Introduction+to+Postclassical+Period


 * Main Idea - The World Map Changes**: The Postclassical Period was characterized by the spread of major religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam throughout Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. In addition, newly established trade routes facilitated the exchange of manufactured goods, raw materials, and ideas.
 * Triggers for Change:** The decline of Classical civilization presented an unprecedented opportunity for religion to spread throughout previously closed borders and offered ambitious individuals in other parts of the world (particularly in the Middle East) a chance to establish new trade routes. This new emphasis on maritime trade also spurred new innovations in navagational devices.
 * The Big Changes:** With the vigorous spread of new religions came changes within Postclassical civilization. These changes included: more emphasis being placed on religious, rather than political organization; the development of a "coherent" commercial trade network between Afro-Eurasia; and the acceleration of the spread of cultural ideas, technological innovations, and disease.
 * Continuity:** Most civilizations retained many of their cultural values, beliefs, and traditions (social and political structures remained largely the same), despite the revolutionary changes that occured during the Postclassical period. Many times, this retention of culture was blened with ideas from new missionary religions.
 * Impact on Daily Life - Women**: Women, who were often portrayed as being "spirtually equal" by many missionary religions, benefitted from being exposed to new spirtual leadership roles. However, the importance of their economic roles within the family household suffered from the new scope and volume of Postclassical trade.