During the middle ages, in which of these societies did invasion, ang migration NOT play a significant role in social, cultural, and economic change?
A. Byzantium
B. Kievan Russia
C. Mali
D. Song China
The one I would pick would be Mali. All the others were constantly under attack by Mongols or Turks or Arabs or others.
To determine which of these societies did not experience invasion and migration as significant factors in social, cultural, and economic change during the Middle Ages, we need to examine the historical context of each society.
A. Byzantium: The Byzantine Empire, centered around the Eastern Mediterranean and the capital city of Constantinople, faced numerous invasions throughout its history. It was caught in the crossroads of various cultures, resulting in both migratory movements and significant cultural exchanges. Therefore, invasion and migration were important factors in social, cultural, and economic changes in Byzantium.
B. Kievan Russia: Kievan Rus, located in modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, was heavily influenced by Scandinavian and Byzantine cultures. It experienced invasions from nomadic tribes, such as the Mongols, which had lasting socio-economic impacts on the region. Migration also played a significant role as people from various neighboring regions settled and assimilated into Kievan Rus. Hence, invasion and migration were major factors in social, cultural, and economic changes in Kievan Russia.
C. Mali: The Mali Empire, situated in West Africa, experienced significant migration and trade connections across the Sahara Desert. The empire's wealth and power were largely built on the trans-Saharan trade routes, which brought about cultural exchanges and migratory movements. Invasion and migration were fundamental to the social, cultural, and economic changes in Mali.
D. Song China: Unlike the other options, Song China was relatively isolated from large-scale invasions during the Middle Ages. The Great Wall and other defensive measures protected China from external conquests. While there were occasional conflicts with neighboring states, they did not result in significant demographic shifts or large-scale migrations that would have played a major role in social, cultural, and economic changes. Therefore, invasion and migration did not have as pronounced an impact on Song China compared to the other societies mentioned.
Consequently, the society in which invasion and migration did NOT play a significant role in social, cultural, and economic change during the Middle Ages is D. Song China.