Geography of the Islamic Empire

During the Islamic Empire, the geography played a big role in the spread of Islam, the growth of the Empire, and the Golden Age. The center of the Empire was in Saudi Arabia. It was located on a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. In addition, the peninsula was mostly desert and had very little rainfall and no major rivers or lakes. Many trade routes went through this area, which caused many cities to expand along the edges of the area. Also, because of scarce resources, there were many nomadic tribes like the Bedouins traveled from place to place in order to find food and water. The nomads would come to be helpful for guiding traders through the harsh terrain so that they could trade both goods and ideas with others. With the spread of news and ideas, many people could learn about Islam, and therefore more people became Muslim. Also, the Empire was in ideal location to conquer new land for the empire; consequently spreading culture and religion to other parts of the world. The geographical location and climate of the Arabian Peninsula ultimately contributed to the spread of Islam and the trade routes helped this Empire enter its Golden Age.


Thanks to its convenient location amid the trade routes, such as the Silk Road, the Islamic Empire was able to trade many goods, which would come to cause its Golden Age. The Silk Road was a very successful trade rout going through parts of Asia and Eastern Europe. This route carried many items that were in high demand; silk, gold, silver food, tapestries, and carpets were among some of the most commonly traded along this route. Consequently, all the trade caused the empire to gain a lot of wealthy, and with money comes power and riches, which are necessities for a civilizations Golden Age. Another way that geography contributed the golden age of the Islamic Empire is the ability for ideas to travel along the trade as would goods. Since people would talk about the new Islamic religion, people would travel to cities to convert and worship their god. This significantly contributed to the Spread of Islam, therefore causing the Muslim population to grow. Overall, the trade routes going through the empire spread both wealth and ideas over hundreds of miles.

Another reason the geography contributed the growth of the Islamic Empire was the positions of Baghdad and Mecca. Both of these cities were important trading ports in the Empire and people would travel for miles just to sell their products in the Bazaar. In addition, Mecca was the religious center for Islam and many people traveled there every year to make their hajj. Other people would travel to learn and study Islam and even convert to that religion. The cities would prove to be instrumental in the expansion of Islam and Golden Age of the Empire.

Works Cited
"Silk Road - Trading Goods." Advantour: Tourism in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia : Travel Guides. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://www.advantour.com/silkroad/goods.htm>.

Traveling in a Caravan

Several hundred years ago in what is now Saudi Arabia traders would travel in large groups called caravans. They would use Camels as transportation for traveling across the vast desserts. I imagine it was a very difficult journey. To spend all day in a scorching hot desert on top of an uncomfortable camel as you slowly but surly inched closer to the next city. You would have to conserve a lot of water, making sure to carry lots with you at all times. In addition, finding food would be difficult if your food supply ran out. Traveling for hours a day would be horribly boring, doing nothing but sit atop a camel and stare off into the seemingly unending desert before you. Then., after days or even weeks of traveling across the barren desert you come across an oasis that promises relief in the form of fresh water and vegetation. After a brief stay at the oasis you would once again voyage into the hot, dry dessert. Again, you would travel atop the camels as they carries both you, your companions, and your supplies/ goods for trading. At night you would set up camp and sleep beneath the stars. What a relief it would be that the sun had gone down and with it the temperature of the desert. Finally, you reach a city. You and your companions from the caravan go sell your goods in the magnificent bazaars and trade for other products you can sell. After you replenish your equipment and food, you once again set out to cross the vast dessert to go to another town for more trade. The journey for a caravan would never be easy, but with determination and knowledge it can be worth the trip. Traders made a lot of money in caravans because they brought goods that were in high demand and also helped businesses by buying products from them or selling them something. In conclusion, caravans would spend many days and weeks traveling in the desert before they finally made it to a city and were able to sell their products.

Unit 3 Reflection: Byzantine Empire

To some, learning about the Byzantine Empire is a waste of time. They do not understand the importance that it plays in out lives. While some find it a waste of time, we learn a lot of valuable lessons that help us understand the world better. This is especially important for us because we live in an area was very use to be a part of the Byzantine Empire. By learning about this empire we are able to understand some of the culture and art we see today. For example, by studying mosaics we can better understand a lot of the art and understand the stories that they are telling us. The information from the mosaics can be used to better understand past events. When you know what the art is representing or saying, it makes the picture even more fantastic and spectacular. Another reason it is important for us to study the Byzantine Empire is because, since we live in Serbia, it is important to know its history. By knowing more about the history of this country we are able to understand the culture and its roots. When we know more about historic civilizations we can understand the culture, like why certain holidays are separated or why we speak certain languages. Also, studying the Byzantine Empire teaches us a lot about religion and its history and the significance it has played throughout the centuries. Religion is as important in life today as it was thousands of years ago and it is important to know the similarities and differences between different religions. In addition, studying the empire helps us learn more about how religion has changed and grown throughout the centuries. Another very important reason to study the Byzantine Empire is because of its government's success and ideas. The Justinian code was written by scholars and is still used today, helping shape our modern judicial systems. This is without a doubt one of the most important contributions from the Byzantines and by studying it we can further our knowledge of government and laws. The Byzantine Empire also helped develop many different writing that is still used today. For example, Cyrillic was developed by a monk and now a very common form of writing in many parts of the world. In conclusion, while the Byzantine Empire may be long gone, it has effected the world in many ways so it is very important to study and learn about it. 

Ichthys Symbol

The Ichthys symbol is an important symbol in the Christian religion. The name Ichthys is an acronym for the Greek words Iesous, Christosi, Theos, Yios, and Soter, which translate to Jesus Christ of God Son Savior. This symbol was first used as a Christian symbol within the first thee centuries. In the Bible, there are many references to fish, the most famous being when Christ turned two fish and five loaves of bread into enough to feed 5000 people. Also, the Ichthys was used as a secret symbol persecuted Christians used to identify themselves and mark where others are buried. Early Christians met in secret and in order to identify one and other one person would draw a curved line in the sand, another person would complete it and a third person would draw the eye. Another reason the Ichthys is a common Christian symbol is because Jesus refers to his disciples as "fishers of men." According to some astrologists say that Jesus Christ represents Zodiac sign, Pisces. The Ichthys is still a popular symbol used to represent Christianity today, and is used by many people in clothing, signs, and emblems to show their religion. In conclusion, the Ichthys has been around for centuries to identify Christians and show their beliefs.
Sources

•  Fairchild, Mary. "Christian Fish - Image of the Christian Fish or Ichthys." Christianity - About Christianity and Living the Christian Life. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://christianity.about.com/od/symbolspictures/ig/Christian-Symbols-Glossary/Christian-Fish.htm>.
• "History of the Christian Fish Symbol." Canadian Business and Service Directory - Eureka4you.com. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.eureka4you.com/fish/fishsymbol.htm>
• "Ichthys - Christianity Knowledge Base." Main Page - Christianity Knowledge Base. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://christianity.wikia.com/wiki/Ichthys>.
• Ichthys - New World Encyclopedia." Info:Main Page - New World Encyclopedia. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ichthys>.

Saint Petka's Chapel Reflection

Today in class we visited Saint Petka's Chapel. There were many beautiful mosaics covering the walls. The mosaic I chose to analyze depicted a scene with many people. The main focus in the mosaic was Jesus Christ, you can tell who he is because he has a golden circle around his head, his feet appear to be floating,  he is located in the center of the mosaic, and is wearing bright red robes that make him stand out. He is also sticking his hands out over a poor old man with a cane and bag on his back, wearing dull gray robes who is hunched over and is not floating, therefore you know he is not currently Christian. I think he is being baptized because he is standing next to a fountain with his eyes closed and kneeling before Jesus, whom has his hands above the old mans head. On the left side of the picture there is a group of men. They are grouped close together and are wearing colorful clothing. Since they overlap they are not the focus of the mosaic. Also you can tell the men in the front of the group are more important because they stand in front of the group so you can see them better. The entire group's feet appear to float, so you can tell they are Christians. I think this is a mosaic of Jesus Christ baptizing a person while surrounded by his followers.This picture features a lot of details that can be used to figure out the story of this mosaic.

Overall, this mosaic is a satisfactory example of Byzantine art. The mosaic is full of bright colors and the people have floating feet and are also shown complete, without being cut off by the boarders of the mosaic. Also, the location of the figures shows importance and the pictured is balanced. In addition, there is not much interest in the background and the main focus is on the people. While this mosaic follows many of the rules of the Byzantine art, it also breaks one. I noticed that there is a bit of shading around the fountain, while some of it might be marble, the cloth hanging above the fountain also uses shading to show depth and the folds of the cloth. In conclusion, you can use clues in the mosaic to easily decipher the story of the mosaic.

Saint Barbara

Saint Barbara lived between 200-400 ad in what is now known as Turkey. Her father was a emperor and a devoted pagan worshiper, and tried to instill the pagan traditions and beliefs into her by building her a magnificent tower to live in so she could learn these lessons. In secret she was baptized and became a Christian. Then when her father was building her a bathhouse by her tower she requested it have three windows to honor the trinity and a cross engraved in the marble walls.  When Saint Barbara's father saw this he became enraged. He ordered for her to be tortured until she accepts the pagan ways of life and stops being a Christian. Through all of this, she is strong and sticks to her beliefs. Then, when she was tossed into a prison cell, she prayed to God for the strength to keep her faith. As she was praying she felt a heavenly joy fill her as her wounds instantly started healing. After more torturing, she was still loyal to her beliefs and her father then decided that he would execute her. Saint Barbara was then beheaded, along with another christian girl. Then as soon as they killed them, the Emperor and other Executioner were struck down by lightning and killed. Saint Barbara then became the patron saint of protection from sudden death or harm, such as death in battle and especially protection against fire and lightning. Also, she is known for being one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and a Wonder Worker who protected people from harm.Today there are many ways in which people honor her sacrifice and protection. One example is the Ancient and Honorable Orders of Saint Barbara military award which is awarded to people in the Army and Marie Corps. In addition, on December 4th many people hold feasts in her honor. Overall, Saint Barbara is remembered as a saint because of her loyal devotion to her faith.
Sources

• "St. Barbara (Patron of Protection from Harm) : Apostle.com - Catholic Gifts." Apostle.com: Exquisite Religious Catholic Gifts & Jewelry. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://apostle.com/st.-barbara-patron-of-protection-from-harm?chapter=1>.
• Hand., The Lord's. "St. Barbara - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=166>.
• "Life of Saint Barbara." Welcome to Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church! Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.saintbarbara.org/about/frp_stbarb.cfm>.
• Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.suite101.com/content/st-barbara-patron-saint-of-arty-a38895>.
  

Roman Civilization

In my opinion, the Roman Empire was more advanced than both the Byzantine and Greek Empires. The Romans were brilliant engineers, building magnificent buildings and roads that would be extremely influential for centuries to come. For example, the Apennine Way is still used today as a road and the Pantheon has inspired architects who have built many buildings, including many government buildings all over the world. The Romans also invented the incredibly  important aqua duct that revolutionized water transport, as well as help keep their cities clean. Also, their architecture was very advanced, they used both the columns and arches while building things, using both Etruscan and Greek influence. The Romans also had a strong government, with powerful Emperors and the wise Senators who led the Empire successfully  for many years. They also developed a democratic republic, which is a major form of government today. In addition, their art was also very advanced, the sculptures and painters created magnificent pieces of art. The Romans also had an extraordinary military. Their soldiers were specially trained and well equipped with deadly weapons. Also, their battle tactics were genius, demonstrating the intelligence of this great empire, and helping them expand  it to cover parts of north Africa, much of Europe, and parts of Asia.  They also had strong defenses to protect their people and the territories that they commanded. The Roman Empire also cared a lot about its citizens and worked hard to keep them all happy. Emperors built great stadiums for entertainment and gave out food to its citizens. Overall, the Roman Empire was very advanced and a magnificent empire.