The Origins of History Geography of the Prehistoric World: Using Maps and Tools to study History

School: Then vs. Now You Choose! My headmaster read my tablet and said, “there is something missing”, and hit me with a cane…The fellow in charge of silence said “why do you talk without permission? And caned me. Ancient Sumerian Notebook

The Relationship between Geography and History Last year you studied the basic components of Geography. You also studied the histories cultures and landscapes of numerous countries and regions of the world. This year you will use the skills you attained in geography and transfer them over to the study of history. You will use the 5 Themes of Geography to answer the questions of “why did civilizations begin where they did”? As well as the question How did the interaction and movement of peoples shape the world we live in today. So, now before we dive into the past we will review the important concepts of geography that you will use throughout the year in history.

The 5 Themes of Geography Location- We use location in history to answer the question “where is it”? Where is Mesopotamia? Why do scientists believe human life began in equatorial region of Africa? Location will look to answer these questions.

The 5 Themes of Geography 2) Regions- Regions are areas that share at least one common feature. Geographers divide the world into many types of regions. Examples are countries, states, and cities. Other features of region are climate and culture. Egypt can be placed into multiple regions. The modern day country of Egypt, the ancient civilization of Egypt, we can also see Egypt has a desert climate.

The 5 Themes of Geography 3) Place- identifies the natural and human features that make one place different from every other place. You can identify a specific place by its landforms, climate, language… Place is a geographic signature. We can use the signature to understand what makes one place different from another. Why was ancient Rome different than Ancient Athens? Language, People, Culture.

The 5 Themes of Geography 4) Movement- answers the question “How do people, goods, and ideas travel from one place to another? Remember what happens in one place often affects another. With the discovery of fire prehistoric people were able to travel to place with cooler climates. With the invention of Guttenberg's printing press thousands of peoples could own books for the first time. These discoveries and inventions helped ideas and people move from one place to another.

The 5 Themes of Geography 5) Interaction- Human- environment interaction focuses on the relationship between people and the environment. As people settle and live in one area they often make changes to it. Think of the forests that were cut down all over Europe used to create farm land, and lumber. As well as animals that were hunted close to extinction like the Asiatic lion.

Using Maps Maps- are drawings that show regions on flat surfaces. Maps are good resources to be able to learn about different regions. This year we will use different types of maps to help learn about different civilizations, regions, and cultures. Let’s take a review how to use a map and look at the types of maps we will use this year.

How to Use a Map Compass Rose Key, Legend Scale Bar

Political Maps Political maps show borders of continents, countries, or in ancient times even empires. Many political maps use different colors to represent distinct areas. They also include major cities and towns

Physical Maps Physical maps represent what a region looks like by showing its major physical features. Physical maps also often show elevation and relief- relief is how sharply land rises or falls (slow sloping hills, vs. cliffs).

Human Migration Maps Migration maps relate to one of the 5 themes of geography (movement). Since the beginning of history people have been on the move. As people move they shape, and are shaped by their environment. Examples are the first human beings going out of Africa, and the European explorers coming to North and South America.

Time Lines Timelines help provide a picture of the important dates and events that have happened in history. There are many varieties of timelines some are simply dates along a line. Others are more artistic. The important thing is that you are able to use one. Let’s look at one and answer some questions.

Time Lines Here is a more fun version of a timeline! http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/history/greece/timeline/

Reading Graphs

Origins of History Now that we have reviewed the basic tools that you will need during the course of history class. Let's begin by uncovering what history truly is, and the adventures that you can experience by studying it.