Question 1

The rise of Constantinople as the most important city in the east

Accepted Answer

The rise of Constantinople as a major city and the subsequent shift of political power to the East exacerbated the division between the Eastern and Western Roman Empire, leading to distinct cultural, political, and religious differences that would eventually contribute to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Question 2

To guarantee state income in the third century CE, the emperors

Accepted Answer

In the third century CE, Roman emperors took steps to limit economic and social mobility as a means to stabilize and guarantee state income. This included measures such as binding small farmers to their land and making occupations hereditary, to ensure a steady and reliable tax base and labor force.

Question 3

As the problems of the empire intensified, its inhabitants tried to establish a new set of social and political connections to guarantee their safety and security, with urban inhabitants turning to

Accepted Answer

Urban inhabitants turned to bishops as they were influential figures who could provide protection and support in times of instability.

Question 4

After 200 C.E., outside pressures exacerbated the internal problems of the eastern Roman Empire, especially

Accepted Answer

The eastern Roman Empire faced significant external pressures from wars with Parthia and Sasanid Persia, which were powerful neighboring empires that posed a continuous threat to its stability.

Question 5

When the German king Odoacer forced emperor Romulus Augustulus to abdicate,

Accepted Answer

Odoacer's takeover marked the end of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, but for most people living in the empire, life continued much as it had before. The administrative and social structures remained largely intact, and the dramatic political change did not significantly alter the day-to-day lives of the empire's inhabitants.

Question 6

The Iranian empires

Accepted Answer

The Iranian empires, such as the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian, were conglomerates of various kingdoms and provinces, each with a degree of autonomy but under the overall sovereignty of the emperor.

Question 7

The Iranian empire's cohesion depended greatly on

Accepted Answer

The cohesion of the Iranian empire, particularly during the Parthian era, was significantly influenced by the strength and leadership of the Parthian ruler. The Parthian rulers' ability to maintain control over their vast territories and diverse populations was crucial for the empire's stability and cohesion.

Question 8

After the Roman empire was divided into east and west

Accepted Answer

The division of the Roman Empire into East and West did not end the conflicts with external powers. The Western Roman Empire continued to face military engagements with the Sasanid Empire, among other adversaries, until its decline.

Question 9

The Parthian and Sasanid armies were especially effective because of

Accepted Answer

The Parthian and Sasanid armies were renowned for their cavalry, particularly the heavily armored cataphracts and horse archers, which were crucial to their military effectiveness.

Question 10

To support their rule, the Iranian kings relied on

Accepted Answer

The Iranian kings, particularly during the Achaemenid and Sassanian empires, relied on Zoroastrianism as the state religion to support their rule.

Quiz 6: The Unification of Western Eurasia 500 Bce-500 C.E.