Israel and Syria-Canaan

Question 1

The Babylonian Captivity

Answer 1

refers to the period in Jewish history from 586-539 BCE when the Babylonians conquered Judah and exiled many Jews to Babylon. This period had a significant impact on Jewish identity and religion, leading to the development of synagogues and the emphasis on studying and interpreting Jewish scripture.

Question 2

Judaism

Answer 2

is a monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East, with its roots in ancient Israelite and Jewish culture. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion in shaping culture, history, and identity, as well as the influence of Jewish beliefs and traditions on Western civilization.

Question 3

El

Answer 3

was the chief god of the Canaanite religion, worshipped throughout the ancient Near East from approximately 2500-1200 BCE. The importance of El in society reflected the widespread belief in polytheism and the role of gods in shaping human destiny and natural phenomena.

Question 4

The Torah

Answer 4

is the central text of Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and scripture in shaping Jewish identity, culture, and history.

Question 5

The Tanakh

Answer 5

is the Hebrew Bible, consisting of the same books as the Christian Old Testament but in a different order and with some variations in content. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and scripture in shaping Jewish and Christian identity, culture, and history.

Question 6

Cyrus I (the Great)

Answer 6

was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, reigning from approximately 559-530 BCE. He is known for his conquests and his policy of religious tolerance and respect for local customs, including the return of Jews from Babylonian captivity and support for the rebuilding of the Great Temple of Jerusalem.

Question 7

The Great Temple of Jerusalem

Answer 7

also known as the Second Temple, was a Jewish temple built in Jerusalem during the Persian period, around 516 BCE. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and architecture in shaping Jewish identity, culture, and history.

Question 8

Monotheism

Answer 8

is the belief in one god, as opposed to polytheism, the belief in many gods. The importance of monotheism in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping culture, history, and identity, as well as the influence of monotheistic beliefs and traditions on Western civilization.

Question 9

Monotheism

Answer 9

is the belief in one god, as opposed to polytheism, the belief in many gods. The importance of monotheism in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping culture, history, and identity, as well as the influence of monotheistic beliefs and traditions on Western civilization.

Question 10

Henotheism

Answer 10

is the belief in one god while recognizing the existence of other gods, but not necessarily worshipping them. The importance of henotheism in society reflects the complexity and diversity of religious belief systems and the ways in which beliefs and practices can evolve over time.

Question 11

Polytheism

Answer 11

is the belief in many gods. The importance of polytheism in society reflects the widespread belief in supernatural beings and the role of religion in shaping culture, history, and identity throughout human history.

Question 12

Theodicy

Answer 12

is the branch of theology concerned with the problem of evil and suffering in the world and the relationship between God and human morality. Its importance in society reflects the ways in which religious belief systems attempt to reconcile the existence of suffering and injustice with the concept of a loving and just God.

Question 13

Astarte

Answer 13

was a goddess worshipped in the ancient Near East, particularly in Phoenicia and Syria, from the Bronze Age until the Roman period. Her importance in society reflects the role of goddess worship and fertility cults in shaping religious beliefs and practices in the ancient world.

Question 14

Ba’al

Answer 14

was a Canaanite and Phoenician god worshipped throughout the ancient Near East, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, from the Bronze Age until the Hellenistic period. His importance in society reflects the role of gods of the storm and weather in shaping religious beliefs and practices in the ancient world.

Question 15

Asherah

Answer 15

was a goddess worshipped in the ancient Near East, particularly in Canaan and Israel, from the Bronze Age until the Roman period. Her importance in society reflects the role of goddess worship and fertility cults in shaping religious beliefs and practices in the ancient world, as well as the influence of Canaanite and Israelite religion on the development of Judaism

Question 16

The Ain Dara

Answer 16

temple was an Iron Age temple located in modern-day Syria, dedicated to the god Hadad and built around 1300 BCE. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and architecture in shaping identity, culture, and history in the ancient Near East.

Question 17

Darius I

Answer 17

was the third king of the Achaemenid Empire, reigning from approximately 522-486 BCE. He is known for his military conquests, his administrative reforms, and his support for the Zoroastrian religion and the construction of temples and palaces throughout the empire.

Question 18

Asho/Arta

Answer 18

are the Zoroastrian concepts of truth and righteousness, respectively, which are central to the religion’s moral and ethical teachings. Their importance in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping morality, ethics, and human behavior.

Question 19

Asho/Arta

Answer 19

are the Zoroastrian concepts of truth and righteousness, respectively, which are central to the religion’s moral and ethical teachings. Their importance in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping morality, ethics, and human behavior.

Question 20

Druj

Answer 20

is the Zoroastrian concept of falsehood and evil, which is opposed to Asha/Arta and represents the forces of chaos and disorder in the world. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping morality, ethics, and human behavior.

Question 21

​​Zarathushtra

Answer 21

also known as Zoroaster, was the founder of the Zoroastrian religion, which emerged in Persia during the first millennium BCE. His teachings emphasized the concepts of truth, righteousness, and the struggle between good and evil, and had a significant impact on Persian and Central Asian history and culture.

Question 22

The Avesta

Answer 22

is the primary scripture of the Zoroastrian religion, composed over a period of several centuries and written in the Avestan language. Its importance in society reflects the role of religion and scripture in shaping belief systems, morality, and ethics, as well as the influence of Zoroastrianism on Persian and Central Asian culture.

Question 23

Ahura Mazda

Answer 23

is the Zoroastrian god of wisdom, light, and goodness, who represents the forces of truth and righteousness in the world. His importance in society reflects the role of religion and belief systems in shaping human understanding of the divine and the universe.

Question 24

Minthra

Answer 24

the god “Covenant;” that is, he presided over all treaties between nations and covenants between people. was a Persian god worshipped throughout the ancient Near East, particularly in the Roman Empire, from the 1st to the 4th century CE. His importance in society reflects the role of gods of the sun, light, and contracts in shaping religious beliefs and practices in the ancient world, as well as the influence of Persian religion on Roman culture.