Monday, December 3, 2012

Chapter 11-3 Muslim Ways of Life


Summary

Muslims were successful merchants, in part because they had a common language and a common currency. Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus grew wealthy from trade and became important centers of learning, government, and the arts. The cities featured mosques that served as Muslim houses of worship and centers of learning. The bazaar was a very important part of the Muslim city. Although Muslims enjoyed great success and cities grew, most Muslims lived in villages and farmed.
Muslims made valuable contributions in math, science, and the arts. Muslim scholars saved and translated the works of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Muslims are well known for their beautiful buildings. The Taj Mahal, which is made of marble and precious stone, is one of the world's most beautiful buildings.



Textbook Online

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Chapter 11-2 - Islamic Empires



Summary
Arabs spread Islam through preaching, conquest, and trade. After Muhammad died, his followers chose a successor called a caliph. This decision divided the Muslim world into the Shiites and the Sunnis.
The Arab Empire reached new heights under the Abbasid dynasty, and Baghdad became wealthy from trade. The Seljuk Turks moved into the empire, however, and they eventually seized Baghdad. Seljuk rulers called sultans ruled the Abbasid dynasty. The Mongols brought an end to the Arab Empire in 1258 after they invaded Baghdad and burned the city to the ground. Other Muslim groups such as the Moguls and Ottomans built Islamic empires in Asia, Africa, and Europe.


Textbook Online

Monday, November 26, 2012

Chapter 11-1 The Rise of Islam


Summary
The geography of Arabia helped shape the Arab way of life. The Arabian Peninsula is covered with desert, and water is found only at oases. In order to survive the intense heat, early Arabs formed tribes. The leader of the tribe was called a sheikh. Many Arabs lived in towns where they farmed or raised animals, while others were merchants. As trade increased, merchants started towns along the Arabian trade routes. Makkah, a crossroads for caravans and the holiest place in Arabia, became very wealthy from trade.
The prophet Muhammad brought the message of Islam to the people of Arabia. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. They believe in one God named Allah. The Quran provides guidelines for Muslims' lives and the governments of Muslim states. 



Monday, November 12, 2012

Chapter 9 Section 3 - The Byzantine Empire

Summary
The Eastern Roman Empire became the Byzantine Empire. The location of its capital city, Constantinople, helped to make it safe from invaders and accessible to trade. The policies and reforms of Emperor Justinian and his wife, Empress Theodora, helped make the Byzantine Empire strong. Byzantines developed a rich culture based on Roman, Greek, and Christian ideas. The religious center of the empire, Hagia Sophia, features mosaics of saints.









Spotlight Video - Chapter 9 Section 3 - The Byzantine Empire

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Chapter 9 Section 2 - The Fall of Rome


Summary

Poor leadership, a failing economy, and attacks by Germanic tribes weakened the Roman Empire. As the government weakened, the Roman economy fell apart. Farmers grew less food, artisans produced less work, and businesses closed. The empire was further weakened by plague and inflation. Despite the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine, the empire continued to decline. It eventually split into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.

Textbook online

Spotlight Video - Chapter 9 Section 2 - The Fall of Rome

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Chapter 9 Section 1 - Life in Ancient Rome

Summary
The Romans admired and studied Greek art, architecture, and ideas. Roman engineers built an impressive system of roads and bridges, aqueducts to supply the cities with clean water, and a sewer system to remove waste. Despite these achievements, the large city was crowded, noisy, and dirty. The Forum served as a marketplace and public square. People from both social classes enjoyed watching the chariot races and the gladiators. The paterfamilias headed the Roman family. The Romans worshiped many gods and goddesses. As the empire grew larger, Romans learned about other religions.




Spotlight Video - Chapter 9 Section 1 - Life in Ancient Rome

Roman Gods - Online Game

Monday, October 22, 2012

Chapter 8 - Section 4 - The Early Empire

Summary
Augustus expanded the Roman Empire and reorganized the military, bringing an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Rome's elaborate system of roads, aqueducts, ports, and common currency made the empire wealthy. Romans made many contributions to government, law, language, and the arts. The empire's good fortune did not fall on all Romans. While some grew wealthy from trade and agriculture, most Romans were very poor. Later emperors recognized the empire was too large to govern, and they began reducing its borders

Spotlight Video

Know It - Show It Game

Self Check - Progress Monitoring


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Chapter 8 - Section 3 - The Fall of the Republic

Civil war waged for 50 years until Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey formed the First Triumvirate. Caesar—seized power and made reforms. After Caesar's murder, the Second Triumvirate attempted to rule Rome, but it eventually failed and Octavian Caesar Augustus—emerged as the first Roman emperor. Augustus expanded the Roman Empire and reorganized the military, bringing an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Rome's elaborate system of roads, aqueducts, ports, and common currency made the empire wealthy. Romans made many contributions to government, law, language, and the arts

Spotlight Video

The Fall of Rome

Self Check Progress Monitoring

Know It - Show It Game


Friday, October 12, 2012

Baklava Recipe


Baklava
Please welcome Simply Recipes guest author Garrett McCord who brought us some of the best baklava we've ever tasted. ~Elise
Have I ever mentioned that I'm a baklava addict? It's true, I have a problem and should be taken to the Betty Crocker Clinic so I can get help. Last year I bought a 30 serving pan of the stuff, intent on bringing it to work to share. Four hours later the entire pan was gone and I was a sticky mess. As such, it was only a matter of time before I learned to make my own.
Baklava is a delicious phyllo pastry popular in Middle Eastern countries. Its supposed origins are Turkish, dating to the Byzantine Empire (or even further), though many cultures claim it for their own. Many Greek and Lebanese restaurants serve it, and it is now a featured dessert of several former Ottoman countries. In baklava, layers of crisp phyllo dough alternate with a sugary spiced nut mixture, and the whole thing is then soaked in fragrant sweet syrup made with honey, lemon and cinnamon. It's an exotic and decadent treat to be sure.
The recipe can be a bit time consuming, and isn't really a first-time baker's recipe, but if you can put together a cake well enough on your own then this is a good next step in your baking education. The tissue paper-thin phyllo dough is fragile and breaks easily if not handled properly, but the end product is forgiving so don't fret if it all falls apart. My first time I just made a mess of dried out phyllo and butter and the baklava tasted wonderful regardless.
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Baklava Recipe

  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the baklava:
  • 1 lb. of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are best, or use a combination of them)
  • 1 lb of phyllo dough
  • 1 cup of butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves
For the syrup:
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Finely ground pistachios for garnish (optional)

METHOD

1 Lightly grease a 9x13 pan and set the oven to 350°F.
2 Thaw the phyllo dough according to manufacturer's directions (this may take overnight). When thawed, roll out the dough and cut the dough in half so the sheets will fit in the pan. Cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.
3 Process the nuts until in small, even sized pieces. Combine with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
4 Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the pan. Using a pastry brush, brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Repeat 7 more times until it is 8 sheets thick, each sheet being "painted" with the butter.
5 Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture. Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each one with butter. Continue to repeat the nut mixture and two buttered sheets of phyllo until the nut mixture is all used up. The top layer should be 8 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered. Do not worry if the sheets crinkle up a bit, it will just add more texture.
6 Cut into 24 equal sized squares using a sharp knife. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.
7 While baking, make the syrup. Combine the cinnamon stick, sugar, lemon juice, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium low heat and let simmer for 7 minutes and slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon stick and allow to cool.
8 Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 4 hours. Garnish with some finely crushed pistachios of desired.
Yield: Makes 24 portions.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Chapter 8 - Section 2 - The Roman Republic

Summary

The Roman government was headed by two elected officials known as consuls. Praetors interpreted Roman laws and acted as judges. The Senate was the most important legislative body. Roman law was based on the Twelve Tables. After three long Punic Wars against the Carthaginians, the Romans ruled the Mediterranean. Despite their success abroad, the Romans experienced trouble on the homefront. The gap between the rich and the poor grew wider. Patricians created large farming estates called latifundia that were operated with slave labor. The small plebeian farmers could not compete and were forced out of business.

Spotlight Video

Growth of Roman Power - Audio Visual

Know It - Show It Game

Self Check - Progress Monitoring



Monday, October 8, 2012

Chapter 8 - Section 1 - Rome's Beginnings

Summary

Rome's geography played an important role in the development of Roman civilization. The Etruscans changed the face of Rome when they constructed buildings of wood and brick and laid out streets, turning the village into a city. After rebelling against the Tarquins in 509 B.C., the Romans founded the Roman Republic. For 200 years, the Romans battled for control of neighboring territories, and when the wars were over, Rome controlled almost all of Italy. Rome's success had much to do with the strength of its army, which was organized into legions. The Romans were also excellent strategists and their policies and treatment of conquered peoples helped the republic grow stronger.

Spotlight Video

Ancient Rome About 500 B.C. Audio Visual


Rome's Beginnings - Flashcards

Friday, September 28, 2012

Chapter 5 Section 4 - The Spread of Greece Culture


Summary
Hellenistic cities became centers of learning and culture as scientists, writers, philosophers, and architects moved to these lands of opportunity. The philosophies of Epicureanism and Stoicism emerged. Greek astronomers and mathematicians made important discoveries during this era. Archimedes was the most important scientist of the Hellenistic Era. In addition to determining the value of pi, he used solid geometry to invent catapults and levers.

Spotlight Video - Chapter 5 Section 4 - The Spread of Greece Culture

The Hellenistic World - Maps In Motion


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Chapter 5 Section 3 - Alexander The Great

Summary

Philip II of Macedonia planned to conquer the Persian Empire. His strategy included uniting the Greek city-states. His son, Alexander the Great, accomplished his father's goal when he defeated the Persian Empire in the 330s B.C. Alexander planned to unite the Macedonians, Greeks, and Persians in his new empire, but he died unexpectedly and his empire was divided into four kingdoms: Macedonia, Egypt, Pergamum, and the Seleucid Empire. Alexander the Great left behind a legacy of courage. His conquests of southwest Asia marked the beginning of the Hellenistic Era. Alexander and his armies spread Greek culture throughout southwest Asia and northern Africa.





Spotlight Video - Chapter 5 Section 3 - Alexander the Great

Alexanders Empire - Maps In Motion


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Chapter 5 Section 2 - Greek Philosophy and History


Summary
Greek philosophy led to the study of history, political science, science, and mathematics. Greek thinkers called philosophers developed ideas that are still used today. A traveling group of professional teachers called Sophists taught the art of public speaking and debate. Socrates was an Athenian sculptor and philosopher who invented the Socratic method. Both Plato's and Aristotle's ideas about politics impacted Western governments.

Spotlight Video - Chapter 5 Section 2 - Greek Philosophy and History





Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Chapter 5 Section 1 - The Culture of Ancient Greece

Summary

The Greeks believed that their lives and the natural world were under the control of a number of gods and goddesses. Greeks built temples and performed rituals in honor of these gods. For hundreds of years, Westerners have used Greek literature as the model for their own writings. The earliest of these stories were epics. Aesop's fables are still used today to teach lessons about persistence and patience. Greek playwrights developed two kinds of drama—tragedies and comedies. Greek art and architecture expressed the concepts of harmony and beauty.



Fables More About Fables



Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Chapter 4 - The Ancient Greeks - REVIEW

Audio/Visual Review of the Geography of Ancient Greece

Spotlight Videos for Chapter 4








Chapter 4 Section 4 - The Age of Pericles


Summary
The Athenian democratic system was a direct democracy. Under the leadership of Pericles, the Athenian government became more democratic and Athens became a powerful figure in Greece. Athens grew wealthy from trade and the other city-states became suspicious. In 431 B.C. Athens went to war with Sparta and the other city-states for control of Greece. Sparta defeated Athens in the Peloponnesian War with the help of Persia.





Thursday, September 6, 2012

Chapter 4 Section 3 - Persia Attacks the Greeks

Summary
Cyrus the Great united the Persians and built the largest empire the world has ever seen. Persia paid men to be full-time soldiers, and as a result, its army was very impressive. Beginning around 490 B.C. the Persians and the Greek city-states battled over control of Greece. Sparta and Athens worked together to defeat the Persians. The Persian Empire was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.





Maps in Motion - The Persian Wars 499-479 BC

The Persian Wars - Audio Visual Map

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Map - Greece and the Mediterranean Region


Label the following

Atlantic Ocean , Black Sea, Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea 
Corsica , Sicily, Crete, Cyprus 

Greece (shade in with the color purple)
Athens , Sparta 
Africa , Asia , Europe 
Greek Colonies (shade in with the color green)
Greek Trade Routes (with red arrows)


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Chapter 4 Section 2 - Sparta and Athens

Summary
With the support of Greece's common people, tyrants were able to seize power from the nobles. The majority of the city-states replaced tyrants with new forms of government. Athens established a democracy and Sparta formed an oligarchy.







Ancient Athens and the agora - Audio Visual

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Book Covers - Due Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Textbooks must be covered.  You will be getting a participation grade for making your paper book covers.  Please, do not use a stretchable book cover. Our history books are large and the stretchable book covers tend to pull on the cover and binding.  If you have difficulty getting paper, please contact me.

HOMEWORK - Cover your textbook by Tuesday, September 4, 2012.

Thanks so much and get those books covered!

Chapter 4 Section 1 - The Early Greeks

Summary
Greece's geography played a major role in the lives of the Greeks. The mountains, climate, and seas determined where people settled and what they did. The geography shaped Greece's government as well, dividing the people into distinct communities.  Minoans earned their living by building ships and trading.  Mycenaeans built the first Greek kingdoms and spread their power across the Mediterranean region through colonies and trade, spreading Greek culture and spurring industry.  The concept of citizenship was developed by the Greeks. The citizens ran the city-states, and people could meet and debate issues at the agora. Greek citizens could also choose officials, pass laws, vote, and hold public office. In exchange for these rights, Greek citizens were required to serve in government and fight as soldiers.










The Geography of Greece - Audio Visual

Ancient Athens and the agora - Audio Visual

Check out this great MSN video - Ancient Earthquake Victims