250 word summary

Encounters with Islam

· Different Arab tribes united in the 7th century CE; their political influence spread to Spain, Central Asia, Afghanistan, West Africa, China, and South and Southeast Asia (Norton) 

· Traders set up an extensive network of routes, which facilitated "an extraordinary exchange of goods" (Norton) --> routes stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to East Asia, and from the equator to Northern Europe (Norton)

· Commodities were exchanged along these routes, but also ideas and art. The exchange of ideas and art diversified literary forms and styles (Norton)

("Map of the Silk Road Routes" from Ancient History Encyclopedia)

· Islam became religion of ruling classes along ^ trade routes, but unlike Christianity, it was NOT imposed on local cultures; instead, Islam existed side-by-side with local religions, thereby facilitating a diverse, multicultural environment (Norton)

· Map of Western Africa (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. ,1200 CE - 1400 CE

Watch：

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvnU0v6hcUo&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOS78ul1_rA&feature=youtu.be