With reference to two rulers, compare and contrast the methods used to address external challenges to their power.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between two rulers in terms of the methods used to address external challenges to their power, referring to both rulers throughout. There does not need to be an equal number of each. The two rulers may or may not be from the same region. Candidates may refer to the fortification of borders and/or protection of territories from encroaching states, as experienced by Abd al-Rahman III who pacified borders with Christian Spain and Northern Africa, or Baibars who fought off the Mongol threat. Candidates may also refer to the creation of military alliances against a common enemy (for example Itzcoatl with the Aztec Triple Alliance), or the formation of trade systems which promoted regional hegemony. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example internal steps taken to raise or finance an army and unify an empire, as well as to reduce opposition, but with a focus on the issue raised in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between two rulers in terms of the methods used to address external challenges to their power. There were a few responses seen, but with examples mistakenly taken from the twentieth century despite the topic heading clearly indicating that the timeframe was 750-1500.