The Medieval World: Islamic Caliphates, West Africa and Europe: Grade 7 Study Guide
From about 500 to 1500, great civilizations on three continents traded, built cities and shared knowledge.
The word medieval describes the Middle Ages, roughly 500 to 1500 CE. The history of this time was not the same in every region. In the Islamic world, caliphates such as the Abbasids (from 750) ruled a large area from Baghdad, a center of learning. Scholars in the House of Wisdom translated and expanded works in mathematics, medicine and astronomy; the word algebra comes from Arabic.
In West Africa, the empire of Mali grew rich from the gold and salt trade across the Sahara. Its ruler Mansa Musa made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, and the city of Timbuktu became a center of learning and trade. In Europe, kingdoms were organized by feudalism, where lords gave land to vassals in return for service, and the Church was very influential.
Three regions compared
| Region | Known for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic caliphates | science, trade, cities | House of Wisdom, Baghdad |
| West Africa (Mali) | gold and salt trade, learning | Mansa Musa, Timbuktu |
| Medieval Europe | feudalism, castles, cathedrals | Magna Carta (1215) |
Trade and connection
Trade routes linked these regions: caravans crossed the Sahara; ships crossed the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean; the Silk Road linked Asia with the Mediterranean. Goods (spices, silk, gold, salt), technologies (paper, the compass) and ideas moved along them. Trade also helped spread disease: the Black Death (1347 to 1351) killed a large share of Europe's population and changed society.
Land and sea.
Gold, salt, spices.
Mathematics, religion.
Wealth, growth of cities, disease.
Law and power
In England, the Magna Carta (1215) limited the power of the king and began a tradition that rulers must obey the law. In the Islamic world, scholars wrote about law and ethics. In Mali, a council of leaders advised the king. Compare how power was shared in each place.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: Compare Timbuktu and a European town: both were trade centers, but Timbuktu was famous for its libraries and universities. Common mistakes: describing the Middle Ages as only a European 'dark age', ignoring Africa and Asia, and treating one source as the whole story. Use maps and timelines to place events.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. The ruler of Mali who made a famous pilgrimage in 1324. 2. Gold or salt. 3. A center of learning in Baghdad where scholars translated and wrote works.
✨ Key Takeaways
- The medieval world was connected by trade.
- Baghdad and Timbuktu were centers of learning.
- Feudalism organized medieval Europe.
- Magna Carta limited a king's power.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Who was Mansa Musa?
- Name a trade good of West Africa.
- What was the House of Wisdom?
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