The Ancient Middle East

Mesopotamian Literature Read pgs. 6-10

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the meaning of Mesopotamia? 2. How did the Sumerians use mud?3. In your own words describe a city-state and how it was

organized.4. Name two things the Sumerians developed.5. What is one of the oldest systems of writing the

Sumerians are responsible for creating?6. What does Babylon mean and what city known today is

nearby?7. What do the Codes of Hammurabi regulate?8. What are the names of the two rivers that provided water

to this region? 9. What was built that caused Babylon to fall into ruins?

Egyptian Literature Read pgs. 11-14Answer the following questions1 List three things the Nile river provided.2 What is papyrus? What did the Egyptians make with it?

What was this used for?3 During which years were the Old, Middle, and New

Kingdoms? Which was known for the construction of the famous pyramids? Which period was known for its love poems?

4 Draw a pyramid indicating the different levels of Egyptian society and list the types of people in each level.

5 What system of writing are the Egyptians responsible for creating?

6 What was The Book of the Dead, and what did it contain?

Brain Break

Everyone stand and raise your left foot and your right hand, while saying your name three

times aloud. Now repeat using opposite side.

Remember: when the bum is numb, the brain is dumb

Brain Break

Everyone stand and Pat your head and rub your tummy, then touch your toes twice.

Remember: when the bum is numb, the brain is dumb

Hebrew Literature

Read pgs. 14-18Answer the following questions:

1. What does the word monotheist mean?2. What is the definition of patriarch? Who was the first Hebrew

patriarch?3. Who’s name was changed to Israel? What were the Hebrew

people soon called because of this change?4. The Book of Genesis tells the story of whom?5. The Israelites organized themselves into ________ tribes.6. What laid the foundation for Mosaic law?7. Who became the first king of Israel?8. What is the Hebrew capital city?9. What two words come from the word Judah?10. What is the name of the god who holds a covenant with the

Hebrew people?

Brain Break

Everyone stand and do five jumping jacks

Remember: when the bum is numb, the brain is dumb

Ancient Middle East Poster Competition

Your group must prepare and present a poster that represents the major influences of The Ancient Middle Eastern Society. The best group wins a free “No Homework” pass!

Group Roles are as follows: Leader-gather materials, and clean area when finished Journalist-read notes and help decide what to put on your group’s poster Editor-write facts and draw artwork to design your group’s poster

Presenter-share with the class what is incorporated on your group’s poster

Mesopotamian Literature

The Epic of GilgameshThis oldest surviving epic was written more than four

thousand years ago, and it is at least a thousand years older than most of the books in the Hebrew Bible. This tale is of a superhuman Sumerian king who searches for everlasting life. Gilgamesh who was two-thirds god and one-third human along with his friend Enkidu disrespect the gods, who then afflict Enkidu with a mortal illness. Gilgamesh realizing that he too must die, sets out to learn the secret of immortality from Utnapishtim, a survivor of the great flood.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

An epic hero is an epic’s larger-than-life main character. The hero is a leader that stands for the values of his/her society. An epic hero often goes on a dangerous journey or quest to achieve a difficult goal. Although the hero demonstrates bravery, strength, and knowledge along the way, an epic hero also has human weaknesses. Gilgamesh is the earliest known epic hero and his weakness or “fatal flaw” takes the form of pride.

Clock Activities3:00

Think of some larger-than-life heroes. What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses? Think of two heroes and list their strengths and weaknesses.

Kinesthetic Vocabulary Game: “I have… who has…”

Incantation p. 25 Lamented p. 25 Endured p. 26 Felon pg. p. 27 Drawn p. 27 Decree p. 28 Firmament p. 29

Clamor p. 29 Batten p. 30 Tempest p. 30 Cauldrons p. 31 Embers p. 32 Sluices p. 33

The Epic of Gilgameshpg. 23-33

1. Who is Gilgamesh? 2. Describe the man-bird in Enkidu’s dream. 3. How long does Gilgamesh mourn the death of Enkidu? 4. What does Gilgamesh hope to find on his quest? 5. Describe the scorpions that guard the gate of the mountain. 6. What is the length through the mountain? 7. Why does Siduri bar her gate when she sees Gilgamesh approaching? 8. What does Siduri advise Gilgamesh to do? 9. According to Utnapishtim, why did the gods once try to destroy humanity? 10. What does Ea instruct Utnapishtim to tell the other Sumerians before the flood? 11. How long did the flood last? 12. According to Utnapishtim, where does the plant grow that gives everlasting life? 13. Why does Gilgamesh fail to bring the river plant to his people? 14. What does Gilgamesh do after he returns from his quest?

Homework

Write a one page essay describing a person in your life that you consider a hero. What special attributes make this person a hero? What are his/her strengths? What are his/her weaknesses? Why is this person your hero?

Egyptian LiteratureEgyptian Literature

Egypt Egypt It is in this early civilization that one of the first forms It is in this early civilization that one of the first forms

of writing began. It is called hieroglyphics. This of writing began. It is called hieroglyphics. This type of ancient Egyptian writing was in picture type of ancient Egyptian writing was in picture form. Each picture denotes a word or idea rather form. Each picture denotes a word or idea rather than just expressing the sound. There are over than just expressing the sound. There are over seven hundred hieroglyphics in this ancient form of seven hundred hieroglyphics in this ancient form of

writing.writing.

How do you write with How do you write with hieroglyphics?hieroglyphics?

The symbols always face towards the The symbols always face towards the beginning of the line so you know which beginning of the line so you know which direction to start reading. direction to start reading.

Besides changing direction, hieroglyphics Besides changing direction, hieroglyphics rarely used vowelsrarely used vowels, although they were , although they were spoken. In English words are often spoken. In English words are often abbreviated by leaving out the vowels as abbreviated by leaving out the vowels as well - bldg = building, ltd = limited and cm well - bldg = building, ltd = limited and cm = centimeter.= centimeter.

Where were hieroglyphics Where were hieroglyphics used?used?

You can see hieroglyphics on ancient tombs, You can see hieroglyphics on ancient tombs, pyramid walls, pottery, and ceramics. Scribes also pyramid walls, pottery, and ceramics. Scribes also used hieroglyphics on papyrus to record the used hieroglyphics on papyrus to record the history of Egypt. history of Egypt.

Hieroglyphics were extremely hard to learn. Only Hieroglyphics were extremely hard to learn. Only scribes learned to write them and they trained for scribes learned to write them and they trained for years, starting school when they were boys. years, starting school when they were boys.

Girls were Girls were not allowednot allowed to go to school so they to go to school so they couldn't become scribes. couldn't become scribes.

Scribes were special royal servants. They didn't Scribes were special royal servants. They didn't have to go into the military or pay taxes. They have to go into the military or pay taxes. They were also well-respected and had their pictures were also well-respected and had their pictures painted on the walls of houses and monuments. painted on the walls of houses and monuments.

Papyrus Papyrus

One of the major contributions the Egyptians One of the major contributions the Egyptians gave to civilization is the invention of paper, gave to civilization is the invention of paper, made from papyrus reeds.made from papyrus reeds.

Papyrus is a plant that grows on the banks of the Papyrus is a plant that grows on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. (Kind of like we know as a Nile River in Egypt. (Kind of like we know as a broadleaf cattailbroadleaf cattail.) .) Papyrus, can grow up to 15 Papyrus, can grow up to 15 feet high.feet high.

Egyptians used paper made from papyrus for Egyptians used paper made from papyrus for 4000 years until other plants and trees were used 4000 years until other plants and trees were used to make paper for economical reasons. Paper to make paper for economical reasons. Paper made from papyrus is still made, but normally made from papyrus is still made, but normally only as a tourist attraction.only as a tourist attraction.

Assignment:Assignment: You are in Egypt; create a You are in Egypt; create a post card addressed to a friend or family post card addressed to a friend or family

member using a combination of words and member using a combination of words and symbols. symbols.

One side must One side must have an illustration have an illustration of a scene from of a scene from Egypt.Egypt.

The other side The other side must contain your must contain your message.message.

Your message must Your message must be a minimum of be a minimum of four sentences. four sentences.

You must add colorYou must add color Don’t forget the Don’t forget the

stamp! (draw one stamp! (draw one in the corner)in the corner)

In ancient Egypt, burial rites could not be performed unless a person’s body was whole. In turn, if burial rites were not performed, the person’s spirit could not pass to Duat, the Land of the Dead.

The ancient Egyptians also believed that to be admitted to the Land of the Dead, a person’s body had to be preserved. (To keep it from decaying.) They also believed that a body had to be reunited with its spirit, which had fled the body at death. To preserve the body and lure back its spirit, the ancient Egyptians developed a practice called embalming.

“It is human to be paralyzed by grief, but it is heroic to be activated by it.”

Write a quick-write/journal-entry paragraph about the above quote. What do you think the quote means? What experiences in your life can you associate with this quote?

The great goddess of ancient Egypt was Isis, and her husband was Osiris. The hero of this ancient Egyptian myth is a model of love, faithfulness, and above all, persistence. Follow the goddess Isis on her unusual quest to rescue her husband’s body.

World Myths and Folk Tales

Read Isis the Queen pg. 116-120. Record and answer the following questions:

1. Why does Seth want his brother Osiris to get into a beautiful coffin? a. Seth wants to kill Osiris and rule Egypt. b. Seth wants to give Osiris the coffin and needs to be sure it fits2. Isis finds the coffin containing Osiris…

a. floating down the Nile b. In a pyramid c. encased in a tree in Byblos

3. What does Seth do when he finds the body of Osiris? a. He encloses it in a beautiful pyramid

b. He cuts it into fourteen pieces and scatters them4. Who is Horus?

a. the god of the dead b. the son of Isis and the spirit of Osiris

Hebrew LiteratureHebrew Literature

The most important example of The most important example of Hebrew literature is the Jewish Hebrew literature is the Jewish

Bible. (Christians refer to this as Bible. (Christians refer to this as the Old Testament).the Old Testament).

What is the Bible?What is the Bible?

The word The word BibleBible came from the Greek word came from the Greek word bibliabiblia, meaning a collection of writings., meaning a collection of writings.

The Hebrew Bible can be divided into The Hebrew Bible can be divided into three main sections: the Torah (“law,” the three main sections: the Torah (“law,” the first five books), historical accounts and first five books), historical accounts and narratives (Books of Samuel, Saul, David, narratives (Books of Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon), and a variety of genres Solomon), and a variety of genres including poetry (Psalms), short stories including poetry (Psalms), short stories (Book of Ruth), and dialogue (Book of Job).(Book of Ruth), and dialogue (Book of Job).

Who wrote the Bible?Who wrote the Bible?

Christians believe God gave humans Christians believe God gave humans the message through divine the message through divine inspiration.inspiration.

In the nineteenth century some In the nineteenth century some scholars began to theorize that scholars began to theorize that multiple people recorded the Bible multiple people recorded the Bible because of the differences in style because of the differences in style and content.and content.

What themes run through the Bible?What themes run through the Bible?

power, goodness, and mercy of ONE power, goodness, and mercy of ONE GodGod

God’s covenant with His peopleGod’s covenant with His people the tendency for humans to stray the tendency for humans to stray

from the right path (sin)from the right path (sin) the forgiveness humans can receive the forgiveness humans can receive

from Godfrom God

““In the Beginning”In the Beginning”

Quickwrite: In a journal entry record Quickwrite: In a journal entry record how you believe the world and how you believe the world and humans came to be. This should be humans came to be. This should be a minimum of (one) paragraph.a minimum of (one) paragraph.

Literary Terms: Literary Terms: repetitionrepetition:: the recurrence of words, phrases, sentences, or passages to the recurrence of words, phrases, sentences, or passages to create a particular literary effectcreate a particular literary effectarchetypesarchetypes:: symbols and images that appear in literature, music, and symbols and images that appear in literature, music, and history. Archetypes have universal meanings (snakes, trees, McDonald’s history. Archetypes have universal meanings (snakes, trees, McDonald’s arch, dove, Star of David, crossroads, etc.)arch, dove, Star of David, crossroads, etc.)

Vocabulary:Vocabulary: firmamentfirmament: the sky: the sky dominiondominion: rule; absolute authority: rule; absolute authority replenishreplenish: refill or make complete again: refill or make complete again subduesubdue: conquer; cultivate: conquer; cultivate beguiledbeguiled: deceived: deceived enmityenmity: hostility : hostility The word The word genesisgenesis comes from the Greek word comes from the Greek word

gignesthaigignesthai, which means to be born., which means to be born.

Read “In the Beginning”Read “In the Beginning”((pages 53-56). Record and answer the questions on the pages 53-56). Record and answer the questions on the

following slide.following slide.

1)1) In what image was man created?In what image was man created?2)2) What did God create on the first day?What did God create on the first day?3)3) What did God say about what He created?What did God say about what He created?4)4) What was the name of the garden holding the first humans?What was the name of the garden holding the first humans?5)5) Name the TWO trees that were mentioned by name in Eden.Name the TWO trees that were mentioned by name in Eden.6)6) Name the FOUR rivers found in Eden.Name the FOUR rivers found in Eden.7)7) Name the THREE precious items found in Eden.Name the THREE precious items found in Eden.8)8) Which tree was forbidden?Which tree was forbidden?9)9) Draw and label how God created Eve.Draw and label how God created Eve.10)10) What reason does the serpent give Eve to eat of the forbidden What reason does the serpent give Eve to eat of the forbidden

tree?tree?11)11) What THREE things about the tree enticed Eve?What THREE things about the tree enticed Eve?12)12) What did Adam and Eve realize when their “eyes were opened”?What did Adam and Eve realize when their “eyes were opened”?13)13) What did they do when they heard God’s voice?What did they do when they heard God’s voice?14)14) What excuse does Adam give for eating of the tree?What excuse does Adam give for eating of the tree?15)15) What excuse does Eve give?What excuse does Eve give?16)16) Name TWO punishments given to the serpent.Name TWO punishments given to the serpent.17)17) Name a punishment given to Adam.Name a punishment given to Adam.18)18) Name one punishment given to Eve.Name one punishment given to Eve.19)19) Who is to blame for the wrongdoing of the first humans? WHY?Who is to blame for the wrongdoing of the first humans? WHY?

Create a travel guide for The Garden of Eden; Create a travel guide for The Garden of Eden; your work must contain the following items:your work must contain the following items:

a title page and map and key a title page and map and key a description why Eden is a wonderful tourist attractiona description why Eden is a wonderful tourist attraction Tree of KnowledgeTree of Knowledge Tree of LifeTree of Life Pison RiverPison River Gihon RiverGihon River Hiddekel River (Tigris)Hiddekel River (Tigris) Euphrates RiverEuphrates River goldgold BdelliumBdellium onyxonyx cherubimscherubims flaming swordsflaming swords animalsanimals

““Noah and the Flood”Noah and the Flood” (pages 60-63)(pages 60-63)

vocabularyvocabulary TerminateTerminate: end.: end. CovenantCovenant: a solemn agreement or : a solemn agreement or

contract.contract. SubsidedSubsided: sank; moved to a lower : sank; moved to a lower

level.level. ReckoningReckoning: assignment of rewards or : assignment of rewards or

punishments for actions.punishments for actions.

Complete the following journal Complete the following journal entry:entry:

What problems threaten life on What problems threaten life on our planet today? Free-write about our planet today? Free-write about environmental issues—damages to the environmental issues—damages to the ozone layer, global warming, pollution, ozone layer, global warming, pollution, destruction of rain forests—that affect destruction of rain forests—that affect every inhabitant of the earth. This every inhabitant of the earth. This should be in paragraph form. should be in paragraph form.

Read and answer the following questions:Read and answer the following questions: 1) Why was God angry with humans?1) Why was God angry with humans? 2) Who did God find “favor with”?2) Who did God find “favor with”? 3) Name the people God said he would spare.3) Name the people God said he would spare. 4) How many of each animal was Noah instructed 4) How many of each animal was Noah instructed

to bring on the ark?to bring on the ark? 5) How long would the rain last?5) How long would the rain last? 6) How old was Noah when the flood began?6) How old was Noah when the flood began? 7) Where did the ark finally come to rest?7) Where did the ark finally come to rest? 8) Name the two birds Noah released.8) Name the two birds Noah released. 9) What was God’s covenant and symbol given to 9) What was God’s covenant and symbol given to

the human race?the human race? 10) What is a possible theme of the work?10) What is a possible theme of the work? 11) Describe how Ham showed disrespect to his 11) Describe how Ham showed disrespect to his

father.father. 12) How old was Noah when he died?12) How old was Noah when he died?

Illustration of the Ark- Illustration of the Ark- You must You must create an illustration of the ark by create an illustration of the ark by

including the following componentsincluding the following components:: Ark made of gopher woodArk made of gopher wood

• length of 300 cubits length of 300 cubits ((a unit of measurement. about 50 centimeters long or as long as the king's forearm. I am used for measuring fields so the king knows how much tax people pay.)

• width of 50 cubitswidth of 50 cubits• height of 30 cubitsheight of 30 cubits• window one cubit from the topwindow one cubit from the top• three decksthree decks• a door in the side of the arka door in the side of the ark• Noah, Ham, Shem, and Japheth and their wivesNoah, Ham, Shem, and Japheth and their wives• 7 of the clean animals and 2 of the unclean animals7 of the clean animals and 2 of the unclean animals• raven and doveraven and dove• Mountains of AraratMountains of Ararat• RainbowRainbow• 40 days and 40 nights of rain40 days and 40 nights of rain

“Deucalion” a Greek myth“Tata and Nena” an Aztec myth pg. 64-65

1. In “Deucalion, why does Zeus decide to destroy human kind?

2. How are Deucalion and his wife saved from the flood?

3. How long did it rain?4. What do they do when they realize they are the

only survivors?5. What does Zeus mean when he says, “cast behind

you the bones of your mother”? 6. In “Tata & Nena”, who is Tlaloc?7. Why do the rain gods decide to save Tata & Nena?8. Why are they changed into dogs?

Literary Terms

Parable: a brief narrative that teaches a moral., a lesson about life. Allegory: a story in which the characters, setting, and events stand for, or symbolize, abstract or moral concepts.

The word parable comes from the Greek word meaning “comparison”.

The Christian Bible consists of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, a collection of twenty-seven books.

Read “The Prodigal Son & The Talents”Read “The Prodigal Son & The Talents”((pages 84-85). Record and answer the questions on the following pages 84-85). Record and answer the questions on the following

slide.slide.

1. In “The Prodigal Son,” how does the younger son use his inheritance?

2. In “The Prodigal Son,” What causes the younger son to come to his senses and return home?

3. What indication is there that the younger son has undergone a spiritual change?

4. How do the father and older brother react to the return of this younger son?

5. In “The Prodigal Son,” which character is the most generous and loving?

6. When considering the term allegory on a symbolic level, who might the father, the elder son, and the younger son represent?

7. In “The Talents,” what do the first two servants do with their bags of gold?

8. Why is the master in “The Talents” angry with the servant who still has only one bag?

9. What might the bags of gold represent?10. Quickly sketch the three men before their master.

Clock Activities6:00

Discuss with your partner the followingquestions:

1. What should one do with his/her talents?

2. Name two talents that you have.3. What do you think will happen to

those talents if they are not used?

Exodus: The Story of MosesExodus: The Story of Moses

View View The Prince of EgyptThe Prince of Egypt and answer questions from the viewing guide. and answer questions from the viewing guide.

Israel's Exodus from Egypt Israel's Exodus from Egypt

and Entry into Canaan and Entry into Canaan

What is probably the most important legacy of the What is probably the most important legacy of the ancient Mesopotamians? ancient Mesopotamians?

What cultural contributions did the ancient Egyptians What cultural contributions did the ancient Egyptians make to civilization?make to civilization?

How are the Hebrews different from their neighboring How are the Hebrews different from their neighboring cultures in both their history and their beliefs?cultures in both their history and their beliefs?

Review all works and literary terms for Review all works and literary terms for your Ancient Middle East Unit Test.your Ancient Middle East Unit Test.