Emily Michael Flashcards
Social Studies
What is the definition of a civilization?
A society with a highly developed culture and technology.
What is a floodplain?
An area of low-lying ground next to a river, formed mainly of silt and mud, and subject to flooding.
Why was a Ziggurat important to Sumerians?
It was important to the Sumerians because it was the center of religion and city life.
Why was Cuneiform developed?
It was developed because it helped Sumerians keep business and trade records.
What is the definition of cuneiform?
The earliest form of writing, invented by the Sumerians.
What is the difference between polytheism and monotheism?
Polytheism is the belief in many gods, monotheism is the belief in one God.
What is the definition of an empire?
A group of different lands and people governed by one ruler.
What was the Exodus?
The Exodus was when Moses led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt.
The alphabet was an important Phoenician achievement. Why?
The Phoenicians spread their alphabet through trade. It is the basis of our alphabet today.
What is the definition of a city-state?
A self-governing unit made up of a city and its surrounding lands and settlements; a city that controls the surrounding villages and towns.
What is a Scribe?
A Scribe is a professional writer who recorded official information.
What is Judaism?
The religion of the Hebrews (as it is practiced today); it is the world´s oldest monotheistic religion.
Explain the Hebrew religion.
The Hebrews were descendants of Abraham. Their religious books are called the Torah and the Talmud. They follow the Ten Commandments that were given by God to the Hebrew leader Moses. Their modern day religion is called Judaism.
What does silt mean?
An especially fine and fertile soil.
Historians refer to Sumer as the world´s first civilization. Why?
Due to having a surplus of crops, Sumer was the first place to have all five traits of a civilization: Cities, Complex Institutions, Record Keeping, Specialized Workers, and Improved Technology.
