1 . D The camel saddle was especially important to trans-Saharan trade during the classical era.
Africa traded with Rome (C) and was connected to Indian Ocean trade (A). Christianity entered
Axum and Ethiopia during this period (B).
2 . C Neither Han China nor the Roman Empire was attacked by powerful neighboring states. Both
were invaded by tribal peoples from outside their borders. The remaining choices were common
to both empires in their periods of decline.
3 . D In order to tap into the wealth of the eastern empire, Constantine established a new capital at
Constantinople, the former Byzantium. During Rome’s decline the latifundia became larger, not
smaller (A). Persecutions of Christians were followed by acceptance of the religion, then by
official status under Theodosius (B). Romans continued to rely on slavery (C).
4 . C The Byzantine Empire was a cultural center. Justinian’s efforts were only partially successful
in temporarily restoring some of the boundaries of Rome (A). The Parthians and Sassanids acted
as trade facilitators (B). The eastern empire experienced some pressure from invaders, but not
nearly to the extent that the western portion did (D).
5 . A After the fall of the Gupta dynasty, India was fragmented (C) into local principalities. Indian
culture, however, remained intact (B), and Hinduism remained the dominant religion of India.
Like Rome, Gupta India experienced pressure from invaders (D).
6 . D The Roman roads connected to the routes of the Silk Roads. Nomadic tribes often assisted
travelers and traders along the Silk Roads, providing horses, camels, and supplies (A). The Silk
Roads also embraced the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean (B) and went through Mesopotamia (C).
7 . B Mariners used the monsoon winds to facilitate travel in the Indian Ocean. Africa was
connected to Indian Ocean trade (A). Trade in the Indian Ocean continued after the fall of classical
empires, especially after the entry of Islam into the region (C). The waters of the Indian Ocean
facilitated long-distance trade from China to Africa and connected with land routes from China to
Rome (D).
8 . C Daoism enjoyed a resurgence of prosperity as Han China declined, whereas Confucianism
declined in popularity. Although Chinese traditions suffered initially, they rebounded after the fall
of the Han (A). Invaders eventually assimilated into the Chinese culture (B). Buddhism gained
popularity in China after the fall of the Han (D).