Mesopotamia And The Fertile Crescent Quiz

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  • 1/22 Questions

    Sumerian city centers were dominated by __________________ (palaces/ Temples)

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Mesopotamia And The Fertile Crescent Quiz - Quiz
About This Quiz

This quiz focuses on Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, exploring geographical features, historical civilizations, and cultural developments. It assesses knowledge on river management, city-state conflicts, and ancient writing systems, enhancing understanding of early human societies.

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  • 2. 

    A King known as _______________________ became a legendary figure in Sumerian Literature. (Ur-Zababa/Gilgamesh) 

    Explanation
    Gilgamesh is the correct answer because he is a well-known legendary figure in Sumerian Literature. He was a historical king of Uruk who ruled around 2700 BCE and later became the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature. The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh's adventures and his quest for immortality, making him a prominent and influential figure in Sumerian mythology and literature.

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  • 3. 

    Which two land features gave Mesopotamia it's name?

    • The Fertile Crescent and the Mediterranean Sea

    • The Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea

    • The northern plateau and the southern plateau

    • The Tigris River and the Euphrates River

    Correct Answer
    A. The Tigris River and the Euphrates River
    Explanation
    Mesopotamia is located between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River, which are the two land features that gave it its name. These rivers played a crucial role in the development of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, providing a source of water for irrigation and transportation. The word "Mesopotamia" itself means "between the rivers" in Greek, highlighting the significance of these two water bodies in shaping the region's geography and culture.

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  • 4. 

    Babylon was located near present day Baghdad, Iraq.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Babylon was an ancient city that was indeed located near present-day Baghdad, Iraq. It was a major cultural and political center in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its impressive architecture and the famous Hanging Gardens. The city's ruins can still be found in the vicinity of Baghdad, confirming the accuracy of the statement.

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  • 5. 

    What was most likely the reason that ziggurats were tall?

    • To honor the gods

    • So they could easily be found

    • So architects could display their work

    • To mark the center of the city

    Correct Answer
    A. To honor the gods
    Explanation
    Ziggurats were most likely tall to honor the gods. These ancient Mesopotamian structures were considered sacred and were built as religious temples. The height of the ziggurats symbolized their connection to the heavens and their role as a link between the earthly and divine realms. By constructing tall ziggurats, the ancient Mesopotamians aimed to demonstrate their devotion and reverence towards the gods.

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  • 6. 

    Who served as the link between the Sumerians and the goods?

    • Farmers

    • Priests

    • War chiefs

    • Political leaders

    Correct Answer
    A. Priests
    Explanation
    In ancient Sumer, priests served as the link between the Sumerians and the goods. They held a significant role in society, acting as intermediaries between the people and the gods. As religious leaders, priests were responsible for performing rituals, offering sacrifices, and ensuring the favor of the gods. They also had control over the distribution of resources, including goods, which made them the key figures connecting the Sumerians to the necessary supplies.

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  • 7. 

    Sumerians developed a math system based on the number 100

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the Sumerians actually developed a math system based on the number 60, not 100. This system, known as the sexagesimal system, was used for various calculations, including measuring time and angles. The Sumerians divided a circle into 360 degrees and an hour into 60 minutes, which are still used today. So, the correct answer is false.

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  • 8. 

    The city-state of ________________ rose to power after the death of Sargon I. (Babylon/ Ur)

    Correct Answer
    Ur
    Explanation
    After the death of Sargon I, the city-state of Ur rose to power. This suggests that Ur was able to establish its dominance and influence in the region following the demise of Sargon I. The rise of Ur as a powerful city-state could be attributed to various factors such as political maneuvering, military strength, economic prosperity, or the leadership of influential individuals. However, without further context or information, it is difficult to determine the exact reasons behind Ur's ascension to power.

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  • 9. 

    Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar both

    • Built beautiful places

    • Used chariots in battle

    • Captured Phoenicia

    • Built up Babylon

    Correct Answer
    A. Built up Babylon
    Explanation
    Both Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar were responsible for the development and expansion of the city of Babylon. They played significant roles in constructing and improving various aspects of the city, including its infrastructure, buildings, and defensive structures. Through their efforts, Babylon became a thriving and prosperous city, with Hammurabi laying the foundation and Nebuchadnezzar further enhancing and beautifying it. Their contributions to the growth and development of Babylon solidify the statement that they both built up the city.

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  • 10. 

    What technology did the Hittites and Assyrians use in battle?

    • Fire and chariots

    • Bows and arrows

    • Iron weapons and chariots

    • Battleships and iron weapons

    Correct Answer
    A. Iron weapons and chariots
    Explanation
    The Hittites and Assyrians used iron weapons and chariots in battle. Iron weapons provided them with a significant advantage over their opponents as iron is a much stronger and more durable material compared to bronze or copper. This allowed them to have more effective and deadly weapons on the battlefield. Chariots, on the other hand, provided them with mobility and speed, enabling them to quickly maneuver and strike their enemies. The combination of iron weapons and chariots made the Hittites and Assyrians formidable and successful in battle.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following best describes cuneiform?

    • A form of writing using picture symboles

    • A form of writing using wedge-shaped symbols

    • A form of writing using complex ideas such as joy

    • A form of writing using proverbs and songs

    Correct Answer
    A. A form of writing using wedge-shaped symbols
    Explanation
    Cuneiform is a form of writing that was used in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily by the Sumerians. It involved using wedge-shaped symbols that were pressed into clay tablets using a stylus. The symbols represented different sounds and concepts, and were not pictorial or based on complex ideas such as joy. Therefore, the best description of cuneiform is that it was a form of writing using wedge-shaped symbols.

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  • 12. 

    Which is the best explanation for why Mesopotamian built canals??

    • They needed a way to control the river's flow

    • They needed a way to control flooding

    • They needed a way to control low water levels

    • They needed a way to control the surplus.

    Correct Answer
    A. They needed a way to control the river's flow
    Explanation
    The Mesopotamians built canals to control the river's flow. By constructing canals, they were able to regulate the movement of water in the river, ensuring that it flowed in a controlled manner. This allowed them to manage irrigation and provide water for agriculture, preventing flooding during heavy rains and ensuring a steady supply of water during dry periods. Controlling the river's flow also helped them to prevent the river from overflowing its banks and causing destruction to their settlements.

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  • 13. 

    The resource for which Phoenicia was well known was

    • Iron ore

    • Cedar wood

    • Fertile sol

    • Gold and silver

    Correct Answer
    A. Cedar wood
    Explanation
    Phoenicia was well known for its abundant supply of cedar wood. This valuable resource was highly sought after for its durability and versatility, making it ideal for shipbuilding, construction, and crafting. The Phoenicians were skilled in navigating the Mediterranean Sea and used their access to cedar wood to establish a prosperous trade network, exporting this prized material to various regions. The cedar forests of Lebanon, within Phoenicia's territory, provided a sustainable source of this valuable resource, contributing to Phoenicia's economic and cultural significance in the ancient world.

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  • 14. 

    Which is an inference about why city-states fought each other for farmland?

    • Each city-state owned crops that had been destroyed by natural causes.

    • Each city-state wanted to build walls around its farms.

    • Each city-state had only one kill, which was farming.

    • Each city-state wanted to have enough farmland to grow food.

    Correct Answer
    A. Each city-state wanted to have enough farmland to grow food.
  • 15. 

    Hunter-gatherer groups first settled in Mesopotamia more than 20,000 years ago.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because hunter-gatherer groups did not settle in Mesopotamia more than 20,000 years ago. Mesopotamia is known as one of the earliest cradles of civilization, where settled agricultural communities emerged around 10,000 years ago. Before that, hunter-gatherer societies were nomadic and did not establish permanent settlements.

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  • 16. 

    Sumerian women could be important religious leaders

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In ancient Sumerian society, women held significant roles in religious practices and could become important religious leaders. They played a vital role as priestesses, serving in temples and conducting religious rituals. These women had the power to communicate with the gods and were seen as intermediaries between the divine and the human realm. They had the authority to perform ceremonies, make offerings, and interpret omens. Therefore, it is true that Sumerian women could be important religious leaders.

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  • 17. 

    What was the relationship between trade and the spread of the Phoenician alphabet. 

    • Phoenicians traded knowledge of their alphabet for goods and services they needed.

    • Trade increased in places where the Phoenician alphabet was not used.

    • The Phoenician alphabet spread along their trade routes.

    • Phoenicians would only trade with people who could write in Phoenician.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Phoenician alphabet spread along their trade routes.
    Explanation
    The Phoenician alphabet spread along their trade routes because as the Phoenicians engaged in trade with various civilizations, they shared their knowledge of the alphabet. This allowed other cultures to adopt and adapt the Phoenician alphabet for their own use. Through their extensive trade networks, the Phoenicians played a crucial role in disseminating their writing system, contributing to its widespread adoption and influence in the ancient world.

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  • 18. 

    What did Sargon's empire have in common with other Mesopotamian city-states?

    • It extended over a greater territory than anyone had ever conquered before.

    • It fought with surrounding city-states

    • It covered an area from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf.

    • It had a professional army.

    Correct Answer
    A. It fought with surrounding city-states
    Explanation
    Sargon's empire had in common with other Mesopotamian city-states that it fought with surrounding city-states. This suggests that conflicts and wars were a common occurrence among the city-states in the region, and Sargon's empire was no exception. The statement implies that Sargon's empire engaged in military campaigns against neighboring city-states, highlighting the aggressive nature of the Mesopotamian city-states and their constant struggles for power and dominance.

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  • 19. 

    The amount of land controlled by each city-state depended on its population.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that the amount of land controlled by each city-state depended on its population. However, this is not necessarily true. The amount of land controlled by a city-state could depend on various factors such as political alliances, military strength, geographical location, and historical circumstances. Population alone may not be the sole determinant of land control.

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  • 20. 

    The army of _________________ defeated all the city-states of Sumer and conquered northern Mesopotamia (Sargon I/ Kish)

    Correct Answer
    Sargon I
    Explanation
    Sargon I was the ruler of Akkad and his army successfully defeated all the city-states of Sumer and conquered northern Mesopotamia. This conquest marked the beginning of the Akkadian Empire, which became the first empire in history. Sargon I was known for his military prowess and his ability to unite different regions under his rule. His victory over the city-states of Sumer allowed him to establish his dominance and create a centralized government in Mesopotamia.

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  • 21. 

    Sumerians used sharp ________________ to make symbols on clay tablets. (reed/ knives)

    Correct Answer
    reeds
    Explanation
    The Sumerians used sharp reeds to make symbols on clay tablets. The reeds were likely used as writing tools, with the sharp tip being used to create the symbols by pressing into the clay. This method of writing, known as cuneiform, was developed by the Sumerians and was one of the earliest forms of writing in human history. The use of reeds allowed for precise and detailed symbols to be made on the clay tablets, which were then used for recording various information and keeping records.

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  • 22. 
    What factor may have limited the growth of Sargon's empire? - ProProfs

    What factor may have limited the growth of Sargon's empire?

    • The Akkadian army stopped the empire from expanding to the south

    • The Euphrates River often flooded, making farming difficult

    • The Syrian Desert did not have enough good farmland

    • Ninevah did not have enough water to support its population

    Correct Answer
    A. The Syrian Desert did not have enough good farmland
    Explanation
    The Syrian Desert did not have enough good farmland may have limited the growth of Sargon's empire. This suggests that the lack of fertile land in the Syrian Desert made it difficult for the empire to expand and sustain agricultural activities. Without sufficient farmland, it would have been challenging to support a growing population and ensure food security, which could have hindered the empire's growth and development.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 11, 2014
    Quiz Created by
    Sinclair147
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