Option A: For option A, you will be investigating the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire). Read chapter seven in our book and the information at the included web sites below. What were the outstanding accomplishments of the Byzantine empire under Justinian and Theodora's rule? What was Theodora's role in the governance of Constantinople? What was unusual about her role, for the time? In what ways did they preserve the culture of the Roman Empire and help solidify the importance and expansion of Christianity? Don't forget to respond to one peer. http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/byza...http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/byzantium/Option B: This week we turn our attention to the development and expansion of Islam. Read the section of our chapter seven that covers Islam. Then, visit the following web sites and only the following ones unless you get specific approval from me. I am limiting sources because in the modern world there are so many anti-Islam sites that spread disinformation. I want you to get historical facts. Islam is not a monolithic religion. Under the umbrella of "Islam" are numerous cultural practices and political ideologies that are at odds with each other. Let's be scholars and really learn so we can understand - just as we did with our other religions and locations. The Islamic World to 1600: Islamic History: http://www.uga.edu/islam/history.html (Links to an external site.) http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHisto... Shia and Sunni: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-16047709Sufi: http://www.patheos.com/Library/SufismAfter reading through the book and the web sites I provided above, answer the following questions in your discussion entry. Summarize the rise and main features of Islam. Then, survey the expansion of Islam -what territories did it include and what were some of the reasons for its amazing success? Who were the Shi'ites and the Sunnis? What main issues divided them? Option C: Maya Civilization. After reading the chapter on the Americas and the links I have provided below,discuss the history of the Maya paying particular attention to their calendar system, religion, and the Ball Game. Discuss the role human/blood sacrifice had in their society. Why did they believe that human and blood sacrifice was so necessary? Be sure to respond to one other student.http://www.ancient.eu.com/Maya_Civilization/http://www.religionfacts.com/mayan_religion/index....Option D: After reading the chapter on Africa,visit the following web sitehttp://www.mrdowling.com/609-mansamusa.htmlAnswer these questions: How does the picture on this site portray Mansa Musa? What does the document that contains his portrait look like to you? For what do you think it was used? Why did Mansa Musa go to Mecca? What impact did his journey have on the outside world? What impact did it have on Mali? Don't forget to respond to one of your peers.Option E: Discuss Golden Age China during the Tang and Song periods. What major developments and inventions made this such a great and vibrant period in Chinese history?http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_son...http://etc.ancient.eu/2014/12/22/tang-dynasty-gold...