Question

Cultural characteristics such as religion and language spread between civilizations in Africa and Asia largely because of increased trade during the medieval period. Choose one of the civilizations that were covered in this unit. Then, in 400 to 500 words, explain how trade influenced the selected civilization’s development of culture, including language and religion.

Answer 1

Trade had a significant impact on the development of culture, language, and religion in Africa during the medieval period.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the medieval period, trade played a significant role in influencing the development of culture, language, and religion in civilizations in Africa and Asia. One example of a civilization that was impacted by trade is Africa. The trade routes within Africa, as well as with Europe and Asia, allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and beliefs.

Trade in Africa led to the spread of different religions, such as Christianity and Islam. Christian missionaries and Muslim teachers introduced these monotheistic belief systems to various African societies. This brought about a revolution in the nature of belief and led to the adoption of new religious practices.

Language also spread through trade. The interaction among different cultures and societies facilitated language exchanges. For example, the Swahili coast in East Africa witnessed the Africanization of Islam, where local languages and cultural practices blended with Islamic beliefs to create a unique cultural expression.

Overall, increased trade during the medieval period in Africa influenced the civilization's development of culture, language, and religion by introducing new belief systems, facilitating the exchange of ideas, and blending different cultural practices.