Early Civilizations

Question 1

What were the 4 early civilizations?

Answer 1

Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China

Question 2

What was the ancient Near East comprised of?

Answer 2

Tigris and Euphrates Valley, Fertile Crescent, Nile Valley

Question 3

cultural contributions associated with ancient Near East

Answer 3

• first system of independent states
• first system of writing
• first massive architectural achievements
• first lasting monotheism
• beginning of science, math, astronomy
• first codification of law

Question 4

Who created the Mesopotamian civilization?

Answer 4

Sumerians (3500-3000 B.C.)

Question 5

3 major material progress of Mesopotamia

Answer 5

large-scale irrigation projects, advanced system of mathematics, invention of the wheel

Question 6

Ziggurat

Answer 6

• massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia
• form of a terraced step pyramid of successively receding stories
• center of community life
• served as temple, storehouse, treasury

Question 7

When did Sargon establish the first empire?

Answer 7

2371 B.C.

Question 8

Who conquered Sumeria to establish a new empire?

Answer 8

Babylonians (2300-1750 B.C.)

Question 9

code of Hammurabi

Answer 9

first universal written codification of laws in recorded history (1750 B.C.)

Question 10

Babylonian achievements

Answer 10

• centralized government

- advances in algebra and geometry

Question 11

Hittites (2000-1200 B.C.)

Answer 11

• conquered much of Asia Minor and northern Mesopotamia

- contributed iron smelting which revolutionized warfare

Question 12

Assyrians (911-550 B.C.)

Answer 12

• created empire based on military superiority, conquest, and terrorism
• military techniques included siege warfare, intimidation, use of iron weapons
• created a centralized government, postal service, extensive library, and system of highways

Question 13

Chaldeans (605-538 B.C.)

Answer 13

• est. New Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar
• conquered Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine
• developed astrology, astronomy, advanced government bureaucracy
• architectural achievements (Hanging Gardens of Babylon)

Question 14

Persians (500s B.C.)

Answer 14

• attempted to unify entire Near East under one rule
• established international government
• ethical religion based on concepts of good and evil (Zoroastrianism)
• failed to conquer Greeks
• conquered by Alexander the Great (334-331 B.C.)

Question 15

What 3 smaller civilizations of ancient Near East had unique contributions?

Answer 15

Phoenicians, Lydians, Israelites

Question 16

Phoenicians

Answer 16

• civilization peaked at 1000 B.C.
• first explorers, traders, and colonizers
• invented first true alphabet
• dominated Mediterranean commerce and exported manufactured glass and purple dye

Question 17

Lydians

Answer 17

• occupied western Asia Minor (500s B.C.)
• culture reached zenith under King Croesus (Golden King)
• first coinage of money

Question 18

Israelites

Answer 18

• established first lasting monotheism
• Saul est. 1st kingdom in Palestine (1030-1010 B.C.)
• Hebrews divided into 2 kingdoms (Israel, Judah) after death of Solomon (922 B.C.)
• Israel (722 B.C.) and Judah (586 B.C.) destroyed due to disunity and conquest
• Jerusalem destroyed (A.D. 70) and Jews forcefully dispersed from Palestine due to Israelites revolt against Rome