The Middle East spans a large territory including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. It has been an important crossroads for trade and religion throughout history as the birthplace of Christianity, Judaism and the origins of the modern English alphabet and numbering system. The geography of the region, including deserts, mountains and coastlines, has significantly impacted its history by influencing the locations of major settlements near water and enabling the spread of trade and religion across great distances. The Arab people have historically lived as nomadic Bedouins or in oasis towns and villages, with trade and camel domestication playing important roles in their societies.

1. The Middle East
Pages 107- 108

2. Middle Eastern Territory
(today)
O Saudi Arabia O Yemen
O Egypt O Oman
O Lebanon O United Arab Emirates
O Israel O Qatar
O Jordan O Bahrain Sudan
O Iraq O Turkey
O Iran
O Kuwait

5. Historical Importance
O birthplace of Christianity and Judaism
O Modern English alphabet and numbering
system origin
O a world crossroad: ancient/modern trade
routes
O Countless conflicts: Romans conquered ME,
Crusades, recent and current conflicts over
control of ME oil

6. Geography
O Large territory (Saudi Arabia 2x BC)
O many different land forms: desert plateaus,
mountainous regions, coastlines
O Much of the Middle East is dry and desert-
like
O Average July temperature= 30 degrees C
O Average winter temperature= 16 degrees C

9. Geography (continued)
O Oases important settlement areas
O crops:
oranges, dates, figs, olives, wheat, other
grains, and vegetables
O Geography has an important effect on
history
O All major towns/cities located near water
O Impacted trade and spread of religion
O Islam quickly spread across great distances

12. The Arabs
O Arabia
O Semitic people
O 1000 B.C.E onward
O Lived as Bedouin or in villages/towns around
oases/other water source
O trade was important for both groups-
crossroads of two international trade routes
O Camel domestication- caravans carried
expensive goods across the desert

16. The Arabs (continued)
O town and desert people belonged to clans
O desert (Bedouin) clans led by chiefs who
prided themselves in their generosity,
bravery, fighting ability
O towns- gave people an identity and
connections, protected and supported each
other, clan chiefs ran governments