Question

which of these could not have occurred until the postclassical era? a. a chinese ruler sends an ambassador to europe. b. a byzantine merchant sells goods in india. c. a west african ruler converts to islam. d. a persian general decides to attack a greek city - state.

Explanation:

• Option A: Pre-modern Chinese rulers had limited direct diplomatic outreach to Europe in the postclassical era, but earlier indirect contact existed, and this was not exclusive to postclassical times.
• Option B: Byzantine (Eastern Roman) trade networks connected to India during the classical era, so this could occur before postclassical times.
• Option C: Islam spread to West Africa through trans-Saharan trade starting in the postclassical era (roughly 500-1500 CE), so a West African ruler converting to Islam could only happen in this era.
• Option D: Persian wars against Greek city-states occurred during the classical era (5th century BCE), long before the postclassical era.

Answer:

C. A West African ruler converts to Islam.