Empires

=Unit 11: Empires=

Unit Objectives

 * Identify important events, people, and achievements of the Byzantine Empire
 * Identify important events, people, and achievements of the Muslim Empire
 * Describe the origins, beliefs, and key figures in the founding and spread of Islam
 * Recognize important events, people, and achievements of the African Empires of Ghana and Mali
 * Assess the role of geography in the growth and power of cities including Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul)
 * Recognize geographic characteristics of Southwest Asia
 * Analyze maps to identify physical characteristics of Africa
 * Recognize the role of trade in the Byzantine and African Empires

Key Words

 * icon:** an image or picture usually painted on wood that depicts holy people or events, such as the birth of Jesus
 * medieval:** an adjective that means "relating to the Middle Ages"
 * Hijrah:** Muhammad's flight to Medina in A.D. 622, the first year of the Muslim calendar
 * Muhammad:** believed by Muslims to be the last great prophet
 * caliph:** the title for Muslim rulers after the death of Muhammad
 * Islam:** a religion based on the teachings of Muhammad
 * jihad:** a struggle on behalf of Islam
 * mosque:** a Muslim place of worship
 * Qur'an:** the sacred book of Islam
 * arabesque:** a pattern of winding stems and abstract leaves and flowers
 * desert:** a dry area, which receives less than 10 inches of precipitation a year
 * rain forest:** tropical woodland with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches
 * Sahel:** a semi-dry area that stretches across north central Africa along southern edges of the Sahara. This area is a transition zone between the desert area of the north and the moister regions near the equator.
 * savanna:** a tropical grassland containing a few scattered trees
 * griots:** the story-tellers and history-keepers of many Western African civilizations
 * Hajj:** a pilgrimage to Islam's holy city of Mecca in Arabia

Lesson 1: Byzantine Beauty
media type="custom" key="25498176" Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium. When the glory that was Rome faded in the West, the Eastern Empire continued to flourish, becoming the Byzantine Empire. Eventually, this empire extended from Spain to the Black Sea and along the north coast of Africa. The Byzantine Empire developed a new culture, exciting art, and remarkable architecture that still inspire awe today. Influences from both West and East came together in the glory and grandeur of the Byzantine Empire.

Lesson Objectives

 * Analyze maps to assess the advantages of Byzantium's (Constantinople's) location
 * Recognize that a blend of eastern and Western elements resulted in a unique Byzantine culture
 * Identify characteristics of Byzantine art


 * 1) Read Introduction, pages 439-443 and Chapter 1, from the beginning to "The Emperor Who Never Slept," pages 445-450.
 * 2) Complete the Quick Check worksheet
 * 3) Read The Byzantine Empire by Don Nardo

Byzantine art was a remarkable blend of Western and Eastern elements. The distinctive style of art could be seen in the frescoes and mosaics that adorned the walls of splendid building throughout the empire. Although the techniques varied, the subjects were frequently religious. Review the following websites and identify one fresco, one mosaic, one building, and one icon. Create a postcard or piece of artwork to showcase one of your selections. Byzantium (ca. 330-1450) Hagia Sophia

Location! Location! Location! Realtors and property owners alike agree that location is the most important consideration in buying and selling property. Citizens of Byzantium would certainly have agreed about the importance of their location. Do you?
 * Focus on Geography**

Use the chapter maps, atlas, and other information in your textbook to answer the following questions in your history journal. Keep in mind that Constantine renamed the city of Byzantium Constantinople, an that same city is called Istanbul today.


 * 1) In A.D. 527, what were the major bodies of water within the Byzantine Empire?
 * 2) What advantages could the bodies of water provide Constantinople?
 * 3) Use the maps and the text to determine the importance of location to Byzantium an the surrounding empire. Describe at least three benefits.
 * 4) Take lesson assessment: [[file:Lesson 1 assessment.docx]]
 * 5) As you read Chapter 1, from "The Emperor Who Never Slept" to "Strangers from the East", pages 450-453, answer the following questions in your history journal.
 * Why was Justinian's Code created? Why was it important?
 * What were Justinian's major accomplishments as emperor?
 * Who was Theodora and what were some of her contributions to the Byzantine Empire?
 * What is the Hagia Sophia?

Lesson 2: Justinian and Theodora
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Theodora

Lesson Objectives

 * Explain the purpose and importance of Justinian's Code
 * Identify Justinian as the sixth-century emperor responsible for developing a code of law
 * Identify Theodora as a powerful empress and Justinian's wife and aide
 * Identify Hagia Sophia as the great architectural achievement of Justinian's reign


 * 1) Watch the above videos and visit the website about Empress Theodora. List at least 3 achievements of Theodora in your history journal & why they were important.
 * 2) Read //Theodora, Empress of Byzantine// by Paolo Cesaratti
 * 3) Visit Hagia Sophia Create a list of reasons why this building could be considered one of the wonders of the world.
 * 4) Take lesson assessment: [[file:Lesson 2 assessment.docx]]
 * 5) Read Chapter 1, from "Strangers from the East," to the end, pages 453-457 in //The Human Odyssey: Prehistory Through the Middle Ages//

Lesson 3: The Origins of Islam
A Little About Islam Muhammad The Arabian Peninsula Travel and Trade in the Byzantine Empire

In the thriving center of Mecca, a thoughtful merchant began preaching. He claimed to have had revelations from God and he described a new religion. His words wafted out of Mecca and Medina along the caravan routes that crisscrossed the Arabian Peninsula and out into the Mediterranean world and beyond. His ideas continued to spread, and today there are more than a billion Muslims in the world.

Lesson Objectives

 * Recognize the role of trade in the Byzantine Empire
 * Analyze maps to identify geographic characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula
 * Identify key places in the development of Islam
 * Summarize the early life and teaching of Muhammad
 * Define Islam, Muslim, and Hijrah

4. Use the map and the link above to familiarize yourself with the geographic characteristics of the arabian Peninsula and to identify the key places in the development of Islam.
 * 1) Review the link above and watch the documentary.
 * 2) Read //Muhammad// by Demi
 * 3) Read Chapter 2, from the beginning to "The Prophet in Medina," pages 458-466. Answer the following questions in your history journal:
 * Describe the way of life of the Bedouins in ancient times.
 * What were some of the trade items that the caravans carried? What were some of the places that the caravans visited?
 * What dangers did the caravans face?
 * How did the oases help travelers?
 * Why was Mecca an important city?
 * Describe the early life of Muhammad
 * What happened to Muhammad when he was in the cave? What did he begin doing afterward?
 * Why did Muhammad move to Medina?

Lesson 4: Islam Emerges
media type="custom" key="25875720" Islam's Holy Book

Muhammad's teachings were gathered into a book known as the Qur'an. Like the Bible, it is very long and takes years of study to know well. But the main duties that Muhammad wanted every Muslim to obey were summarized in the Five Pillars of Islam.

Lesson Objectives

 * Describe the events that led to Muhammad's rule over mecca as the holy city of Islam
 * Identify the Qur'an as the sacred text of Islam
 * Summarize the Five Pillars of Islam
 * Compare and contrast Islam with other major world religions


 * 1) Read //Islam// by Phillip Wilkinson
 * 2) Read Chapter 2, from "The Prophet in Medina" to the end, pages 466-471.
 * 3) Identify and summarize the Five Pillars of Islam by completing the Five Pillars of Islam sheet.
 * 4) Complete the Islam section of the Comparing Religions and Philosophies sheet
 * 5) Complete the lesson assessment: [[file:Lesson 4 Assessment.docx]]

Lesson 5: Religion and Empire
media type="custom" key="25875872"media type="custom" key="25875920" When Muhammad died, his followers carried on the new religion, Islam prospered and grew under the Caliph Abu-Bakr, Muhammad's first successor. The Muslim Empire employed both military and peaceful means to expand into Europe and Africa. Muslim trade, culture, and religion spread along with the empire.

Lesson Objectives

 * Define caliph and jihad
 * Identify Abu Bakr as the first caliph and Muhammad's friend and father-in-law, and the conflicts during his rule that led to a split in Islam
 * On a map trace the growth of the Muslim Empire
 * List ways in which Islam spread
 * Describe the importance and results of trade in the Muslim Empire


 * 1) Read Chapter 3, from the beginning to "The Spread of Faith and Empire," pages 473-477.
 * 2) Complete the Islamic Empire Map using information from your atlas, and from the video
 * 3) Write two paragraphs in your history journal. The first paragraph should summarize how Islam spread, and the second paragraph should describe the importance and results of trade in the Muslim Empire. You may also illustrate one event for each paragraph.
 * 4) Complete the lesson assessment: [[file:Lesson 5 Assessment.docx]]

Lesson 6: Scholars and Storytellers
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Islam: Empire of Faith The Art of the Abbasid Period Islamic Architecture Ibn Sina (Avicenna) Doctor of Doctors

Suppose there had been a webcam in Baghdad during the Abbasid caliphate. What would visitors have seen? They could easily have explored a research library called the House of Wisdom, visited remarkable buildings, and enjoyed outstanding art. Visitors might have chatted with brilliant scientists like Ibn Sina and met the complete mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi. Learning the calligraphy and weaving skills of the Islamic artists might have been challenging, but fun. As you learn about the art, architecture, science, and math of this era, remember that they were developed more than 1,250 years ago.

Lesson Objectives

 * Describe Muslim achievements in science and math
 * Recognize characteristics and examples of Muslim art and architecture


 * 1) Complete the reading guide as you read Chapter 3, from "The House of Wisdom" to the end, pages 479-485.
 * 2) Review Muslim achievements in science and math and analyze examples of Muslim art and architecture by visiting the sites above.
 * 3) Try your hand at calligraphy or designing a carpet in the style of that time period
 * 4) Complete the lesson assessment:[[file:Lesson 6 assessment.docx]]

Lesson 7: More Mapping


Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection

We can understand history better if we pause to ask ourselves were events happened and why they happened there. Historical events take place in a geographic context. For example, people ten to settle near water and fertile soil. Wars are frequently fought for control of territory. Trade grows more rapidly where travel is easy.

Maps can help us understand the geographic context. Today you'll revisit some of the civilizations that developed in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East and analyze maps to understand the impact of geography. maps answer questions, but they should also provoke questions.

**Lesson Objectives**
 * Review geographic concepts
 * Use maps to gain information about the Mediterranean region and the Middle East

Imagine you have recently started tutoring someone who needs help with history and geography. You have both worked hard, and now it is time for you to give your student a quiz. Use the maps in your atlas, and the maps in the pertinent chapters in the textbook (list below) to create the following multiple-choice questions.
 * 1) Write one question about the geography of Greece and its impact on the development of civilization there
 * 2) Write a question about the impact of geography on the Peloponnesian War
 * 3) Write a question about the size and location of the Roman Empire
 * 4) Write a geographic question about the spread of Christianity
 * 5) The Byzantine Empire spread far and wide once it was clearly established by Constantine. Write a geographic question about the city named for him and the surrounding territory
 * 6) Write a question related to the geographic growth of the Muslim Empire and any land-forms or other features that may have helped or hindered it
 * 7) Give the completed quiz to your Dad to complete

The following maps in your textbook may help you create your quiz:
 * Ancient Greece, page 287
 * Persian Empire, pages 300-301
 * Battle of Salamis, page 308
 * Peloponnesian War, 431-404 B.C., page 329
 * Alexander's Empire 323 B.C., page 339
 * Mediterranean World Seventh Century B.C., pages 342-343
 * Ancient Italy, page 343
 * Growth of Roman Power, page 360
 * Rome vs. Carthage, page 362
 * Roman Empire, page 368
 * The Roman Empire at It's Height, pages 376-377
 * Eastern Mediterranean, A.D. 30, page 396
 * Paul's Missionary Travels, page 407
 * A Divided Empire, A.D. 300, page 423
 * The Byzantine Empire, pages 446-447
 * Muslims in the Eastern Hemisphere, page 460
 * Average Rainfall in the Middle East, page 461
 * The Islamic Empire, c.A.D. 632-732, page 476

Lesson 8: Mapping Africa


Africa: Major Landforms World Atlas: Physical Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Savanna Discover Africa All About Timbuktu

Africa is a huge continent. How big is i? Picture this: you could fit three landmasses the size of the continental United States in it and still have plenty of room left over. This geographically diverse continent contains the world's longest river, largest desert, and some of the wettest places on Earth. Explore the continent as you get ready to delve into its history.

Lesson Objectives

 * Locate on a map the Sahara, Kalahari, and Namib deserts, the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers; the equatorial rain forest; the savanna and the Sahel
 * Define rain forest, Sahel, desert, and savanna
 * Use maps to gain information about the physical characteristics of Africa


 * 1) Use the links above, and your textbook, to complete the Mapping Africa worksheets.
 * 2) Answer the following questions in your history journal:
 * What is a tropical rain forest?
 * What is the Sahel?
 * What is a desert?
 * What is a savanna?

Lesson 9: Gold and Salt
media type="custom" key="25876326" Trading Gold for Salt Ancient Ghana Trans-Saharan Gold Trade Empires of the Western Sudan The Ghana Empire

Can you imagine a time and place where salt was as valuable as gold? Find out about the Soninke people in Ghana and read a story about trading gold for salt.

Lesson Objectives

 * Describe the role and importance of trade in Ghana's power
 * 1) Read Ghana by Martin Hintz
 * 2) Read Chapter 4, from the beginning to "Mali Rising," pages 487-493. Complete [[file:MS_WDHISTA_11_10_reading_guide.pdf]]
 * 3) Complete lesson assessment: [[file:Lesson 9 assessment.docx]]

Lesson 10: A Man called Mansa Musa


Mansa Musa The Muslim King of Mali Empires of the Western Sudan: Mali Empire Ibn Batuta: Travels Ibn Batuta: Traveler

Sundiatia was known as the Hungering Lion or Lion King. Although he started out sickly, Sundiata quickly became very powerful. He captured the goldfields of Ghana and guided Mali on to become the most important federation in western Sudan. decades later another great leader came to power in Mali. Mansa Musa expanded the kingdom and turned Timbuktu, Mali's bustling center of commerce, into the "Pearl of Africa." While Europe experienced dark and dangerous times, the Kingdom of Mali prospered in Africa. While Europe slept, education, trade, culture, and art all flourished in Mali.

Lesson Objectives

 * Describe the significance of the legend of Sundiata to Mali's history
 * Identify Mansa Musa as the fourteenth century Muslim ruler of Mali known for his travels
 * Locate on a map the city of Timbuktu and describe its role as a center of trade and education
 * Identify the time period in which the kingdoms of Ghana and Mali flourished


 * 1) As you read Chapter 4, from "Mali Rising" to the end, pages 494-501, complete the Reading Guide.

Lesson 11: Review and Reflect

 * 1) Review your history journal and writings for this unit
 * 2) Take Unit Assessment (The maps above will be used in the test, you also have a B&W copy)