Week 4: Notes and Slides (6-7) 1 Flashcards
Who was Sargon of Akkad?
Sargon of Akkad was one of the earliest known warrior-kings, a ruler, and a conduit to the gods, credited with establishing a complex governing hierarchy in Mesopotamia.
What led to the replacement of priesthoods by warrior-kings?
a) Need for religious authority
b) Increase in trade
c) Competition for resources and warfare
d) Environmental stability
C
True or False
Statement: The rise of agriculture simplified governing hierarchies.
Answer: False
Reason: Agriculture increased complexity, requiring organized control over irrigation, food distribution, and land management, thus creating more complex hierarchies.
Why did agricultural societies need a distinct group dedicated to warfare?
As societies competed for limited resources, dedicated warriors became essential for defense and expansion, and they required a steady food supply to support their role.
How did environmental limitations in the hinterlands affect Mesopotamian society?
Limited hinterlands meant that resources could only be utilized within a certain distance, forcing societies to maximize productivity in accessible areas.
What impact did the annual flooding of the Tigris-Euphrates and Nile rivers have on agriculture?
The flooding brought nutrients to the soil, fertilizing it for the next planting season, but also required protection of crops already in the fields during flood season.
True or False
Statement: Mesopotamia, meaning “land between rivers,” relied heavily on the annual flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates for successful agriculture.
Answer: True
Reason: The floods provided essential water and nutrients, although the timing required careful management to protect crops.
Why is it difficult to know more about ancient Mesopotamia today?
a) Frequent wars limiting safe exploration
b) Lack of historical records
c) Flooding destroyed sites
d) Lack of interest in archaeology
A
How did the Nile’s flood schedule differ from the Tigris-Euphrates, and what impact did it have on Egyptian agriculture?
The Nile’s floods occurred after crops were harvested, allowing fields to be fertilized naturally, while the Tigris-Euphrates flooded earlier, requiring protection for crops already planted.
