Medieval Civilizations Project

Description: Individually or with a partner, choose a Medieval civilization. This could be one of the civilizations we
studied in class or one we did not cover. You will then give an engaging presentation to your classmates in which you
describe and explain all of the “markers” of your chosen civilization. In addition to using information from your textbook,
you must include information from reliable outside sources. All sources should be correctly cited in MLA format and
students will also complete a source reflection.
Interactive Element:
Your presentation must include an interactive element to engage your audience. For example, you may decide include a
game, audience poll/quiz, a skit (including costumes/props), authentic food from the civilization, analyzing a primary
source in groups, or something else that is interactive/educational about your chosen civilization. Be creative!
Possible Medieval Civilizations
Europe: England, France, Byzantine Empire
Asia: Tokugawa Shogunate (Samurai Period) Japan, Mongol Empire
Islamic World: Umayyad Dynasty, Ottoman Empire, Safavid Empire, Mughal Empire
Central/South America: Mayas, Aztecs, Incas
West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Songhai

Markers of a Civilization
Location
Where was the civilization located? Be as specific as possible - include modern country names, as well as important
geographical features nearby (a mountain range, a major river, etc.) This section must include at least one map, which
could be hand-drawn or cited from another source.

Language
What language or languages did people speak? Provide some details about the language. Was there a written language in
addition to a spoken language?
Architecture
What did the settlements in the community look like (big crowded cities, scattered villages, etc.)? Provide as many details
as possible, including things like average population size, types of streets (if any), types of public buildings (schools,
hospitals), types of religious buildings, etc. Describe the houses. Be as detailed as possible, including size, layout, and
materials. Are there any distinctive styles of architecture?
Social Hierachy
Describe the social hierarchy. What social classes existed? What were the typical occupations of each level? How did
each level interact with other levels? Which groups included the largest parts of the population? Which groups were the
smallest?
Political System
Describe the political system of the community. Is the community governed by law? Are these national or community
laws? Are there any local leaders? Provide some details about the power/authority system—how do individuals get into a
position of power? What are traditional methods of social control and conflict management?
Family Systems
Describe the marriage system. Did people choose their own spouses or did families choose for them? About how old were
men and women when they got married? Were there gender roles? If so, what kinds of work did men typically do? What
kinds of work did men typically do? How much power do women have over their own lives and the lives of others? Do
women have official political power?
Religion
Describe the religion (or religions) of this civilization. Was it polytheistic or monotheistic? Name and describe the major
god(s) and practices within the religion.
Entertainment/Culture
What did people do for fun? Describe any games people played, as well as other cultural aspects such as literature and art.
What were the popular styles of literature and art? Were there any cultural influences from other civilizations?
Interesting facts
Provide one or more additional interesting facts about the civilization you found in your research that did not fit neatly
into any of the other categories. For example, do they have a fascinating set of ideas about illness, disease and curing? If
so, describe it.
Sources
There will be several checkpoints for NoodleTools including sources and notecards. In addition, there will be a graded
source reflection.

[Link]

Use with login: THIS2022 and password: ThisResearch@2022

Click on ABC Clio- then click login on top right of the next page

Or go directly to ABC Clio at [Link]

• Username: THIS2022

• Password: ThisResearch@2022
 Rubric
Expectations Comments
Social Hiearchy, Includes detailed information about the social
Political Systems, classes and their roles. The political system is
Family Systems defined and explained, including the titles of
(10 pts) important people and how leaders were
chosen. Includes information on the structure
of families including the marriage process
and gender roles.
Language, Religion, The language is identified along with details
Culture/Entertainment such as if it included a written language and
(10 pts) any influences from other languages. The
religion is well defined
(polytheistic/monotheistic) and the basic
beliefs and practices are explained. Other
aspects of culture, such as art, literature, and
leisure activities are described.
Location, Architecture, Location includes modern day countries,
Interesting Facts physical features, and a map. Notable
(10 pts) architectural features and important buildings
are described. Includes several interesting
facts not included in the textbook.
Presentation Visuals Slides present main ideas with supporting
(10 pts) details in clear, easy to read font. Design,
layout, and images aid the viewer's
understanding. Transitions are not distracting.
Works Cited is included in the presentation
and all sources are cited correctly in MLA
format.

Interactive Element Interactive element is creative, historically

Total: _____/ 60 points