Final answer:
The subject question relates to historical events and changes in art and culture that occurred during the 2nd Millennium (1000-2000 CE) and the beginning of the 21st century (2000-2020). It includes major developments, societal changes, and the influence of these events on art, politics, and religion, reflecting the complexity of the era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overview of the 2nd Millennium and Beyond
The 2nd Millennium marks an era spanning from 1000 to 2000 CE, featuring significant historical developments in the Eurasian land mass. This period includes the aspirations towards industrialization and Confucian meritocracy in China, the rise of Islam in Eurasia, and pushes by Christian military forces against Islamic civilizations in Iberia and the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, the new millennium of the 21st century (2000 - 2020) brought critical cultural shifts, witnessing events like 9/11, the Indian Ocean tsunami, hurricane Katrina, and groundbreaking societal changes such as the election of the first African-American president and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Art in the new millennium reflects these developments, focusing on public policy, cultural transformations, and environmental sustainability.
Key epochs within the 2nd Millennium include the rise and fall of various empires, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Golden Age, showing how civilizations used resources to develop their artwork and cultural expressions. The period also includes the Gothic era, spanning from the 12th to the end of the 15th century, which left behind magnificent artistic and architectural works. In Africa, civilizations like the Igbo of Nigeria and the Djenne of Mali demonstrated their sophisticated cultures through their art. Additionally, in Asia, the Song Dynasty and the Khmer Empire left their indelible marks on art and society.
The tumultuous mid-Solomonic period in Ethiopia (1527-1632) exemplifies the dynamic and often strife-ridden nature of the times, marked by invasions, shifts in religious dynamics, and civil unrest. It highlights the complex interplay of art, politics, and religion that characterized much of the 2nd Millennium's historical landscape.