indian Ocean.
split inheritance
Significance The fact that each new ruler had to get his own wealth, and build his own palace required each ruler to keep conquering more land, in order to get more money and land to build his own palace. This accumulation of new wealth every time a ruler changed made them a prime target for the Spanish conquistadors, who wanted their wealth. Compare to ATG who split his empire amongst his generals or to Charlemagne who split his empire amongst his grandsons with the treaty of Verdun or even Yaraslav the "not" so wise who did the same. This almost always spells disaster for the future of an empire. It stands in contrast to the typical practice of primogeniture that was used in most civilizations
William the Conqueror
Significance The significance of William the Conqueror was that he brought the feudal monarchy to England and established that system. (Feudalism comes to England) He was of Viking descent and he ruled land in France and eventually England. This is going to eventually cause the conflict over French lands known as the 100 Years War. He also shows that the Vikings had assimilated into Christian Europe and were no longer an outside threat.
Cahokia (Mississippi River Valley)
Significance The size of the Cahokian, earthen pyramid can be compared to Mexico's large earthen pyramids and even the Egyptian pyramids although those were stone pyramids. It is not common to think of Native American cultures in what is now that United states to be formed in a similar way to Mesoamerican cultures. We commonly view them as hunter gatherer societies as most were, however this is an example of an exception to the rule.
Hanseatic League
Significance These guilds used what we now call capitalism, which will remain in play throughout history all the way until modern times. They opened their own banks and often loaned and invested money in the expectation that they would profit. It served as a model to other countries to adopt free trade practices and agreement between countries. Used banking in order to create investment capital for trade.
investure
Significance This event is significant because it gave the pope more political power over the kings and it also gave the papacy more power to control church officials. This lead to a struggle between Gregory VII and Henry IV which was called the Concordat of Worms. (which essentially gave king's veto power but not the power to appoint church officials) It is symbolic of the constant struggle for political power in the chaotic Middle ages and it shows how the popes were dependent on the kings and the kings were dependent on the popes to legitimize each others power in Christendom.
chinampas
Significance This improved the economics by providing food all year long. Chinampas helped feed the very large population which helped the Aztec population grow. The chinampas enabled the Aztecs to increase their food supply as well. These techniques can be compared to the way the early river valley civilizations irrigated their crops using various different techniques. (pick one) Or to the Inca who used the waru waru (see that slide for similarities)
Holy Roman Empire
Significance This is the one exception to the typical small Feudal kingdoms that made up Europe during the dark ages as it was the largest unified political entity in Europe since the fall of Rome up until today. It existed in some form until its collapse in the 19th century. It was looked to as an example of how Europe could be a united state by people like Napoleon and Hitler in later years. It also can be compared to the present European Union that is an attempt to once again unite Europe.
100 Years War
Significance This is the war that created France and England as we know them. It ended the Dark Ages and started the Modern Era. This war marks the final shift from Feudal government to National states. This war wouldn't have ended if it wasn't for Joan of Arc. Joan of the Arc was a 15 year old teenager who saved many lives by ending the war because it wasn't for her the war would have continued all they way until now. Major shift from the upper class fighting done by knights to the common man fighting with longbows (symbolizes the end of Feudalism)
mita
Significance This system of Mita was similar to Corvee Labor in Egypt and China that was used for massive governmental building projects like the Great Wall, the Grand Canal, or the pyramids Since this system was already in place in Peru when the Spanish arrive they keep it in place in order to get cheap (free) labor from the natives in the silver and mercury mines that the exploit for wealth. (Spanish Mita system) (it is a form of coerced labor that borders on slavery)
Toltec Culture
Significance Toltec culture can be compared to the Spartans as they were both militaristically based governments. The Valley of Mexico saw a series of empires occupying the same location and influencing the next civilization to occupy the region. This is similar to the succession of empires in West Africa ie... Ghana, Mali, Songhay.
waru waru
Significance Waru Waru were similar to the chinampas used by the Aztecs for farming. Island farming if you will. This is a great ex. Of #1 WHAP Theme as it shows a way people adapt farming to the terrain they are in. The Inca also used step terrace for farming in mountainous terrain of the Andes. Much like the Egyptians used the Shaduf and the Maya used slash and burn techniques to farm in the Yucatan Peninsula. The use of Waru Waru was revived in Bolivia, Puno, and Peru and continues to be used today.
manorialism
Significance When stable centralized governments break down (which is what happened with the Fall of Rome) people tend to look to a self sufficient economic system in order to survive. The is exactly what the Manorial system was. I system where localities could provide for all of their own needs without depending on trade from the outside. This type of economic system is found in Feudalism which is a political system that goes hand in hand with this economic system. It can be found in other places as well like in Feudal Japan and the Warring states era in China.
Quetzalcoatl
Significance When the Spanish Christian conquistadors arrive they see this apparent animistic and polytheistic belief system as heretical and something to be stamped out as was the human sacrifice that was associated with it. It was a justification to spread Christianity. He and the whole religious belief system can be compared to the mythology of the Sumerians and eventually the Egyptians and the Greeks as they all are designed to explain the natural world in the absence of science and monotheism.
3 field system
Significance With the upgrade from the two field system and having two harvest a year it reduced crop failure and famine. With more food meant more population, more population meant more division of labor, which meant innovation and the demise of the manor system, which meant the end to the Feudal system and the rise of centralized monarchies and the beginning of nation states, which meant an end to the Dark Ages and the beginning of an expanding European culture that would begin to dominate world affairs in the modern era. Take your pick of the effects above
Temple of the Sun
Significance Although the Temple of the Sun was used to spread the cult of the sun, the Incas can be compared to the Persians as both had a base religion, but neither forced or persecuted people who chose to keep their religion. Much like the Aztecs, the Inca felt that they were representatives of the sun and placed the value of the sun as their highest deity. The position of importance placed upon the sun by the Incans and Aztecs also reflects the sun god Ra of the Egyptian culture.
Thomas Aquinas
Significance Both Christianity and Islam were struggling with how they could reconcile religion and faith. At the time of Aquinas, Islam was becoming more oppressive. A Muslim philosopher known as Averroes can be compared to Aquinas in that both of them had been influenced by Aristotle and they believed that reason and faith could be compatible. However, Averroes's ideas and books were banned and destroyed as Islam rejected reason which didn't happen due to Aquinas in Christianity. As his book SUMMA THEOLOGICA is one of the most well known and celebrated books in the Western Tradition that he helped to shape. (it is a synthesis of all knowledge if you will) or the coming together of the study of all things related to theology)
clovis
Significance Compare to the Slavs/Russians as they adopt Christianity and from the Byzantine empire. The Franks are going to adopt Christianity via the influence of the Roman Church. He was ruler of much of what the Romans called Gaul from 481 to 511 AD which is after the fall of the Roman empire during the transformation into europe. He is symbolic of the fact that the "Dark Ages" have started and the barbarians are now in charge of themselves if you will.
guilds
Significance The cause of these trade guilds results from the growth of cities as Europe is being invaded less and food production has gone up so cities and trade begin to grow as well as a middle class of people who used to be serfs are now setting out on their own. It symbolizes a growing middle class that is going to challenge the Feudal political structure and begin to assert themselves as a power to be reckoned with in Europe. Also they can be compared in some ways to modern unions that are going to result from the Industrial Revolution
3 estates
Significance This system of dividing society is a carryover from the feudal system that is going to have be dealt with in the rapidly change times after the Dark Ages had ended. With an emerging middle class in France it seem inevitable that you would see the 3rd estate rise up and challenge for more power that used to lie in the hands of the first 2 estates. It ill be the cause of the eventual French Revolution.
