6.6 - Mediterranean World
From EngageNY
The Mediterranean world was reshaped with the fall of the Roman Empire. Three distinct cultural regions developed: feudal Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic caliphates. These regions interacted with each other and clashed over control of holy lands.6.6a Overexpansion, corruption, invasions, civil wars, and discord led to the fall of Rome. Feudalism developed in Western Europe in reaction to a need for order and to meet basic needs.
- Students will examine reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire and the development of feudalism in Western Europe, including efforts to restore the empire, the decentralization of political authority, and the role of the Christian Church in providing some measure of central authority.
- Students will examine how the Byzantine Empire preserved elements of the Roman Empire by blending Roman traditions with Greek culture, and developed a Christian faith, known as Orthodox Christianity, which united Church and state authority in the person of the emperor.
- Students will examine the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, noting how the introduction of Islam changed the societies and cultures each conquered, blending with those societies and cultures and creating dynamic new Islamic societies and cultures.
- Students will examine the three distinct cultural regions of the Mediterranean world in terms of their location, the extent of each region at the height of its power, and the political, economic, and social interactions between these regions.
- Students will examine the conflict of the Crusades from three different perspectives: feudal Europe, Byzantine, and Islamic.
Supporting Materials
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Ancient Roman EconomyThe success of the Roman economy is to a large degree beholden to its vast empire. While farming was the backbone of the Roman economy, trade played an important role, too. Learn about Roman mills, shops, construction, mining, currency, and taxation. Also explored are the roles of women and... |
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Ancient Roman GeographyThe Romans really profited from geography. Rome had a pleasant climate, rich soil, natural defenses, and easy access to the Mediterranean. It was the perfect spot from which to conquer the known world! Learn how Rome used its geographical advantages to launch an empire filled with extensive road... |
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Ancient Roman GovernmentOur own system of government was deeply influenced by that of the Romans. This invaluable guide traces the development of Roman government from Rome's legendary kings through its renowned emperors. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the Roman Republic and roles played by patricians... |
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Ancient Roman TechnologyTo this day, the Romans are admired for their technological know-how and massive, well-designed public works projects. Learn how the Romans ensured a clean water supply for their cities, used volcanic ash to make long-lasting concrete, created the world's first professional army, and much more.... |
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Civilizations in Conflict: Byzantium, Islam and the CrusadesThis video explores the world's first Christian state and how the Islamic civilization grew. This video includes: The Byzantine Empire, Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam, The Moslem Civilization, The Crusades, The End of the Byzantine Empire, and the Impact of the Crusades. |
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Islam: Empire of FaithBetween the fall of Rome and the European voyages of discovery, few events were more significant than the rise of Islam. Within a few centuries, the Islamic empires blossomed, projecting their power from Africa to the East Indies, and from Spain to India. Inspired by the words of the Prophet... |
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Kid's Animated History with Pipo: Disc 3Kid's Animated History With Pipo presents The Time Compass -- showcasing significant historical events in a humorous and easy to understand style. This delightful series plays out in a book-like format, taking viewers on a journey in time. From Ancient Egypt to Classical Greece... |
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Kid's Animated History with Pipo: Disc 4Kid's Animated History With Pipo presents The Time Compass -- showcasing significant historical events in a humorous and easy to understand style. This delightful series plays out in a book-like format, taking viewers on a journey in time. From Ancient Egypt to Classical Greece... |
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The Dark Ages: Europe After the Fall of RomeThis video features "The Dark Ages: Europe After the Fall of Rome" which explores tremendous political, social, religious and economic transitions brought about by the merging of the classical Roman culture and its new Christian religion with that of the barbarian Germanic tribes. This video... |
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The Middle Ages: An Illustrated HistoryA brisk narrative of battles and plagues, monastic orders, heroic women, and knights-errant, barbaric tortures and tender romance, intrigue, scandals, and conquest, The Middle Ages: An Illustrated History mixes a spirited and entertaining writing style with exquisite, thorough scholarship.... |
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