Question
Evaluate the reasons for disputes between rulers and religious leaders in the Islamic world.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to appraise a range of factors that contributed to, or fostered, disputes between rulers and religious leaders in the Islamic world. A substantiated judgment is expected.
Indicative content
• Disputes between rulers and religious leaders were largely caused by a struggle between the rulers and religious leaders for the loyalty of the populace.
• Tensions rose as religious leaders saw the imperial governments as decadent, overly secular and departing from the precepts of Islam.
• Many religious scholars refused to serve in government and denounced the luxury and dissolution of the Imperial court.
• Rulers and religious leaders in a state might support different sects of Islam (Sunni/Shia) which could lead to challenges to the ruler’s right to rule by the religious leaders. Religious leaders could use their moral authority to challenge rulers over their actions and cause unrest in the
population.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses.
However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
“Crusaders were mainly motivated by their religious beliefs.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
It is likely that many candidates will focus on the First Crusade but material from other Crusades is expected in order to provide a full consideration of the merits or otherwise of the statement. Some candidates may challenge the statement but the issue of religious belief must be addressed even if they feel it to be of little importance.
Indicative content
Material in support of the statement:
• The dominant role of the Church in medieval society made religious issues a large part of everyday life and tended to influence behaviour.
• The tradition of pilgrimage to attain forgiveness of sins was an incentive, as was the promise of salvation from the pope for those who took the Crusaders’ cross. This would be a powerful incentive for those concerned about avoiding damnation after death.
• The influence of powerful religious orators and religious leaders would have been an influence.
• In addition, the vision of Jerusalem and the Holy Land would have been a powerful inspiration for a Christian population. A desire to rescue fellow Christians such as the Byzantines and to maintain the sanctity of the Holy Land would also have been important to a religious population.
Material challenging the statement:
• The desire for wealth, power and fame was a powerful incentive for those seeking to improve their status.
• The reputed wealth of the Middle East was a powerful stimulus to attract individuals.
• For others the chance of adventure and the opportunity to demonstrate their military skills would have been strong inducements.
• Kings who sought to improve their image, gain popular support and build an alliance with the Church might join the movement.
• Some individuals were forced to go as servants of kings or nobles who had decided to go on Crusade.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Examine the impact of the Crusades on the Byzantine Empire.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to consider how, and how far, the various crusades had an impact on the Byzantine Empire between 1095 and 1291.
Indicative content
Examples of a positive impact may include:
• The success of the Byzantine alliance with the First Crusade expanded Byzantine territory.
• The defeat of the Muslims removed an immediate threat to the Byzantine Empire’s immediate survival and allowed them to extend their influence.
• The establishment of other Christian states provided the Byzantine Empire with potential allies against a Muslim resurgence.
Examples of a negative impact may include:
• The Byzantine’s quarrels over territory ended co-operation with the West.
• The crusades incurred a massive cost and led to significant destruction.
• The crusades reinvigorated Islam and created the spirit of jihad, which was directed against the Byzantines as well as the crusading states.
• The Fourth Crusade attacked and conquered Constantinople, which seriously weakened the Byzantine Empire and reduced its chances for long-term survival.
• The collapse of the crusading movement further encouraged Islam to take territory and increase its power at the expense of the Byzantines, for example Anatolia and the Middle East.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.