The Middle East

7th Grade Social Studies

The Middle East

Welcome!• Define the following terms from your

textbook:1. Mesopotamia2. Empire3. Cuneiform4. Aqueducts5. Ziggurats

Unit Essential Questions

1. What are the causes of the conflicts in the Middle East?

2. Who is entitled to the land that is in dispute in the region?

3. Why is the United States fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan?

4. What are possible solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East?

Middle East Map

The Fertile Crescent

How did farming in the Middle East contribute to the birth of civilizations?

Generate ideas from film…

Ancient Civilizations and Their Accomplishments

Sumer

• Was an advanced society that consisted of large city-states, fortified cities, and strong armies.

• Sumerians are credited with many advancements:– The first writing system called cuneiform; they wrote

works on history, law, grammar, math, and literature.– Wheels used for vehicles and for making pottery. – The plow & irrigation which increased farm production.– The clock for telling time.– Sewer systems– Use of bronze to strengthen tools and weapons.

Babylon Developed Hammurabi’s Code

which was a thorough set of written laws. The basis of the law said:

“Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.”What could this statement mean???

Watering systems for gardens & crops

Very strong in Astronomy – created the first sundial

They are now why we have the 60 min hour and 7 day week!

Phoenicia

• Built the world’s finest harbors to enhance trade over the waterways

• Developed one of the world’s first alphabets (on which our current alphabet is based).

Persia

• Known for paintings, carpet, metalwork, architecture

• Very powerful military – conquered a great amount of land in the Fertile Crescent

Byzantine Empire (Romans)

• Established a strong military presence in the region.

• Had a very complex society that included government, trade, education, art, etc.

• Developed four types of government, including democracy

Cultural Achievements of the Muslims

• Focus on astronomy helped develop better understanding of time and of geography.

• Focus on geography led to accurate maps that assisted in exploration and trade.

• Focus on mathematics led to the development of Algebra. • Focus on medicine led to cures for many serious diseases. • Focus on literature and the arts led to significant works of

poetry and short stories including ones about Sinbad, Aladdin, and Ali Baba. It also led to use of calligraphy and an emphasis on architecture, especially for mosques.

• Note that Muslim Empires ruled parts of the world for over 600 years (1299-1923)

The names of the Muslim Empires are:– The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal