The Season 2 Preview

Season 2 (also known as the Post-Classical Period [600-1450]) is, quite frankly, the season of the nomads. For the most part, the great settled societies of the classical world have fallen, been destroyed, and wiped off the map. But not wiped from memory. Could settled societies rise again? Or will this be the beginning of an everlasting nomadic era? In reality, after the collapse of key classical dynasties or empires, new influences will arise in many older centers--particularly with the rise of Islam and the spread of Buddhism. Civilization, instead of shrinking back, actually will expand from older centers-- thus the rise of a Japanese form of East Asian culture and the development of civilization in northwestern Europe and in Russia, with links, however, to the earlier Mediterranean forms. Civilizations will also expand in portions of the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa.

During most of season 2, Islamic civilization, centered in the Middle East and North Africa, will become the leading force. Other themes will include the sheer spread of major religions--particularly Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism--and the resultant impact on the arts and politics. International trade will expand rapidly, as will imitation of older centers by regions solidifying their forms of civilization for the first time, such as northern Europe and Japan. The expansion of trade will lead to new kinds of questions about merchants and merchants' motives, although different societies will offer different resolutions. Toward the end of season 2, Mongol conquests and a brief flurry of Chinese trading expeditions will intensify international contacts, including technology exchange from Asia and the spread of epidemic disease.

So why is season 2 the season of the nomads you ask? Because nothing that I have mentioned would be possible without the movements of 5 nomadic groups that are the true stars of season 2-- the Arabs, Vikings, Aztecs, Turks, and the MONGOLS! It is these 5 nomadic groups that will not only be the stars of season 2, but these 5 nomadic groups will forever change the world! Just like season 1, season 2 is full of modern day relevance. Season 2 is especially important because it is in this season that we will come to an understanding of the real Islamic world, not the mythological half-truths that you hear everyday from Fox News and other major media outlets. It is imperative that we come to a true understanding of this immensely important society in our quest for not only for truth about the past but truth about the present. So ladies and gentlemen, BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELTS FOR SEASON 2. IT'S GOING TO BE A BUMPY RIDE!