Empires and Nation-States - Digging For Treasures

18/11/2016 Achieve3000: Lesson
Printed by: Isabelle Gorgeu
Printed on: November 18, 2016
Empires and NationStates: Digging for Treasures
Before Reading Poll
Workers were digging new subways in Greece and Rome. They came across some old art and other
important objects from the past. Now, leaders must decide what to do with these things. What do you think
about this?
Cities should always protect what is old, even when something new needs to be built.
Agree
Disagree
Explain why you voted the way you did.
I think that it's more important always protect what is sold because it is a part of our historical
heritage. What we discover, allows us to know better our past, how lived our ancestors and their
technological breakthroughs.
http://portal.achieve3000.com/kb/lesson/do_print?lid=15753&c=76&step=all&pagebreaks=1 1/19
Article
PART 1
ROME, Italy, (Achieve3000, April 10, 2008). What happens when you start
digging new subway tunnels in a city that dates back thousands of years?
Sometimes, you end up coming across ancient ruins. Many are too
valuable to throw away. That is what is happening in two cities now.
In the historic city of Thessaloníki, Greece, workers digging a new subway
system discovered about 1,000 graves. The graves date from the first
century BCE (Before Common Era) to the fifth century CE (Common Era).
Some of the graves contained jewelry, coins, and various pieces of art.
The graves and their treasures are from the early days of Thessaloníki.
The city was founded around 315 BCE. It is now the second largest city in
Greece. Most of the 886 graves were located just east of the city center.
They were in what was the eastern cemetery during the time of the
Byzantine Empire. This empire began around the fourth century CE. Some
of the cemetery graves contain wooden boxes left in simple holes in the AP Photo / Alessandra Tarantino /
ground. Others have marble caskets in fiveroom family burial places. A files
separate group of 94 graves was found near the city's train station. They Archaeologists work on an
were once part of the city's western cemetery. archaeological dig at the site of a
subway station project in the central
Piazza Venezia Square in Rome,
Meanwhile, a subway project in Rome, Italy, has led to the discovery of Italy. So far, scientists have found a
some ancient remains. Workers were preparing for the construction of 30 copper factory, old kitchens, and
new stations for Rome's third subway line. Archaeologists found an more.
ancient copper factory and some very old kitchens. They also discovered
the remains of palaces from the 15th or 16th century.
"The . . . finds that were brought to light . . . are extremely important [because they are so uncommon]," said
archaeologist Mirella Serlorenzi. Serlorenzi is working on the site.
The findings have given archaeologists more clues about Roman history. In one ninthcentury kitchen, they found three
pots that were used to heat sauce. Only two other pots like them had been found before in Italy. The copper factory
dates back to the sixth century. It contained small ovens, parts of which are still there. The factory also contained
small copper slabs.
Officials knew that workers digging underground were likely to find valuable objects. As workers dig out stairwells and
air pipes, they will likely find more ruins. However, ruins are not expected to be found during the digging of the subway
tunnels. Why not? The tunnels will be 80 to 100 feet (24.4 meters to 30.5 meters) below ground. No human ruins have
ever been found that far below ground.
Most of the digs have not yet reached the oldest parts of the ruins. These date back to ancient Roman times (from the
fifth century CE and before). Plenty of surprises might be waiting there. That may create problems between developers
and conservationists.
"It is impossible that there will not be situations of [disagreement]," said Angelo Bottini. He is Rome's archaeological
superintendent.
Who decides whether a find should be removed, destroyed, or encased within the subway? It is not up to the subway
workers or the archaeologists. According to Italy's strict conservation laws, it is up to Bottini. Over the years, countless
construction projects have been scrapped across Italy. Why? Ancient objects were found there. Sometimes,
developers purposely failed to report a find. Instead, they plowed through ancient treasures so that they could complete
their projects.
In Greece and Italy, workers and archaeologists will have to preserve their history while meeting the need for new
subway lines. To do this, they will need to work together.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
PART 2
Dig Deeper
Scientists in Rome and Thessaloníki are uncovering items that date back to a period of sweeping change. The height
of the Roman Empire happened at the same time as the development of Christianity. The Byzantine Empire, which
included Thessaloníki, was affected by the spread of Islam. Read on to find out more.
Christianity and the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the first part of the world to adopt Christianity. According to Christian teachings, the religion
started with a carpenter named Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in area of the Middle East then called Judaea.
Judaea was inhabited mostly by Jewish people. Jesus preached to the people a new belief system. This system later
became known as Christianity.
This did not sit well with Roman leaders. At that time, Judaea was part of the Roman Empire. Romans and the Jews
had very different ideas about religion. This led to fighting between both groups. Under Roman law, citizens were
supposed to worship the Emperor as a god. Followers of Judaism did not allow for this. At times, the Jewish people
would try to gain independence. When Christianity appeared, many Jews appeared to be open to this new religion.
Roman leaders became nervous that more fighting lay ahead.
Although the emperor made his wishes clear, the spread of Christianity continued. The new religion appealed to many
people, Jewish or not. Gradually, Christianity appeared throughout the empire. Still, most people were not Christian.
Christianity's place in the world changed in the early 4th century CE. That's when Emperor Constantine came to power.
Constantine, the leader of the eastern half of the empire, was a Christian. He put Christian practices into place and built
Christian monuments. By 400 CE, Christianity had become an important force in the world.
Islam and the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, which began as the eastern half of the Roman Empire, was largely Christian. However, leaders
disagreed about how to practice the religion. This led to the forming of two Christian Churches. In western Europe, it
was called the Roman Catholic Church. In eastern Europe, where Byzantine was located, it was the Eastern Orthodox
Church.
The Byzantine Empire lasted for more than 1,000 years. It was centered in Constantinople but at times also included
an area east of Constantinople called Asia Minor.
During this time, a new religion rose up. Called Islam, the religion started with a trader called Muhammad. Muhammad,
a trader from Mecca, a city in what is now Saudi Arabia, was born in about 570 CE. At that time, many Arabs believed
in more than one god. According to Islamic teachings, Muhammad had a religious experience in which he was told to
spread the word of Allah, or "one god." He traveled throughout Arabia, turning tribes to Islam. After Muhammad died,
Muslims, as followers of Islam are called, continued to spread his teachings. Islam spread into parts of Europe, North
Africa, and the Middle East.
Muslim armies repeatedly tried to attack Constantinople. The armies aimed to bring down the Byzantine Empire. But
the Byzantines were able to fight off Muslim armies. This slowed the spread of Islam in Eastern Europe. No Muslim
group was successful until 1473, when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire lasted until
the early 20th century. At one time, the Ottoman Empire stretched from North Africa to Arabia to Eastern Europe.
Dictionary
archaeologist (noun) someone who studies the buildings, tools, and other objects of people who lived in the past
cemetery (noun) a place where dead people are buried; a graveyard
Common Era (noun) the period since the year zero
conservationist (noun) a person who works to protect nature
encase (verb) to close in
Activity
PART 1
Question 1
Based on the article, which best replaces the question mark in the diagram above?
There was an eastern cemetery in Thessaloníki during the Byzantine Empire.
Archaeologists are preparing to construct one of the stations of Rome's third subway line.
Subway projects in Italy and Greece have uncovered ancient objects.
An ancient copper factory in Rome contained small copper slabs.
Question 2
According to the article, why have countless construction projects been scrapped across Italy over the years?
Ancient objects were uncovered underground where construction was to take place.
Workers refused to disturb ancient graves found on construction sites.
Ancient tunnels were discovered underground after construction had taken place.
Developers purposely failed to report anything discovered underground.
Question 3
Suppose you were writing a summary of the article. Which of these would not be important to put in the summary?
In Italy, preparations for a new subway line led to the discovery of ancient items.
In Greece, workers digging new subway tunnels came across many ancient graves.
Construction workers in Rome often come across valuable objects underground.
Construction workers in Rome are preparing to build 30 new subway stations.
Question 4
Which is the closest synonym for the word encase?
Entertain
Exhibit
Enclose
Extend
Question 5
The reader can tell from the article that ___________.
The possible discovery of ancient objects must worry developers in Rome.
Diggers in Thessaloníki must rarely uncover any kind of ancient or valuable object.
Diggers in Rome must not care what Angelo Bottini has to say about a construction project.
The discovery of ancient objects must not interest people in Thessaloníki.
Question 6
The author most likely wrote this article in order to __________.
Explain disagreements among several city leaders in Rome
Describe the job of archaeologists in Thessaloníki, Greece
Explain the importance of subways in Italy and Greece
Describe archaeological findings in ancient cities in Italy and Greece
Question 7
The article states:
In Greece and Italy, workers and archaeologists will have to preserve their history while meeting the need for
new subway lines.
Look at the passage above and think about the article. Which would be the closest synonym for the word preserve?
Poison
Project
Protect
Polish
Question 8
Which question is not answered by the article?
What did subway workers dig up in Thessaloníki, Greece?
Which leaders lived in the ancient palaces uncovered in Rome?
Who will decide what to do with the findings in Rome?
What did archaeologists find in Rome, Italy?
RESULTS
First Second
Activity
Try Try
1.
()
Based on the article, which best replaces the question mark in the diagram above? ()
2. According to the article, why have countless construction projects been scrapped across Ita
ly over the years? ()
3. Suppose you were writing a summary of the article. Which of these would not be important t
o put in the summary? ()
4. Which is the closest synonym for the word encase? ()
5. The reader can tell from the article that ___________. ()
6. The author most likely wrote this article in order to __________. ()
7. The article states:
In Greece and Italy, workers and archaeologists will have to preserve their history
while meeting the need for new subway lines.
Look at the passage above and think about the article. Which would be the closest synony
m for the word preserve? ()
8. Which question is not answered by the article? ()
Activity Score 75% 100%
After Reading Poll
Now that you have read the article, indicate whether you agree or disagree with this statement.
Cities should always protect what is old, even when something new needs to be built.
Agree
Disagree
Thought Question
What are the central ideas discussed in the texts? What details in the texts help support each central idea? Support your
answer with information from the lesson.
Type your answer in the text box below.
Poll Results
OPINION STATEMENT: Cities should always protect what is old, even when something new needs to
be built.
BEFORE READING AFTER READING
HOW YOU VOTED
Agree Agree
Disagree Disagree
You did not change your opinion after reading the articles.
Click here (javascript:void(0);) to see the response you wrote before reading.
WORLDWIDE RESULTS
Agree 83% Agree 87%
Disagree 17% Disagree 13%
13% changed their opinion after reading the article.
Math
PART 1
This picture represents some ancient pots found in Italy. The pots were used to heat sauces.
The shaded pots were found within the last year. The other pots were found earlier than that. What percentage of the
pots were found within the last year?
40%
30%
20%
60%
RESULTS
Activity First Second

Try Try
1. This picture represents some ancient pots found in Italy. The pots were used to heat sauce
s.
()
The shaded pots were found within the last year. The other pots were found earlier than tha
t. What percentage of the pots were found within the last year? ()
Stretch Article
PART 1
ROME, Italy (Achieve3000, April 10, 2008). What happens when you start
digging new subway tunnels in a city that dates back thousands of years?
Sometimes, you end up coming across ancient ruins too valuable to
discard. That is what is happening in Thessaloníki, Greece, and Rome,
Italy.
In the historic city of Thessaloníki, Greece, workers digging a new subway
system discovered about 1,000 graves. Some of the graves, which date
from the first century BCE (Before Common Era) to the fifth century CE
(Common Era), contain jewelry, coins, and various pieces of art.
The graves and their treasures are from the early days of Thessaloníki.
That city, which was founded around 315 BCE, is now the second largest
in Greece. Most of the 886 graves were located just east of the city
center. They were in what was the eastern cemetery during the time of the
Byzantine Empire, which began around the fourth century CE. Some of AP Photo / Alessandra Tarantino /
those eastern cemetery graves are traces of wooden coffins left in simple files
holes in the ground; others are marble caskets in fiveroom family tombs. Archaeologists work on an
A separate group of 94 graves was found near the city's train station. They archaeological dig at the site of a
were once part of the city's western cemetery. subway station project in the central
Piazza Venezia Square in Rome,
Italy. So far, scientists have found a
Meanwhile, a subway project in Rome, Italy, has yielded the discovery of copper factory, old kitchens, and
some ancient remains. Archaeologists were digging in preparation for the more.
construction of one of the 30 stations of Rome's third subway line. In the
process, they found an ancient copper factory, medieval kitchens, and the remains of palaces from the 15th or 16th
century.
"The . . . finds that were brought to light . . . are extremely important for their rarity," said archaeologist Mirella
Serlorenzi. Serlorenzi is working on the site.
The findings have given archaeologists more clues about Roman history. In one ninthcentury kitchen, they found three
pots that were used to heat sauce. Only two other similar pots had been found previously in Italy. The copper factory,
which dates back to the sixth century, was used to work on copper alloys. The factory consisted of small ovens,
traces of which still exist, and contains small copper slabs.
The archaeologists got involved in the subway project in Rome because officials knew that workers digging
underground were likely to find valuable items. The archaeological investigations are necessary as workers dig out
stairwells and air pipes. However, they will not be necessary for the excavation of the subway tunnels. Why not? The
tunnels will be at a depth of 80 to 100 feet (24.4 meters to 30.5 meters)—no human remains have ever been found at
that level.
Workers are still digging at a level where they are likely to find historical objects. Most of the digs still have to reach
the earth strata that date back to ancient Roman times (from the fifth century CE and before). Plenty of surprises might
be waiting there. That may create problems between developers and conservationists.
"It is impossible that there will not be situations of conflict," said Angelo Bottini, Rome's archaeological superintendent.
Neither the subway workers nor the archaeologists can decide whether a find should be removed, destroyed, or
encased within the subway structure. According to Italy's strict conservation laws, that will be up to Bottini. Over the
years, countless construction projects have been scrapped across Italy because ancient objects were unearthed there.
Sometimes, developers purposely failed to report a find. Instead, they plowed through ancient treasures so that they
could complete their projects.
In Greece and Italy, workers and archaeologists will have to preserve their history while meeting the need for new
subway lines. To do this, they will need to work together.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
PART 2
Dig Deeper
Scientists in Rome and Thessaloníki are uncovering items that date back to a period of sweeping change. The height
of the Roman Empire happened at the same time as the development of Christianity. The Byzantine Empire, which
included Thessaloníki, was affected by the spread of Islam. Read on to find out more.
Christianity and the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the first part of the world to adopt Christianity. According to Christian teachings, the religion
started with a carpenter named Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in area of the Middle East then called Judaea.
Judaea was inhabited mostly by Jewish people. Jesus preached to the people a new belief system. This system later
became known as Christianity.
This did not sit well with Roman leaders. At that time, Judaea was part of the Roman Empire. Romans and the Jews
had very different ideas about religion. This led to fighting between both groups. Under Roman law, citizens were
supposed to worship the Emperor as a god. Followers of Judaism did not allow for this. At times, the Jewish people
would try to gain independence. When Christianity appeared, many Jews appeared to be open to this new religion.
Roman leaders became nervous that more fighting lay ahead.
Although the emperor made his wishes clear, the spread of Christianity continued. The new religion appealed to many
people, Jewish or not. Gradually, Christianity appeared throughout the empire. Still, most people were not Christian.
Christianity's place in the world changed in the early 4th century CE. That's when Emperor Constantine came to power.
Constantine, the leader of the eastern half of the empire, was a Christian. He put Christian practices into place and built
Christian monuments. By 400 CE, Christianity had become an important force in the world.
Islam and the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, which began as the eastern half of the Roman Empire, was largely Christian. However, leaders
disagreed about how to practice the religion. This led to the forming of two Christian Churches. In western Europe, it
was called the Roman Catholic Church. In eastern Europe, where Byzantine was located, it was the Eastern Orthodox
Church.
The Byzantine Empire lasted for more than 1,000 years. It was centered in Constantinople but at times also included
an area east of Constantinople called Asia Minor.
During this time, a new religion rose up. Called Islam, the religion started with a trader called Muhammad. Muhammad,
a trader from Mecca, a city in what is now Saudi Arabia, was born in about 570 CE. At that time, many Arabs believed
in more than one god. According to Islamic teachings, Muhammad had a religious experience in which he was told to
spread the word of Allah, or "one god." He traveled throughout Arabia, turning tribes to Islam. After Muhammad died,
Muslims, as followers of Islam are called, continued to spread his teachings. Islam spread into parts of Europe, North
Africa, and the Middle East.
Muslim armies repeatedly tried to attack Constantinople. The armies aimed to bring down the Byzantine Empire. But
the Byzantines were able to fight off Muslim armies. This slowed the spread of Islam in Eastern Europe. No Muslim
group was successful until 1473, when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire lasted until
the early 20th century. At one time, the Ottoman Empire stretched from North Africa to Arabia to Eastern Europe.
Dictionary
Common Era (noun) the period since the year zero
excavation (noun) the process by which earth is removed, often at a site where objects from the past might be revealed
medieval (adjective) having to do with the time in European history from about 500 CE to about 1350 CE
rarity (noun) the state of being uncommon
stratum (noun) a layer of material that is often piled on other layers
Stretch Activity
PART 1
Question 1
The best alternate headline for this article would be __________.
Archaeologists Find Western Cemetery
Archaeologists Start Digging in Rome
Subway Digs Yield Buried Treasures
Subways Built Over Buried Palaces
Question 2
According to the article, why aren't the archaeological investigations necessary in the subway tunnels?
Anything found in the tunnels will be ignored, since the tunnels are so important.
No human graves will need to be moved for the construction of the tunnels.
Anything found in the tunnels will be removed by construction workers.
No human remains have ever been found at the depth required for subway tunnels.
Question 3
Which of these should not be included in a summary of this article?
Archaeologist Mirella Serlorenzi is working on the subway site in Rome.
Workers digging a new subway system in Greece discovered about 1,000 graves.
Workers in Rome are digging at a level where they are likely to find historical objects.
Archaeologists digging in preparation for a subway in Italy dug up ancient remains.
Question 4
Something that is a rarity must not be __________.
Incomplete
Melancholy
Satisfactory
Commonplace
Question 5
The reader can infer from the article that ___________.
It is probably easy for workers to abandon their construction projects when ancient objects are
unearthed.
It is probably frustrating for both workers and archaeologists when a discovery causes situations of
conflict.
It is probably simple for developers to complete construction projects when many ancient objects
have been found.
It is probably easy for archaeologists to allow developers to plow through ancient treasures in
order to complete their projects.
Question 6
The author probably wrote this article in order to __________.
Persuade the reader to visit Rome, Italy, and Thessaloníki, Greece
Explain the reasons for and history of Italy's strict conservation laws
Describe the process of constructing new subway tunnels
Describe the findings unearthed where subway tunnels are being dug
Question 7
The article states:
That may create problems between developers and conservationists. "It is impossible that there will not be
situations of conflict," said Angelo Bottini, Rome's archaeological superintendent.
Look at the passage above and think about the article. Which would be the closest synonym for the word conflict?
Disagreement
Disgrace
Disinfectant
Distinction
Question 8
The news article says all of the following except __________.
The construction of the subway tunnel in Rome will be finished this month.
The graves uncovered in Greece sometimes contain jewelry, coins, and art.
Archaeologists found pots for heating sauce in one ninthcentury Italian kitchen.
Archaeologists uncovered marble caskets in fiveroom family tombs in Greece.
RESULTS
First Second
Activity
Try Try
1. The best alternate headline for this article would be __________. ()
2. According to the article, why aren't the archaeological investigations necessary in the subw
ay tunnels? ()
3. Which of these should not be included in a summary of this article? ()
4. Something that is a rarity must not be __________. ()
5. The reader can infer from the article that ___________. ()
6. The author probably wrote this article in order to __________. ()
7. The article states:
That may create problems between developers and conservationists. "It is imposs
ible that there will not be situations of conflict," said Angelo Bottini, Rome's arch
aeological superintendent.
Look at the passage above and think about the article. Which would be the closest synony
m for the word conflict? ()
8. The news article says all of the following except __________. ()

Empires and Nation-States - Digging For Treasures

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Empires and Nation-States - Digging For Treasures

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

18/11/2016 Achieve3000: Lesson

Activity Score 75% 100%

Agree 83% Agree 87%

Disagree 17% Disagree 13%

Activity First Second

Activity Score 100% 100%

Activity Score 75% 75%

Anda mungkin juga menyukai