Geography: The Lost Piece of the History Puzzle 

Macedon… Carthage… Pompeii… Gaul…  These are places of historical significance, but you will no find them on any globes or current maps around your home.  Why?  It is because they no longer exist.  Does this mean, then, that we do not have to bother with knowing their locations?

To the contrary.  The “where” of history is just as critical to the story as the “who” and “when”.  To close our eyes to geography while studying history is very similar to learning math without manipulatives.  It can be done, but it leaves holes in the complete picture, very much like putting together a puzzle without all the pieces.  History is like a puzzle – the way that it all fits and connects together.  People, events, artifacts and literature are all pieces in that puzzle.  And so are the places.

Are you like me when reading a fascinating book?  You keep your thumb on the map page of the book so that you can continue to refer back to it as the story unfolds.  For me, it does not matter if it is Middle Earth or Mitford; I like to see where the characters are going.  The story seems to come more alive for me when I can visualize the movements of the characters and the places that they frequent and travel.

 It is the same with history.  The story simply makes more sense when you know the locations and movements of the main characters.  Maps and the study of geography alongside history will actually give you clues as to why events happened as they did.  It is like the piece of the puzzle that helps the whole picture to make sense.

          Have you ever wondered why Hannibal and his elephants were able to sneak up and surprise the Romans so completely?

          And why was Greece, such a small country, able to defend themselves against the repeated attacks of the mighty Persians?

          Have you ever wondered about Jonah?  He is told by God to go and preach in Nineveh, so why does he set sail for Tarsus instead?

          You have heard that Alexander the Great conquered the whole known world.  Exactly how large was this territory?

 These are just a few mysteries from the ancient world, but there are mysteries like this throughout history and they can only be solved through studying geography.  Here are a few more from medieval times:

          Why did the Byzantines consider themselves Roman and yet speak Greek instead of Latin?

          Why was printing with movable type invented in the Rhineland and what does this have to do with the fall of Constantinople in that same year?

 Have I peaked your curiosity a little?  The joy of homeschooling is in finding these answers for yourself, but I will go over a couple of these with you in a little bit.

 First, here are some statistics from a survey done by National Geographic: 

1.      1 in 10 young Americans could not locate his country on a blank map of the world.

2.      Only 13% of young Americans could find Iraq on a map of the Middle East/Asia.

3.      The majority of the young people surveyed knew that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda were based in Afghanistan, but only 17% could find that country on a world map.

So how does a home-educating parent incorporate geography into a history lesson?  With a few simple tools and resources on hand, the task can become quite painless, even enjoyable.  One key to remember, however, is that it is perfectly acceptable to learn geography alongside your students.  You do not have to have all the information or answers ready in advance.  Investigating the answers together can be a rewarding and bonding experience.

Before reading an historical account, whether from an encyclopedia, a biography or a work of literature, make sure that you have on hand a globe, a wall map and an historical atlas.  Other helpful tools include outline maps (preferably historically based) and a timeline (any format will do – wall, book or computer software).  You may be wondering why a timeline is recommended for incorporating geography into history when this tool focuses more on the “when” aspect of history?  A timeline will allow your student to see what was happening in other parts of the world at the same time as the event that he is studying. 

Okay, now you are ready with your supplies, so how do you do it?  Let us take for our example the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage.  After reading about this event in your history book, you will want to go to your wall map to see where in the world this war took place.  Next you go to the globe to get a better perspective, because a globe is not distorted like a flat map.  As your student touches the upper boundary of Italy, he notices something – raised mountains.  You tell him that those are the Alps – the highest mountain range in Europe.  He is beginning to understand why that wall of mountains provided the Romans with a false sense of security on their northern border.  Really, why would the Carthaginians travel all this way over land, when they are masters of the sea?  As he begins to color his blackline map, he can understand further still why all Roman eyes were to the south and the sea – the most direct attack route from Carthage.  Suddenly, he begins to understand the brilliantly executed plan of Hannibal who led his elephant army right into the middle of Italy unchallenged.  The geography piece of the puzzle has been placed. 

Here is another example.  You probably know the story of Jonah.  Jonah is told by God to go to Nineveh to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins.  Instead, he goes on a deep sea adventure.  Why?  First of all, Nineveh is part of the Assyrian Kingdom which has often attacked Israel’s borders.  Captured enemies of Assyria were often flayed alive; they liked to see their adversaries suffer.  It is naturally understandable why Jonah would fear going to Nineveh, but we cannot ignore the fact that God commanded Him to do so.  But as you know, Jonah refuses.  In fact, stubborn and scared, he boards a ship instead that is sailing for Tarsus.  And where in the world is Tarsus?  It was located on the southwestern tip of Spain.  This was considered the end of the world at that time.  In other words, he intended to travel as far as possible in the opposite direction.  Surely, God would never find him there.  Well, of course, He does and gently persuades Jonah to reconsider.  He does and eventually goes to Nineveh, preaches forgiveness and the Ninevites repent of their wicked ways.  Another geography puzzle piece placed. 

If you have a student in 4^th or 5^th grade, you will want to begin to use a timeline.  Putting together a timeline will help your child to make connections between seemingly unrelated events.  (I would suggest that you use a blank timeline that your child completes himself.  A pre-printed timeline can be fascinating to adults, but it will not help your student make the connections.)  Is there a reason why the American Revolution and the French Revolution are only a few years apart?  Could there be a connection?  You bet there is!

Most home-educating parents agree that a timeline is a good idea, but many are unsure where to start.  There are a lot of good products on the market, some of which we carry.  There are wall timelines, book timelines and timeline software.  If you would like to create your own timeline, click here for an article on how to build one yourself.  If you would prefer to purchase one pre-made, click here for more information.

The use of maps and timelines completes the history picture.  It fits the final pieces into the puzzle, giving a clearer overall perspective of the story.  Do not allow insecurity to keep you from teaching geography alongside history.  Without it, the scene developed in your students’ imaginations may be dull and flat.  With it, their imaginations may “pop” with vibrancy, and their fascination with the subjects of history and geography may soar to a new level.

Enjoy your preparation for your new school year!

Warm Regards,

Terri Johnson

Terri Johnson is the creator of Knowledge Quest maps and timelines.  Her mission for the company is to help make the teaching and learning of history and geography enjoyable for both teacher and students.  She has created and published over 15 map and timeline products.  Her Blackline Maps of World History have been widely recommended in the education community and published in The Story of the World history series by Susan Wise Bauer.  Terri and Knowledge Quest recently won the “Excellence in Education” award granted by The Old Schoolhouse magazine for best geography company of 2003 and 2004.  Terri resides in Gresham, Oregon with her husband Todd and their four children whom she teaches at home.

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