Lesson Plan

Sacred Geography

Ancient maps were often not drawn to scale or to provide directions, instead, they were used to transmit information. Ancient maps of Israel include depictions of biblical stories and cities, some of which still exist today. The biblical events and locations that the cartographer chose to include in the map provide us with information about the map’s purpose. Can you find all of the events and locations on the map using the biblical clues provided?

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In groups, use the bible verses provided to find the corresponding event or location on the map you were provided with. Focus on the images on the map. The language of the map does not matter.

Age group:
Middle and High School
Time:
45 min.

Group Activity

In groups, use the bible verses provided to find the corresponding event or location on the map you were provided with. Focus on the images on the map. The language of the map does not matter.

Discussion Questions

  • Are there locations included in the map that surprised you? Are there any locations you expected to see on the map but didn’t?
  • Are there events depicted that surprised you? Are there any events you expected to see on the map but didn’t?
  • Who was the map’s intended audience?
  • What was the cartographer’s goal?
  • How are the same events or cities depicted similarly or differently on the maps?

Creative Activity

Each learner selects an important event or location to depict in the circle on their worksheet to create a Class Collage. Learners write a clue to help their classmates find their event or location in the collage.

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Sacred Geography

Ancient maps were often not drawn to scale or to provide directions, instead, they were used to transmit information. Ancient maps of Israel include depictions of biblical stories and cities, some of which still exist today. The biblical events and locations that the cartographer chose to include in the map provide us with information about the map’s purpose. Can you find all of the events and locations on the map using the biblical clues provided?

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Middle and High School
45 min.