NaimExplain

What were some of the main causes of the decay and fall of the western Roman Empire? Answer: Epidemic disease caused loss of about a quarter of the population (as well as lead poisoning). "Barracks emperors" seized power, which led to chaos. External pressures such as germanic invasions caused Rome to collapse, after it was already weak.

How did China's culture change after the decline of the Han Dynasty? Answer: The fall of the Han dynasty presented a spectacle of chaos and disorder around China. War and nomadic Invasions led to population decline. Buddhism received strong support from nomadic people, as Indian missionary efforts attracted Chinese as well. Buddhism provided an important cultural foundation for the restoration of unified political order.

What were the long-term effects of the spread of disease along the silk roads? Answer: Decline of population was a leading factor in the collapse of both the Roman and Han empires.

Why is the rise of Manichaeism such a good example of the relationship between long- distance trade and the spread of religion? Answer: Cultures mashed together because of silk roads, Manichaeism is a mash of christianity, zoroastrian, and buddhism.

How did the silk roads facilitate the spread of Hinduism and Christianity? Answer: Beliefs spread quickly because of it was easier for missionaries to be sent to those areas.

How did Buddhism become the most popular faith in all of east Asia? Answer: Oasis communities spread beliefs to steppe people. Foreign merchants brought beliefs to China, and became more and more popular as Chinese began to respond enthusiastically to their beliefs.

In general, what regions were trades along the silk roads? Answer: Mediterranean basin, Roman and Han empires, Central Asia, and north Africa.