On the Shores of the Great Sea (Illustrated) (The Story of the World Book 1)
#1 in Story of the World Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (45)
What’s inside...
Book I in The Story of the World series by M. B. Synge, 'On the Shores of the Great Sea,' explores the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean from the time of Abraham to the birth of Christ. It covers the histories of Ancient Israelites, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Scythians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, culminating in Rome's conquest of the Mediterranean. The book also delves into important myths and legends from before recorded history. Designed for middle school readers, this volume is part of a five-volume series that encompasses major events in Western Civilization up to the nineteenth century. It presents the era's key figures, including statesmen, military commanders, explorers, scientists, artists, authors, and religious figures, in a narrative style that uses dialogue to animate the scenes. Suitable for self-reading by children aged 9 and older, and for read-aloud to children as young as 6, the series serves as an excellent introduction to world history for both children and adults.
Discussion points
What did you think about the different cultures mentioned in the book? How do they compare to our own?
Which historical figure did you find most interesting and why?
How do you think living by the Great Sea influenced the people and their stories?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced by characters in the story?
If you could visit any time period or place from the book, where would you go and what would you like to see?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to express their thoughts and connect the historical events to their current experiences or global understanding.
Use a globe or map to locate the regions discussed in the book to provide a visual context for the stories.
Discuss the decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they might have done differently in the same situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book traverses different ancient civilizations around the Great Sea, illustrating varied cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures in their everyday interactions, fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, the book details significant historical events and figures, emphasizing their impact on the world.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of curiosity and respect for history, encouraging children to explore more about the past and its relevance to the present.
Example Lesson: Value of Courage and Leadership
Explanation: The narrative highlights leaders and explorers who demonstrated bravery and leadership, shaping the course of history.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to adopt leadership qualities in their daily activities and understand the importance of making brave choices.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book discusses not only triumphs but also the missteps of civilizations and leaders, providing a balanced perspective.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that mistakes are part of learning and growth, encouraging them to persevere and learn from their own errors.
Example Lesson: Expansion of Knowledge through Exploration
Explanation: By detailing the explorations around the Great Sea, the book illustrates how seeking new knowledge was crucial for progress.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to be curious, explore new areas of interest, and understand the importance of continual learning.