Chapter 2: The Ancient Near East 4,000-550 BC Flashcards
What factors influenced the rise of civilization in Mesopotamia?
The Geographic positioning allowed early irrigation farming and extremely fertile soil.
Why was the Sumerian’s development of cuneiform a major turning point in history?
Cuneiform allowed literature, grammar, math, and science, to be written as well as to make 60 minutes as an hour.
Who ruled Mesopotamia after Sumer, and in what order?
Sargon’s Empire/The Akkadian Empire, The Babylon Empire/The Amorites, Hittites, Assyrian Empire, Chaldean Empire
How were the Hittites able to make an Empire in Asia Minor?
They mainly used horse drawn war chariots. First in Eastern culture to master ironworking techniques.
How were the Assyrian and Chaldean Empire different?
Assyrian: Primarily War fighting expansionists
Chaldean: Primarily built wonders and made great technological advancements.
What were the Phoenicians most significant achievements?
Dominated Mediterranean trade, invented glass blowing, created the worlds first alphabet.
What are some key events, in order, in early Israelite history?
Abraham was old by god to move to the promised land, Canaan. Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt by God’s command,Exodus.
Why are Saul, David, and Solomon important?
Saul: First Israel king and a military leader
David: Israel’s second king, loved by the people. Israel grew strong centered around the capital Jerusalem.
Solomon: Israel reached peak of wealth, trade power, built magnificent temple in Jerusalem.
What are the central beliefs in Judaism?
Monotheism - Belief Than Only One God Exists.
Justice and Righteousness - Must treat others kindly/fairly.
Obedience to Law - Follow the Ten Commandments and other laws
Sacred Texts - Torah/Hebrew Bible, Talmud.
How did Persia grow and change under Cyrus and Darius?
Cyrus The Great: led a revolt agains the Medes. Took the wealthy kingdom Lydia in Asia Minor and Several greek cities in Iona. Defeated the Chaldeans.
Darius I: Came to power to fight off rebels after Cambyses died. Extinguished rebellions and got lands in the east but failed to take Greece. Called himself Great King and King of Kings.
What does Zoroastrianism teach about good and evil?
Dualism - The belief that the world is controlled by two opposing forces, Good and Evil.
People who live good lives will be rewarded after death =. Whilst those who are wicked shall be punished.
How did Persian Roads make communication faster and easier?
Persia had the largest Highway in the world allowing easy movement for messengers. Messengers worked in a relay race sort of way.
