Global History Interactive!
The Internet can provide teachers and students with valuable information on several
topics in world history. Many of these websites contain facts such as names, dates and
places but fall short in really engaging the student in the historical period.
This hand selected collection of Internet sites has been developed to foster interest in
civilizations and battles by allowing students to have participate in history, not just
observe it. This interactive, hands-on approach to world history can stimulate lessons and
make research projects take on a life their own! Please feel free to contribute more sites
to this list by contacting Kathy Spitzer or Chris Grethel. Enjoy!
Organization of Links
Age of Absolutism
Age of Exploration
Ancient Civilizations
Anglo Saxons
Byzantine Empire
Greece
Rome
Vikings
Art
China
French Revolution
Games – Interactive
Holocaust
Industrial Revolution
Maps – Interactive
Middle Ages
Myths
Reformation
Religions
Islam
Judaism
Renaissance
World War I
World War II
Age of Absolutism
Tudors:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/deary_gallery.shtml
Although most history books tell us about the great achievements of “divine right” rulers,
there many missing details that make their reign much more interesting. The “terrible”
Tudors and “vile” Victorians come to life as students can click on an icon and find out
tidbits about life in this age. Presented by the BBC.
Age of Exploration
http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/primary.html
Read about the explorers in their own words. Did you know that Christopher Columbus’
crew tried to scuttle his voyage by damaging the rudder?
Ancient Civilizations
Civilizations – Failure of
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/
Collapse – Why Civilizations fail? Is a site presented by CPB Annenberg. There is
information as well as interactive activities with which students can put their knowledge
to use.
Civilizations – Treasures of
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/archaeology/excavations_techniques/launch_tl_ages_treasu
re.shtml
The Age of Treasure game looks at archaeology from Stonehenge, etc. Archaeology often
time defines periods of history and the interactive timeline shows he development of
mankind over thousands of years through great pictures. Presented by the BBC.
Anglo Saxon
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/
Anglo Saxon coins – learn about them and play the game. Shows how currency can
portray historic events, especially the rich history of the English. Presented by the BBC.
Byzantine Empire
http://www.humanitiesinteractive.org/medieval/sanmarco/index.html?collectionVar=MedievalStop&pageVar=1
Icons and mosaics are brought to life through this exhibit/game simulation where students
can identify religious figures during the Byzantine Empire. The game reveals a real
treasure from San Marcos Treasury in Venice. Presented by Humanities-Interactive
Incan Gold Treasure
http://www.humanitiesinteractive.org/newworld/eldorado/index.html?collectionVar=NewWorldStop&pageVar
View beautiful pictures of gold objects associated with the Incan culture. Scroll down the
gallery bar on the left side of the screen.
Iron Age
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/prehistory/index.shtml
From the BBC – discover what life was like in the iron age. Lots of interactive activites
including: building a chariot, iron age life, daily life including iron age tasks.
Iron Age - Construction
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/games/iron_age_build/index.shtml
Construct an iron age house.
Greece
Alexander the Great
http://www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld/episodes/persuasion/alexander/
Image Power shows how coins were minted to spread an image. Alexander was one of
the greatest military leaders the world has ever seen but yet understood the importance of
connecting his people. Alexander used a similar method to Darius to win over his people
and eventually the Persian Empire. Presented by PBS.
Bridges during wars
http://edsitement.neh.gov/PersianBridge_flash_page.asp
The bridges over Hellespont during the Persian War were an architectural masterpiece.
Create your version of this historical marvel by using materials provided by the Persians.
Presented by EDSITEment.
Persian Wars
http://edsitement.neh.gov/PersiaGreeceWars01.asp
The Persian War comes to life in this website! Students can recreate some of the famous
battles between the Persians and the Spartans through battle formations and stunning
reconstructions. Military weaponry is also an important feature of this site. Presented by
EDSITEment.
Persians
http://www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld/episodes/persuasion/darius/#
How Darius used an art image to create trust. One of the greatest leaders of the ancient
world, this slide collection shows students firsthand the influence through art and
architecture that Darius had on his people. Presented by PBS.
Greek culture and legends
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/
This site shows not only discussion-related content but also links to Olympic galleries of
the Greeks (see site below) but also war galleries. Presented by the BBC.
Greek Olympics
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greek_olympics_gallery_03.shtml
View photographs of vases, statues, etc. related to early Greek Olympics. Links to wide
BBC network of topics.
Rome
Augustus
http://www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld/episodes/persuasion/lie/
Click on Augustus Shapes His Lie on the right side of the screen to see how Augustus
had a statue created that helped him win victory. Use this slide gallery to watch Augustus
create an image that became the face of the Roman Empire. Presented by PBS.
The Roman Empire
http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/
The Romans dominated history for three hundred years through the rule of some of the
most ruthless emperors. This site allows you to simulate the reign of some of these
leaders and eventually see the outcome of your choices. An interactive library also makes
this site worth using. Presented by PBS.
Romans - Silk Road-Trade
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/16/questgold.html
This site provides students with the importance of the Silk Road as a method for trade
among various cultures and the dangers they encountered using this route. Presented by
National Geographic.
Romans - On-line Quiz
http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/romanempire.htm
Brief review activity to cover the history of the Roman Empire. Presented by Schools
History.
Roman - Review Games
http://www.quia.com/mc/66312.html
This is a neat vocabulary/concept review for teachers and students on the fall of the
Roman republic. Words and answers can continually be changed to cover more content.
Presented by Kathleen Hambrick.
Romans
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/
Roam the BBC – prepare your gladiator for battle and take a look at the Colosseum.
Scroll down to see many more activities. Great interactive site to look at the
achievements of the Roman Empire. Presented by the BBC.
Vikings
Vikings - activities
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/
Use the Viking Quest link to build a Viking ship and claim your reward. Reconstruct a
farmhouse. This site allows you to take on real Viking voyages and experience their lives.
Presented by the BBC.
Art
Art the Obsession with Order
http://www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld/episodes/human/egypt/
Explore how Egyptians portrayed the human body by using a grid system. View the
gallery and watch a video.
Art Through the Ages
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3619/
This interactive site allows users to view details of art through the ages and what the art
means. Objects may be viewed from different perspectives and information is given on
the meaning of the images displayed. The artistic context in history is explained. Note:
Teachers should read content note. Presented by the Kennedy Center ArtsEdge.
World Myths and Legends
http://www.artsmia.org/world-myths/
This site is intended strictly for teachers. It contains lesson plans, vocabulary words and a
great deal of information on myths from ancient cultures around the world as expressed
primarily through their art.
China
Writing Samples
http://www.askasia.org/features/VISIBLE_TRACES/games/languagegame.html
Wonderful Chinese picture writing, objects, maps and atlases. There are also interactive
games.
French Revolution
Battle of Waterloo
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/launch_gms_battle_waterloo.shtm
l
Learn about Waterloo by using the links on the right hand side of the page. Then play the
Battle of Waterloo as Napoleon or as the Duke of Wellington.
Interactive Games
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/
These highly informative and well written games are arranged by time period including
Ancient History, Archaeology, and history ancient through modern. Presented by the
BBC.
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/howto/studentactivities.htm
Games on such topics as the Tudors, Jousting, the Industrial Revolution, and World War
I and II. Students should be encouraged to read the information provided by the website
prior to playing the game or doing the activity. They can then be encouraged to write a
journal entry on the results of their game or experience. Presented by the National
Archives of England.
Holocaust
Holocaust - Photos
http://interactives.mped.org/preview_mg.aspx?id=562&title=
This site displays photos from one of the most horrific genocides in history. The
slideshows show the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust as well as propaganda
used by Nazi soldiers. Allows for teacher or student input on the slides. Presented by
ArtsEdge.
Industrial Revolution
Cotton
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_gms_cotton_millionaire.shtml
Who wants to be a cotton millionaire? This game that forces you to make choices in
creating a cotton factory.
Luddites
http://www.schoolshistory.org.uk/Luddites/The%20Luddites.htm
Includes an interactive game on the cottage system, factory system and labor unions
(Luddites) in England during the Industrial Revolution.
Paddle Steamship Animation
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_ani_paddle_steamship.shtml
Find out how a paddle boat works. Presented by the BBC.
Simulation - Muck and Brass
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_gms_muck_brass.shtml
Take the town of cottonopolis and make decisions about the welfare of the town. Should
you put in a new sewer, clean the air, a new town hall? Think like a Victorian. Presented
by the BBC.
Spinning Mill Animation and Explanation
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/launch_ani_spinning_mill.shtml
Watch the spinning mill at work. Presented by the BBC.
Maps - Interactive
http://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/templates/student_resources/0534600069_spielvog
el/InteractiveMaps/maps_index.html
Interactive maps are listed in chronological order. There is a special section of timeline
maps that demonstrate such topics and the Expansion of Islam, the Middle Ages, the
Western Front of World War I, etc. There are many more. Some of the maps contain
information allowing students to view short descriptions of the maps by scrolling down to
the bottom of the window. Presented by William V. Duiker and Jackson J. Spielvogel.
http://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/special_features/ext/duiker_maps/index.html
Interactive maps are listed in chronological order. There is a special section of timeline
maps that demonstrate such topics and the Expansion of Islam, the Middle Ages, the
Western Front of World War I, etc. There are many more. Students can click on the
“Answer Critical Thinking Questions” link to answer questions about the map. Caution:
Students should not actually submit their answers electronically. Presented by William V.
Duiker and Jackson J. Spielvogel.
Middle Ages
Armor and chivalry
http://www.humanitiesinteractive.org/medieval/chivalry/index.html?collectionVar=MedievalStop&pageVa
r=1
This site contains photographs of armor (1400- 1600’s), an essay on the purpose and
origins of chivalry as well as an interactive game on knights and chivalry.
Art
http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_Of_Art/department.asp?dep=17
Middle Ages art. Virtual tour of the NY Metropolitan Museum collection. Contains
beautiful images and explanations.
Art
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/medieval/en/
Medieval art of France. Essays on the topic as well as illustrations. Extensive links to
vocabulary, history and geography of France during the middle ages.
Castles - Life
http://www.castlewales.com/life.html
Contains photographs and essays on castles in Wales. Some of the articles are written in
Welsh.
Castles - Life
http://www.castlewales.com/life.html
Contains photographs and essays on castles in Wales. Some of the articles are written in
Welsh.
Castles - Life
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle6.htm
This site contains essays about various topics relating to castles including such things as
bathing and washing. Interesting information but not interactive.
Castles - Photos
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castleg.htm
Enjoy the castle photo gallery.
Castles - Photos
http://www.castlewales.com/chepstow.html
Photographic and written description about this castle and it’s place in Welsh history.
Cities – A Tour of York
http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/%7Edvess/ids/medieval/york/york.shtml
Visit the city of York England and comment on what it looked like in the Middle Ages.
Crime and Punishment
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/candp/crime/g04/default.htm
A discussion of crime and punishment in England during the middle ages. Uses case
studies on six topics such as witch craft and vagabonds (is it a crime to be poor) to
examine the topic. Contains actual documents as well as a tug of war game on social
classes.
Food
http://www.godecookery.com/goderec/goderec.htm
This site contains recipes for medieval meals written in old English and translated. It
explains techniques used in cooking. Scroll down to see the recipes.
Jousting
http://www.tudorbritain.org/joust/
Contains detailed information on life in Tudor England. Includes topics such as religion,
fun and trade. The highlight may be a fun jousting game that allows you to participate in
a joust as well as background information on jousting.
Life
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/
Illustrated topics relating to the middle ages: feudal life, homes, religion, clothing, health,
arts and entertainment, town life.
Life – Guided Tour
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/history/middleages/
See the Middle Ages through the eyes of knights merchants nuns and peasants. The site
allows you to take “guided tours” through the middle ages. Your guides will give a
detailed account of their lives and explanation of relevant terms.
Medieval Book of Hours
http://humanities.uchicago.edu/images/heures/heures.html
LES TRES RICHES HEURES DU DUC DE BERRY
Beautiful art work. Contains essays on medieval book of the hours. Explanation and
photographs from the original document.
Middle Ages - General
http://www.mrdowling.com/703middleages.html
Essays of the middle ages. Covers such topics as primogeniture, serfdom, etc. Uses
cartoon characters in some cases as illustrations. Contains good descriptions of
characters.
Monastery
http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~dvess/ids/fa2/foun1.shtml
Enjoy the Images of monastery. Explore the images of the Benedictine Abbey of St.
Denis, site of the tombs of the Merovingians and Carolingians. Write a brief description
of its most noteworthy features.
Norman Conquest
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/
Read about he Norman Conquest and play an interactive game of the Battle of
Hastings.
Walled town of Carcasonne
http://www.carcassonne.culture.fr/
A virtual visit to the ancient Roman walled city. Some sections are only in French. Most
is available in English. A very deep exploration of a very narrow subject.
Reformation
Activities and information
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/
A great site to examine the architecture of the 1500’s! This BBC web site provides
information on the Reformation and offers interactive activites: Paint the Cathedral,
stained glass techniques, build an arch, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. Presented by the BBC.
Martin Luther
http://www.pbs.org/empires/martinluther/
Students can transform themselves into the life of Martin Luther through this PBS
website. Live the life of a monk, play Luther trivia, and even examine the difference
between him and Martin Luther King Jr. Presented by PBS.
Guttenberg Bible
http://portico.bl.uk/treasures/gutenberg/homepage.html
The printing press, developed by Guttenberg, became one of the most valuable inventions
in world history because of its capacity to publish literature throughout Europe, even
translating the Bible into many languages. This site from the British library will allow
users to learn about the printing techniques and also to view both a vellum and paper
copy of the Bible by clicking on the texts link. Presented by the British Library.
Religions
Judaism
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/heritage/index.html
This site developed by PBS provides a wealth of resources for exploring Judaism. Each
episode which is listed on the right side of the home page contains an interactive
historical presentation with activities for students to complete, an interactive atlas,
historical documents, and video resources.
Islam
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/muslims/
This Frontline PBS presentation provides background information on Islam, portraits of
Islam in different countries throughout the world, an explanation of Islamic Belief and
Practice, Islam and Women, and Islam and the West. There is also a discussion area
where students could share their thoughts.
Renaissance
Leonardo da Vinci
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/LeoHomePage.html
The true “renaissance man”, Leonardo’s visions for his artwork come to life in this
website that analyzes perspective in his paintings. This site also allows students to look
into da Vinci’s world of inventions. Presented by Science Learning Network Staff at the
Museum of Science, Boston.
Leonardo DaVinci - Interactive
http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/play/leonardo/index.html
Students can play along in the mystery of Leonardo’s workshop through a mystery
experience. This site spends time examining the great detail and curiosity behind his
work. Presented by Sanford.
Renaissance - Life
http://www.renaissanceconnection.org/
Highly interactive site allows students to choose a life as an artist or patron, and also to
explore inventions. The timeline is a must for teachers and students who want to explore
the intellectual and architectural achievements of this period. Presented by the Allentown
Art Museum.
Renaissance - Life
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/renaissance/
Great reference website for the Renaissance! Allows for some excellent close-up pictures
and activities that students can discover more about the beginning of the Renaissance in
Florence and the exploration voyages of the time. Presented by Annenberg/CPB.
World War I
Trenches – Virtual tour
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/launch_vt_trench_life.shtml
Take virtual tour of life in the trenches to see what it was really like.
World War I
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/
From the BBC, lots of interactive content including trench warfare, detailed soldiers’
stories, movies and poetry. Check out the Western Front Animation.
World War I
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/default.htm
From Learning Curve. Maps, videos, pictures and essays on the “Great War” from the
British prospective. Discusses new weaponry, trench warfare, and military leadership
among the topics.
World War I – interactive poems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/activities.shtml
Two illustrated interactive poems – In Flanders Fields and Zeppelin. The poems are well
done and moving.
World War II
Atomic Bomb Photos
http://interactives.mped.org/preview_mg.aspx?id=561&title=
This site displays photos from one of the most controversial events of World War II. The
slideshows show the horrific effects of war and especially the devastation left at
Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Allows for teacher or student input on the slides. Presented by
ArtsEdge.
Propaganda - Nazi
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/ww2era.htm#ww2
Great website to discuss the impact of Hitler and the Nazi Party on Germany. Contains
multiple documents, speeches and visuals that conveyed the messages and views of the
Nazis. Great resource for research papers on this topic or World War II. Presented by
Randall Bytwerk and Rob Veenstra.
Propaganda - Posters
http://www.library.northwestern.edu/govinfo/collections/wwii-posters/
World War II was displayed through pictures of nationalistic appeals of the countries
involved. Propaganda became a powerful tool that leaders implemented to garner support
for their actions. This collection will allow teachers and students an excellent resource to
view some of these examples. Presented by Northwestern University Library.
Submarine Warfare
http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/onlineactivities/
This website explains the role that submarine warfare played in World War II, which is
commonly overlooked by many history books. Students can be right in the action with
the U-505 through cool on-line activities, a virtual tour and the history behind the
submarine. Great WWII site! Presented by the Museum of Science and Industry.
World War II – Hitler
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/snapshots/snapshot06/snapshot6.htm
Examine Hitler’s writings through this site and determine if he was a legitimate threat to
the world following World War I. Political cartoons and links to other sites will help
students decide. Presented by the UK Government National Archives.
World War II - Homefront
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/homefront/default.htm
This website is a must for teachers explaining World War II! Gives many visuals,
worksheets and online activities for many topics. Excellent section on the homefront.
Presented by the UK Government National Archives.
Technology
Technology at home:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tech/#
Essays on the invention of modern technology including such things as the radio,
transistor and the Internet. Also has biographical information on influential people such
as Steve Wozniak.