1. : Pre-Class On a separate piece of paper, support the following generalization with evidence from pages Chapter 25 and the rest of the chapter. Please copy generalization first. Generalization: o The Middle East is considered to be the “crossroads” of the world because of its strategic location and cultural diffusion. o Support:

2. Support Strategic Location o Located on 3 continents – Africa, Asia, Europe o Connected major trade routes Ancient times to present Land and sea Caravans from India and China Mediterranean Sea connected Europe to Middle East Red Sea to east Africa Suez Canal Straits Many Ethnic groups settled o Oil through Straits of Hormuz at mouth of Persian Gulf o Military Reasons

3. Support Cultural Diffusion o Why: over thousands of years, migrating people, traders, and conquers crossed the Middle east o Many ethnic groups and languages o Examples Iron making: Hittites Alphabet: Phoenicians Law Codes: Hammurabi Sumerian achievements: wheel, plow, measurement based on 60 Persian innovations to government and trade Greek: Hellenistic Civilization Rome: laws/government/Christianity Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Through Middle East from Asia o Arabic numerals from India o lateen sail