Essential Questions:

• How do I recognize the important political boundaries in the Middle East? How does the geography of the Middle East influence the history of the region?

• How have ancient civilizations shaped modern civilization?

• Why is the Middle East perpetually plagued by enduring conflicts?



This unit highlights the growth, decline, resurgence, religions, and struggles of the Middle East . This region has been shaped strongly by their geography and cultural beliefs, lending to a tenuous past. In this unit, students will study the origin and growth of Islam, the struggle for a homeland across the region, and the ongoing conflict between nations living in such a rich and culturally diverse region.