Complete document for both sessions. This is large file and should be downloaded (right-click on link) and viewed in Adobe Reader.
Session 1. Evaluating the Location of the Byzantine Empire
In this learning activity, students evaluate various sites for a city that is in an ideal location to interact with the three continents bordering the Mediterranean basin. As students examine the local characteristics of the sites, they begin to consider the links between places. Even though the “ownership” of the site of Constantinople (Istanbul) has changed through time, its role as a crossroads has remained constant.
Key Questions
- How does the location of Constantinople influence its ability to interact with the rest of the world?
- Why is Constantinople a strategic location?
Note: The following files contain layered pdfs. In order to manipulate the map layers, you must download each file.
Lesson
Lesson with attachments. This is a large file. You should download (right-click on link) and read in Adobe Reader.
Attachments
- Attachment A: Best Site for Linking Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Attachment A: Black and white version
- Attachment B: The Eastern Mediterranean
- Attachment C: Close Up View of the Site of Constantinople
- Attachment D: The Eastern Mediterranean (labeled)
- Attachment E: Site and Situation of Constantinople
- Attachment F: Three Maps for Analyzing Site and Situation
Additional Maps
Using Layered Portable Document Files (pdfs)
To Session 2.
Return to World History and Geography to 1500 A.D. (C.E.) page.