HIS-1010_WA1.docx

1 Running Head: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1 HIS-1010 Western Civilization I Written Assignment 1 Thomas Edison State University

2 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1 Short Answer Questions Briefly explain the major reasons for the disintegration of the Roman Empire. The disintegration of the Roman Empire was a long, complex ending that took centuries. There were a number of factors that played into the demise, and each seem to be connected in some form. The empire faced political instability, economic decline, giving up on the West, and barbarian invasions are some of the major reasons the empire fell. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] Once Emperor Constantine founded the new capital, Constantinople, things began to fall. This new capital forced the empire to focus its attention eastward, essentially giving up on the West. This led to several challenges in the West, commerce declined, the local governments became ineffective, taxation increased, and the free farmers became tied to their land. The army began to fight internally, fighting for the emperor’s seat and the power. This caused to defenses in the West to dwindle, making it easier for barbarian tribes to invade. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] Some barbarian tribes tried for peaceful access, while others used force to raid, loot, and kill their way into Roman territories. The Huns and the Arabs led massive raids through Roman lands and played a key role in the final blow that disintegrated the Roman Empire.[ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] Explain the importance of Christianity and its influence on the development of early Western civilization.

3 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1 Christianity played a very important role in the development of early Western civilization. The belief that religious and political powers should be separated, the shift in ethical and moral values, and the sense of community, purpose, and equality for all. Christianity brought people together, ensured that the church could not become too powerful, and changed the way people looked at one another and the world. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] The belief that one person should not hold both, political and religious authority, protected individual liberties. The separation of church and state not only help develop early Western civilizations, but it also helped shape ours. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] The heavy lean Romans put on achievements was cast aside with Christianity. The emphasis was now on equality, social justice, and compassion. Treating everyone with dignity, helping the poor, and seeing people as equals. This was very appealing to woman, the poor, and those who could not find their way. Christianity offered a sense of community, purpose, and equality. Women were able to take on leadership roles within the religion, something that was foreign in Roman society. The poor were not looked at with pity, but as equals. Christianity helped people see the broad appeal of faith. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] Discuss how universities came to be founded in the Latin West during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and explain the main trends in intellectual thought during this period.

4 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1 During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, universities began to emerge in the Latin West due to the support from the church, the rising governments, and the economic success regions were having. Many of the universities began as informal gatherings of people wanting to pass their knowledge along, and people wanting to learn. Over time, these gatherings became organized and expanded to what we know now. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ] Theology became the intellectual trend of universities. While students still held onto their beliefs, they were now seeking answers to the questions they had. Books were written like, “Why Did God Become Man?” by Anselm, giving explanations, and answering many questions many had at the time. Another book, “Yes and No” from Abelard examined inconsistent statements from St. Augustine and others. This was an attempt to make the religion consistent with the use of reason and reflection. [ CITATION Pal14 \l 1033 ]

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