Make Your Own Gordian Knot

Make Your Own Gordian Knot

One legend says Alexander conquered Asia by solving the puzzle of the Gordian Knot. According to a prophecy, whoever untied this endless knot would rule the continent. Alexander took the direct approach—he cut the knot open with his sword. Today, a “Gordian knot” means an unsolvable problem. No one knows exactly what the Gordian Knot looked like. But you can make a knot called a Turk’s Head appear “endless” by joining the ends after it’s tied.
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A Different Kind of BattleField

A Different Kind of BattleField

From World War I

In the early years of WWI, army recruiters mined soccer games and rugby matches for recruits. According to historian Adam Hochschild, soccer games “proved the single best venue for recruiters.” Arriving spectators would see recruiters wearing sandwich boards bearing the message, “Your Country Needs You.” The game would start with a patriotic speech. Players often stepped forward to enlist, and fans quickly followed their lead.

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My World

My World

From Global Citizenship

Through the “My World” Survey, people can identify which of the 17 SDGs matter most to them. At www.myworld2030.org, you can take the survey and select six SDG priority areas. You can also view results by country to see what people care about across the globe.

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Make A Roman Coin

Make A Roman Coin

From Ancient Civilizations: Romans!

Coins were introduced to ancient Rome around 270 BCE. Before then, Romans traded goods for other goods. Roman coins were made of gold, silver, or bronze and often had the face of the emperor on one side.

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Black-Figure Vase

Black-Figure Vase

From Ancient Civilizations: Greeks!

We know a lot about ancient Greece by studying their vases, which illustrated everyday life. Want to tell future archaeologists about your life? Make your own Greek-style vase.

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Reviews

Denis Belliveau explorer, filmmaker, and author of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo
“Full of fun facts and insights, this book brought back such fond memories for me. The Silk Road is a wonderful way to introduce young people to one of the most interesting regions of the world and I’m sure it will inspire the next generation of explorers. I only wish it had been available before I spent two years traveling along its historic, dusty and memorable path.”

Al Dien Professor of Chinese, Emeritus, Stanford University and presenter of Along the Silk Road, an interactive workshop for middle school teachers
“I am very much impressed with this book. It is imaginative and, despite being written for children, not at all ‘dumbed down.’ Full of interesting information presented in ways that are certain to stir the imagination of its intended audience, features such as ‘Words to know,’ ‘Make your own,’ and ‘Fascinating Facts’ all add to the effectiveness of the presentation.”

Detailed Book Description

From Roman times until the Age of Exploration, the Silk Road carried goods and ideas across Central Asia between two major centers of civilization, the Mediterranean Sea and China. In The Silk Road: Explore the World’s Most Famous Trade Route, readers ages 9–12 will learn about the history, geography, culture, and people of the Silk Road region.

Marco Polo was just one of many who set out on the Silk Road in search of wealth, power, or knowledge. These adventurers braved vast deserts, towering mountain peaks, warring tribes, and marauding bandits. Silk garments, wool rugs, and fine glass were the prizes for those who survived the trip. Activities using everyday materials bring the Silk Road to life. Young readers will see how ideas in math, science, religion, and art were spread by travelers along with the treasures they found.

The Silk Road takes readers on an exciting, interactive adventure to a faraway place and celebrates its important role in human history and development.

Available In:
Paperback, $15.95
9781934670620
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8x10 size | black and white | 128 pages
Subject: Social Studies

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map
Timeline
People

Introduction
The Silk Road & Other Ancient Trade Routes

Chapter 1
History of the Silk Road

Chapter 2
Wonders from Afar: Trade Goods

Chapter 3
Over Mountains, Deserts, and Seas

Chapter 4
Peoples of the Silk Road

Chapter 5
Cities and Towns Along the Silk Road

Chapter 6
The Spread of Ideas, Technology, and Traditions

Chapter 7
The Silk Road Today

Glossary
Resources
Index