A Muslim’s Description of the Rus - pg. 251

1. Does Ibn Fadlan’s account seems accurate? Why or why not?
2. Would a Japanese reader be likely to share Ibn Fadlan’s assessment of the Rus? 
3. How might a Mongol interpret his views? Why, in each case?  

 An Italian Banker Discusses Trading Between Europe and China - pg. 254

1. From this excerpt, what are the challenges presented to those who wish to trade with China?  
2. What are the possible reasons why Pegolotti claims that the road to China is safe, both day and night?  
3. Is there anything in the account which would cause surprise in Europeans of that era?  If so, what?  

The Siege of Jerusalem: Christian and Muslim Perspectives - pg. 259

1. Are the two accounts of the capture of Jerusalem believable?  Why and/or why not?
2. Do the two excerpts differ in any way?  If so, where and why?  
3. What does the excerpt reveal about Christendom during the High Middle Ages?

A Medieval Holocaust: The Cremation of the Strasbourg Jews - pg. 262

1. Why were the Jews singled out for persecution?  
2. Was the Black Death the reason or an excuse for the greedy actions of the people of Strasbourg?  
3. How do the events depicted in the excerpt compare with recent events such as in Bosnia and Rwanda?  
4. What possible reasons might explain the decision to allow the Jews to return to Strasbourg in 1368?