Journey Across Time: The Early Ages

Chapter 1: The First Civilizations

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
Students have learned about the first civilizations. In this activity, students will learn more about the trade and transport of goods in ancient Babylon.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the British Museum site to learn about the trade and transport of goods in ancient Babylon. As they explore the site, students will discover the different modes of transportation used to move items in and out of the city. Students will read an interactive story that allows them to experience first hand the life of a merchant. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by imagining their own trading experience.

Instructional Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the trade and transport of goods that took place in ancient Babylon.
  • Students will apply their knowledge of trade and transportation while engaging in an interactive story. Students will then compose a short essay detailing their experience and explaining their choices.

Student Web Activity Answers

  • Grains, oils, and textiles were taken from Babylonia to be traded for timber, wine, precious metals, and stones.
  • Merchants who traveled by foot between villages usually traded items such as grain, meat, and fish. These merchants were limited by how much they could carry or pull.
  • Gulf boats were used to transport goods from southern Mesopotamia to the Gulf. These boats were larger and stronger than the boats used to transport goods on Mesopotamia's rivers. Items that could be found on these gulf boats included grain, stone, wood, pearls, carnelian, copper, ivory, textiles, and reeds.
  • Many natural resources were imported into Mesopotamia. Large pieces of unusual stone and pearls were transported into Mesopotamia from the Gulf. Copper from Anatolia, Iran, and the Gulf was imported and used to make bronze. Ivory was imported from India and East Africa. Pine and cedar trees were shipped down the Euphrates River to Mesopotamia.
  • Answers will vary.

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