Activities to Teach Students About the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire is an often-overlooked period of history, but it is one that richly deserves attention. Founded in 324 AD by the Roman Emperor Constantine, it lasted for over a thousand years, until it was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The Byzantine Empire was known for its rich culture, architecture, art, and religious traditions. Here are some fun activities to teach students about this fascinating period in history.
1. Create a Byzantine Mosaic
Byzantine art is known for its intricate mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings of many of its most famous buildings, such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Ask your students to create their own Byzantine-style mosaic. Provide them with colored paper or tiles, and have them create a design that features geometric patterns or religious symbols. Once they have completed their design, have them glue the pieces onto a sheet of paper or poster board.
2. Play a Game of Byzantine Bingo
Bingo is a fun and easy way to teach students about the Byzantine Empire. Create a set of bingo cards with pictures of famous Byzantine buildings, such as the Hagia Sophia or the Church of St. John the Baptist. Call out the names of the buildings, and have students mark off the corresponding pictures on their cards. The first student to get a row of pictures marked off wins a prize.
3. Make Byzantine Jewelry
Byzantine jewelry is known for its intricate designs and use of precious stones. Have your students create their own Byzantine-style jewelry. Provide them with beads, wire, and jewels, and teach them how to make a wire wrap. Encourage them to use intricate patterns and bright colors.
4. Create a Byzantine Timeline
Byzantine history can be a little difficult to follow, as there were so many changes and developments over the thousand years of the empire’s existence. Help your students understand the chronology of Byzantine history by creating a timeline. Provide them with a list of important events in Byzantine history, such as the founding of Constantinople or the Great Schism, and have them create a timeline using a long piece of paper or a whiteboard.
5. Perform a Byzantine Play
Dramatizing historical events is a fun and engaging way to teach students about history. Have your students write and perform a play based on a historic event from Byzantine history, such as the coronation of Justinian or the Fourth Crusade. Provide them with costumes and props, and encourage them to use their imagination to create a memorable performance.
In conclusion, the Byzantine Empire is a fascinating and important period of history that deserves more attention than it often receives. Encourage your students to explore this rich culture by engaging them in these fun and inventive activities. By doing so, you will help them gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this important chapter in world history.