Question 1

The Germanic states differed from the previous Roman Empire because the Germans

Accepted Answer

The Germanic states were based on the war-bands, which were groups of warriors loyal to a leader who maintained control through military strength. This system was different from the previous Roman Empire's bureaucratic and centralized government structure. The Germans were not completely democratic, as power was still concentrated among a small group of elites. Though many Germans were Christian, this was not a defining characteristic of their political system. The Byzantines did not necessarily respect the Germans, as they were often in conflict with them. The Germans did have a military, which was crucial to their system of government.

Question 2

Which of the following was a major religious center for the Christian Church?

Accepted Answer

All of these cities were major religious centers for the Christian Church. Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople were pivotal in the development and spread of Christian doctrine, each hosting significant Christian communities and theological schools. Jerusalem holds a central place in Christian tradition as the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Question 3

During the seventh and eighth centuries,in contrast to Roman times,the basic administrative unit of the Byzantine Empire was the

Accepted Answer

During the seventh and eighth centuries, the Byzantine Empire reorganized its administrative structure and replaced the old system of provinces with the theme system. The basic administrative unit of the empire became the theme, which was governed by a military commander known as a strategos. The theme system, which was based on a division of the empire into military districts, allowed for more efficient defense against external threats and greater control over the population. The Senate and Assembly were still present, but they had more limited roles in the administration of the empire. The Legion and Diocese were not relevant administrative units during this period.

Question 4

The highest-ranking bishop in Rome was the

Accepted Answer

The highest-ranking bishop in Rome is the Pope, who is the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. The Patriarch is a title given to some high-ranking bishops in Eastern Orthodoxy, but it does not refer to the highest-ranking bishop in Rome. The Vizier and Caliph are titles given to Islamic leaders, and the Emperor was the title given to rulers of the Roman Empire, but none of these were the highest-ranking bishop in Rome.

Question 5

Far more than attacks from foreign powers,Byzantium's largest difficulty over the years was

Accepted Answer

The Byzantine Empire faced numerous challenges, but the plague, particularly the Plague of Justinian in the 6th century, had a devastating impact on its population and economy, causing significant long-term difficulties.

Question 6

Bubonic plague was spread to people by

Accepted Answer

Bubonic plague is primarily spread through bites from fleas that have previously fed on infected rodents, such as rats. The bacteria that causes the plague lives in the fleas and can be passed on to humans through their bite. Thus, choice B is the best answer.

Question 7

Which empire was the only major empire in existence in in 500?

Accepted Answer

The Byzantine Empire was the only major empire in existence around the year 500, as it was the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire following the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Question 8

The first outbreak of the bubonic plague in the Byzantine Empire in 541 occurred during the reign of

Accepted Answer

The bubonic plague outbreak occurred during the reign of Justinian, as recorded by historian Procopius in his work "History of the Wars."

Question 9

An alternate name for the Eastern Roman Empire was

Accepted Answer

This is the most common and widely used alternate name for the Eastern Roman Empire. It comes from the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople and became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The term "Byzantine" is often used to distinguish the later period of the Roman Empire, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century, from the earlier period known as the Western Roman Empire.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Archeological evidence dating from approximately 1000 CE of a Viking settlement has been found in Newfoundland, indicating that Vikings did indeed establish settlements in Canada. Option A is incorrect, as evidence has been found. Option B is not mentioned in the text. Option C is incorrect, as Viking boats were capable of long-distance travel across the open sea. Option E is also incorrect, as Vikings were able to navigate in the open sea.

Question 11

Scandinavians traveled to which of the following locations?

Accepted Answer

Scandinavians, particularly the Vikings, traveled to all of these locations at different points in history. They established trade routes and settlements in Russia (as far inland as the Caspian Sea), explored and colonized Iceland, Greenland, and ultimately reached the shores of modern-day Canada (specifically Newfoundland and Labrador).

Question 12

In the Byzantine Church,what title did the top church leaders use in the first four major Christian cities?

Accepted Answer

The top church leaders in the first four major Christian cities in the Byzantine Church used the title of Patriarch.

Question 13

Byzantine manuscripts were written on what material?

Accepted Answer

Byzantine manuscripts were primarily written on parchment, which was made from animal skin. Papyrus and linen were used in earlier periods, but parchment was the preferred material in the Byzantine era. Silk was sometimes used as a luxury material for decorative purposes, but not for the actual writing of manuscripts.

Question 14

Culturally,the residents of the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire had which of the following in common?

Accepted Answer

Both halves of the Roman Empire spoke Latin and Greek as official languages. They were also predominantly Christian, and followed Roman law. This means that all the choices given were common to both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire.

Question 15

Justinian married Theodora in 520; before marriage she was an actress and

Accepted Answer

Theodora was a circus performer before her marriage to Justinian. She was known for her performances in the theater, including dance and comedy. Her background caused controversy at the time, but Justinian remained devoted to her throughout their marriage.

Question 16

How were the Germanic peoples regarded by the Romans while Rome was still intact?

Accepted Answer

The Germanic peoples were often seen as barbaric by the Romans, and the term "Multiple Centers of Europe, 500-1000" refers to the period after the fall of the Western Roman Empire when various Germanic kingdoms emerged.

Question 17

In 532,Justinian sponsored the building of the "Hagia Sophia" church,whose name means

Accepted Answer

"Hagia Sophia" translates to "Holy Wisdom" in English.

Question 18

Sometime around the year 1000,the journey to Newfoundland was made by

Accepted Answer

Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have made the journey to Newfoundland around the year 1000, becoming the first known European to reach North America. Columbus did not make his voyage until 1492, over 400 years later. Magellan and Da Gama are known for their voyages around the world and to India, respectively, but did not travel to North America.

Question 19

This third largest Byzantine city was captured by the Sasanian Persians.

Accepted Answer

Antioch was the third largest city in the Byzantine Empire and was captured by the Sasanian Persians in 540 AD.

Question 20

How did the Vikings signify to the local natives that they were peaceful?

Accepted Answer

Carrying a white shield was a signal used by the Vikings to indicate their peaceful intentions. This practice was a visual cue that could be easily recognized from a distance, helping to prevent misunderstandings before verbal communication could be established.

Quiz 10: The Multiple Centers of Europe, 500 - 1000