NCERT Class 11 History Themes in World History: Chapter 3 — Nomadic Empires
This chapter, 'Changing Traditions,' from NCERT's Themes in World History for Class 11, explores the evolution of traditions across different empires and regions. It highlights how empires, like the Macedonian, Roman, and Arab, expanded over vast territories, leading to significant cultural encounters. The chapter contrasts these with earlier empires, emphasizing their transcontinental nature. It details the slow development of modern concepts in Western Europe from the 9th to 17th centuries, including scientific knowledge, governmental structures, legal codes, and technological advancements in industry and agriculture. The disintegration of the Roman Empire and the adaptation of its remnants by various tribes are discussed, alongside the persistence of urban centers. The chapter also touches upon developments in the European countryside and the integration of Roman institutions with customary practices by the Church and royal governments. This exploration provides a foundation for understanding historical change and its impact on global societies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | History |
| Book | Themes in World History |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Nomadic Empires |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 322 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the growth and expansion of empires in Asia by the ninth century.
- Analyze the differences between various empires in terms of territory and nature.
- Identify key cultural encounters that shaped historical developments.
- Trace the evolution of modern concepts in Western Europe from the 9th to 17th centuries.
- Recognize the impact of technological and governmental changes on society.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Empires | Extensive groups of states or countries under a single supreme authority, especially an emperor or empress. |
| Nomadic | Wandering from place to place, often in search of pasture for livestock. |
| Trading networks | Interconnected systems of commerce and exchange between different regions or entities. |
| Transcontinental | Extending or traversing across a continent. |
| Cultural encounters | Interactions and exchanges between different cultures. |
| Disintegrated | Broken up into small parts, typically in a disorderly way. |
| Urban centres | Cities or towns that serve as hubs of population, commerce, and administration. |
| Institutions | Established laws, practices, or customs that form the basis of a society or organization. |
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Practice questions
- What characterized the growth of large parts of Asia by the ninth century, according to the text? Answer: By the ninth century, large parts of Asia witnessed the growth and expansion of great empires, some nomadic and some based on well-developed cities and trading networks.
- How did empires like the Macedonian, Roman, and Arab differ from earlier ones? Answer: They covered greater areas of territory and were continental or transcontinental in nature.
- What kind of developments occurred in Western Europe between the ninth and seventeenth centuries? Answer: Much that is connected with modern times evolved slowly, including the development of scientific knowledge, governmental organization, and improvements in technology.
- What happened to the Roman Empire in the West by the fifth century CE? Answer: The Roman Empire in the West had disintegrated by the fifth century CE.
- What were the characteristics of urban centers in Western Europe during the period discussed? Answer: Though small, urban centers like Aix, London, Rome, and Sienna could not be dismissed, and major developments also occurred in the countryside.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of the 'Changing Traditions' chapter in NCERT Class 11 History?
The chapter focuses on the growth and expansion of empires, cultural encounters, and the slow evolution of modern concepts in Western Europe from the 9th to 17th centuries.
How did empires like the Roman and Arab differ from earlier ones?
They were continental or transcontinental in nature and covered greater areas of territory compared to earlier empires.
What key developments occurred in Western Europe between the 9th and 17th centuries?
Key developments included the growth of scientific knowledge based on experiment, serious thought about government organization, and improvements in industrial and agricultural technology.
What happened to the Roman Empire in the West?
By the fifth century CE, the Roman Empire in the West had disintegrated, and its remains were adapted by tribes who established kingdoms.
Were there significant urban centers in Western Europe during this period?
Yes, by the ninth century, urban centers like Aix, London, Rome, and Sienna, though small, were notable, and major developments also occurred in the countryside.
What combination of elements shaped developments in the European countryside?
The Church and royal government developed a combination of Roman institutions with customary practices.
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NCERT Class 11 History — Themes in World History — Chapter 3 — Nomadic Empires. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.