Black Kingdoms of the Nile
PBS
http://www.pbs.org/wonders/Episodes/Epi1/nile.htm
Designed by PBS as part of its series
Wonders of the African World,
this site gives the visitor both an ancient and modern look into this
remarkable civilization. Topics include the black pharaohs, the Kushite Empire,
pyramids and temples, and a Nubian wedding. Clear and informative, the site is
enhanced with videos and the diary of scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as he
travels through this region. The content of both
Lesson 7: Geography and
Early Settlement of Egypt, Kush, and Canaan and
Lesson 10: The
Kingdom of Kush are addressed in detail at this site.
Canaan and Ancient Israel
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
http://www.museum.upenn.edu/Canaan/index.html
Did you know that the inhabitants of Canaan burned olive oil in small lamps to
light their homes? It was a plentiful resource that had many uses in this
ancient land. These facts are some of the helpful resources found at this
online exhibit. You will also find data on the land, daily life, economy, and
religion. Detailed with maps and timelines, this site includes a glossary and
adaptable activities for middle and high school. The site is a helpful
complement for material discussed in
Lesson 7: Geography and Early
Settlement of Egypt, Kush, and Canaan and
Lesson 11: The
Ancient Hebrews and the Origins of Judaism.
Heritage: Civilization and the Jews
PBS
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/heritage/index.html
This site tells the complex story of the Jewish people. Created as a supplement
to the PBS video series, the site offers a comprehensive overview of Jewish
history. Information is organized by time period, and both text and interactive
maps are used to teach the site's visitors. Additionally, you will discover
ample primary sources, a timeline, lesson plans, and suggested resources. This
site is a wonderful tool for teaching and learning about Lesson 12: The
Struggle to Preserve Judaism.
Egyptians
B.B.C.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/
From the imposing Great Pyramid to the system of hieroglyphs, the ancient
Egyptians had a complex and impressive civilization. Here, you will find a
comprehensive resource on many aspects of ancient Egypt, such as its leaders,
people, monuments, religion, and geography. Take a try at virtually making a
mummy, or send a postcard in hieroglyphs to a friend. There are many other fun
and useful learning tools at this site, such as a timeline and a collection of
primary sources. An excellent resource for all of the Egypt lessons, there are
sections that are especially appropriate for Lesson 9: Daily Life in
Ancient Egypt.
Explore Ancient Egypt
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
http://www.mfa.org/egypt/explore_ancient_egypt/index.html
Housing "one of the finest Egyptian collections of its kind in the world," this
site was designed by the museum as an educational tool as well as a source
about the museum's own excavations. Activities encourage visitors to explore
Egypt through the eyes of archeologists, giving an interesting and useful
perspective on this ancient place. Additionally, information is provided on
daily life, social class, hieroglyphics, and mummies. A timeline, maps, videos,
and downloadable teacher's guides aid in making this site especially valuable
for Lesson 9: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt.
Facts About Israel
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH00080
Rich in tradition and culture, the ancient civilization of Israel has had its
share of splendor and of struggle. Aided by extensive historical research and
archeological excavations, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a
detailed site on the incredible stories of this region in its "History"
section. Though the site takes its history through modern times, the most
applicable parts of this section are "Historical Highlights," "Biblical Times,"
and "Second Temple Period." Complemented with colorful and useful maps, this
site offers extensive support for Lesson 11: The Ancient Hebrews and the
Origins of Judaism.
Pyramids: The Inside Story
NOVA
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/
Created by PBS as part of its NOVA series on pyramids, this site gives an
interdisciplinary look into these impressive monuments. Learn about the history
of Giza, who built the pyramids, how old the pyramids are, and what the
hieroglyphs mean. Follow archaeologists as they explore four major sites and
restore them to their former glory. Lovers of history, science, and math alike
will enjoy the diverse activities and tools found at this site. Appealing and
helpful, this site is a constructive aid for Lesson 8: The Ancient Egyptian
Pharaohs.
Theban Mapping Project
American University in Cairo, Egypt
http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/
This site is a compilation of articles, databases, and other specialized
resources on ancient Egypt. The main attraction, though, is the two interactive
atlases on the Valley of the Kings and the Theban Necropolis that give an
amazing and up-close way to examine these sites. Maps, images, models, and
virtual tours are used in these engaging and hands-on resources. It is as if
you are actually doing the excavation and exploration yourself! This site is an
incredible way to experience topics discussed in Lesson 8: The Ancient
Egyptian Pharaohs.
World Cultures: Ancient Egypt
The British Museum
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html
Papyrus is known for its use as a material on which to paint, but did you know
that its fibers were used to make jewelry? Egyptian artisans were known for
their skill not just in jewelry, but also in furniture and other crafts. At
this site, a visitor can learn about ancient Egyptian trades as well as
Egyptian life, geography, religion, mummification, pharaohs, pyramids, temples,
and writing. Each section has links for "Story," which is often a primary
source, and "Explore," for deeper explanation of the topic. For added
enrichment, there is the "Challenge" section that includes a variety of fun and
interactive activities. This site connects well with all of the Egypt lessons,
but its discussion of Lesson 7: Geography and Early Settlement in Egypt,
Kush, and Canaan content is particularly helpful.
