Homs

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/homs

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Where is Homs?Western Syria, situated on the Orontes River, 162 km north of Damascus
2. How many people live in Homs?Recorded as 652,609 in the 2004 census
3. How high is Homs?501 meters (1,644 feet) above sea level
4. What language do people speak in Homs?Arabic is the primary language
5. When was Homs built?Historical records indicate its existence from the 1st century BC
6. What is Homs known for?Its strategic crossroads position, ancient history, religious diversity, and industrial significance

Geostrategic: Relating to the combination of geography and politics, especially in international relations.
Orontes River: A major river in the Levant, historically crucial for agriculture and urban development in cities like Homs.
Emesa: The ancient Greek name for Homs, derived from the Emesene dynasty that ruled the city.
Krak des Chevaliers: A renowned Crusader castle near Homs, celebrated for its military architecture and historical importance.