Ancient Civilizations Opening Unit

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| By Jwmackey7
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Ancient Civilizations Opening Unit - Quiz

For each statement or question, select the letter of the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    A people's way of life, including diet, religious beliefs, and language is called:

    • A.

      Technology

    • B.

      Culture

    • C.

      History

    • D.

      Economy

    Correct Answer
    B. Culture
    Explanation
    Culture refers to the way of life of a particular group of people, including their customs, traditions, beliefs, values, language, and social behaviors. It encompasses various aspects such as diet, religious beliefs, and language, which are mentioned in the question. Technology, history, and economy are related to culture but do not encompass the entirety of a people's way of life.

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  • 2. 

    Which document is considered a primary source?

    • A.

      Encyclopedia article

    • B.

      Modern textbook

    • C.

      Biography

    • D.

      Personal correspondence

    Correct Answer
    D. Personal correspondence
    Explanation
    Personal correspondence is considered a primary source because it is a firsthand account of events or experiences. It provides direct insight into the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of the individual who wrote it. Unlike an encyclopedia article or modern textbook, which are secondary sources that interpret and analyze information, personal correspondence offers unfiltered and immediate information. It can be a valuable resource for historians and researchers studying a specific time period or individual, as it provides a unique and authentic perspective. A biography can also be considered a primary source if it includes direct quotes or excerpts from personal correspondence.

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  • 3. 

    What years are in the 1st century?

    • A.

      1-99

    • B.

      100s

    • C.

      200s

    • D.

      300s

    Correct Answer
    A. 1-99
    Explanation
    The 1st century includes the years 1-99. This is because the 1st century starts with the year 1 and ends with the year 100. The numbering of centuries follows the pattern of each century starting with a year ending in "01" and ending with a year ending in "00". Therefore, the years 1-99 are part of the 1st century.

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  • 4. 

    The 14th century was in the:

    • A.

      1500s

    • B.

      1300s

    • C.

      1400s

    • D.

      1600s

    Correct Answer
    B. 1300s
    Explanation
    The 14th century refers to the period from 1300 to 1399. Therefore, the correct answer is 1300s.

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  • 5. 

    Providing a steadier flow of water, an ease to flooding, and an increase in available land for farming was a result of the invention and use of

    • A.

      Metal tools

    • B.

      Ox drawn plow

    • C.

      Dams and irrigation

    • D.

      New military weapons

    Correct Answer
    C. Dams and irrigation
    Explanation
    Dams and irrigation systems were invented and used to control the flow of water, prevent flooding, and provide a steady water supply for farming. By constructing dams, water could be stored and released as needed, ensuring a consistent water supply for irrigation. This allowed for better control over water resources, increased agricultural productivity, and the ability to reclaim previously unusable land for farming.

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  • 6. 

    The exchange of ideas from one civilization to another is called?

    • A.

      Cultural anthropology

    • B.

      Economic diffusion

    • C.

      Cultural diffusion

    • D.

      Specialization of labor

    Correct Answer
    C. Cultural diffusion
    Explanation
    Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of cultural beliefs, practices, and ideas from one civilization to another. It involves the exchange and adoption of cultural elements, such as language, technology, religion, and artistic expressions. This process can occur through various means, such as trade, migration, conquest, or communication. Cultural diffusion plays a significant role in shaping and influencing societies, allowing for the transfer and integration of knowledge, customs, and traditions between different civilizations.

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  • 7. 

    A barter economy is one that . .

    • A.

      Uses money as a common medium of exchange

    • B.

      Traded goods for other goods

    • C.

      Used salt and animal hides as a form of currency

    • D.

      Used money as a way to keep track of transactions

    Correct Answer
    B. Traded goods for other goods
    Explanation
    In a barter economy, people exchange goods directly with each other without using money as a medium of exchange. Instead of using currency, individuals trade one type of good for another. This system allows for the direct exchange of goods and services without the need for a common medium of exchange like money.

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  • 8. 

    A government that rules by divine authority (or religious authority) is called . . .

    • A.

      Democracy

    • B.

      Monarchy

    • C.

      Theocracy

    • D.

      Montheocracy

    Correct Answer
    C. Theocracy
    Explanation
    A government that rules by divine authority or religious authority is called a theocracy. In a theocratic system, religious leaders hold the ultimate power and make decisions based on religious principles and beliefs. This type of government is often associated with a specific religion or religious group, and the laws and policies are influenced by religious doctrines. Theocracy is different from democracy, where power is held by the people, and monarchy, where power is held by a single ruler or monarch. Montheocracy is not a recognized term or form of government.

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  • 9. 

    The religion of which people was the only one to believe in one god (i.e. monotheism?)

    • A.

      Amorites

    • B.

      Sumerians

    • C.

      Assyrians

    • D.

      Israelites

    Correct Answer
    D. Israelites
    Explanation
    The Israelites were the only people among the given options who believed in monotheism, the belief in one god. The Amorites, Sumerians, and Assyrians believed in polytheism, the belief in multiple gods. The Israelites' monotheistic belief was a central aspect of their religion and set them apart from other ancient civilizations.

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  • 10. 

    According to the map, all of the following are early river valley civilizations except:

    • A.

      Egypt

    • B.

      Mesoamerica

    • C.

      Indus

    • D.

      China

    Correct Answer
    B. Mesoamerica
    Explanation
    The map indicates that Egypt, Indus, and China are all early river valley civilizations, but Mesoamerica is not. This suggests that Mesoamerica did not have a significant early civilization that developed around a river valley.

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  • 11. 

    According to this map, which empire would need to defend against the Hittite Empire first?

    • A.

      Egypt

    • B.

      Babylonia

    • C.

      Nubia

    • D.

      Mitianni

    Correct Answer
    D. Mitianni
    Explanation
    The map shows the location of the Hittite Empire and the other empires mentioned. Based on their proximity, the empire that would need to defend against the Hittite Empire first is the Mitianni Empire.

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  • 12. 

    On what continent do scientists believe that mankind began?

    • A.

      Africa

    • B.

      Europe

    • C.

      Asia

    • D.

      North America

    Correct Answer
    A. Africa
    Explanation
    Scientists believe that mankind began in Africa due to various pieces of evidence, such as fossil records and genetic studies. Fossils of early human ancestors, such as Lucy, have been found in Africa. Additionally, genetic studies have shown that the oldest human DNA can be traced back to Africa. These findings suggest that Africa is the most likely place where the human species originated and then migrated to other continents.

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  • 13. 

    A person who wanders from place to place looking for food and shelter is a(n)

    • A.

      Artisan

    • B.

      Nomad

    • C.

      Fossil

    • D.

      Homo sapien

    Correct Answer
    B. Nomad
    Explanation
    A person who wanders from place to place looking for food and shelter is referred to as a nomad. Nomads do not have a permanent settlement and instead move around in search of resources. They rely on hunting, gathering, or herding for their sustenance and often live in temporary shelters such as tents. This lifestyle allows them to adapt to different environments and survive in harsh conditions. Artisans are skilled craftsmen, fossils are the remains or traces of ancient organisms, and Homo sapiens refers to modern humans.

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  • 14. 

    A. trading of goods, division of labor B. acquire food on a regular basis C. emergence of civilization D. rise of permanent villages. Choose the correct sequence of the items listed above to show the rise of civilizations.

    • A.

      A,B,C,D

    • B.

      B,C,D,A

    • C.

      D,A,B,C

    • D.

      B,D,A,C

    Correct Answer
    D. B,D,A,C
    Explanation
    The correct sequence of the items listed above to show the rise of civilizations is B, D, A, C. This is because acquiring food on a regular basis is a basic necessity for human survival and is often a catalyst for the emergence of civilization. The rise of permanent villages follows as people settle in one place to cultivate crops and engage in the trading of goods. Finally, the division of labor becomes more prevalent as civilizations develop and societies become more complex.

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  • 15. 

    Humans gave up their nomadic ways of life and began to live in settled communities after they:

    • A.

      Developed new preservation methods in order to save food

    • B.

      Began to farm and acquire food on a regular basis

    • C.

      Discovered new caves that had food sources

    • D.

      Began to live in larger groups and could hunt larger animals

    Correct Answer
    B. Began to farm and acquire food on a regular basis
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "began to farm and acquire food on a regular basis." This answer suggests that humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled communities after they started practicing agriculture and were able to consistently obtain food. Farming allowed them to cultivate crops and raise animals, providing a stable and reliable food source. This shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture led to the development of permanent settlements and the establishment of more complex societies.

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  • 16. 

    Paleolithic man (Early people) mastered the use of this to help control their environment.

    • A.

      Weaving

    • B.

      Fire

    • C.

      Pottery

    • D.

      Agriculture

    Correct Answer
    B. Fire
    Explanation
    Paleolithic man mastered the use of fire to help control their environment. Fire provided them with warmth, protection from predators, and a means to cook their food. It also allowed them to clear land for hunting and gathering, and to shape their tools and weapons. Fire was a crucial tool that enabled early humans to survive and thrive in their surroundings.

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  • 17. 

    The shift from hunting and gathering to systematic agriculture is the . . .

    • A.

      Food surplus

    • B.

      Neolithic Revolution

    • C.

      Mesopotamian Revolution

    • D.

      Development of Sumerian culture

    Correct Answer
    B. Neolithic Revolution
    Explanation
    The shift from hunting and gathering to systematic agriculture is referred to as the Neolithic Revolution. This revolution marked a significant change in human history as it led to the development of settled communities, the domestication of plants and animals, and the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary one. It also resulted in the production of a food surplus, which allowed for population growth and the development of complex societies. The Neolithic Revolution laid the foundation for the development of civilizations and the advancement of human society.

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  • 18. 

    To historians today, the most important difference between the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age is

    • A.

      How people got their food.

    • B.

      The way people made tools.

    • C.

      The kind of art people made.

    • D.

      The way they fought each other.

    Correct Answer
    A. How people got their food.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is how people got their food. This is because the Paleolithic Age was characterized by hunting and gathering as the primary means of obtaining food, while the Neolithic Age marked the transition to agriculture and the domestication of plants and animals for food production. This shift in food acquisition methods had significant implications for human societies, leading to the development of settled communities, the division of labor, and the rise of civilizations.

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  • 19. 

    Food surpluses in the ancient world:

    • A.

      Made villages targets for other empires

    • B.

      Caused the population to become obese

    • C.

      Were not stored properly and spoiled causing people to starve

    • D.

      Made it possible for people to do other jobs besides farming

    Correct Answer
    D. Made it possible for people to do other jobs besides farming
    Explanation
    Food surpluses in the ancient world made it possible for people to do other jobs besides farming. When communities had enough food to sustain themselves, individuals were freed from the constant need to produce food and could engage in other occupations such as crafting, trading, or governing. This led to the development of specialized skills and the growth of civilizations, as people could focus on activities beyond basic survival.

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  • 20. 

    Which statement about the Neolithic Revolution is an opinion rather than a fact?

    • A.

      Early peoples made greater cultural advancements than did people of later civilizations.

    • B.

      The Neolithic Revolution resulted in changes for nomadic peoples.

    • C.

      New technology was developed during the Neolithic Revolution.

    • D.

      Agricultural developments resulted in the establishment of permanent settlements.

    Correct Answer
    A. Early peoples made greater cultural advancements than did people of later civilizations.
    Explanation
    The statement "Early peoples made greater cultural advancements than did people of later civilizations" is an opinion rather than a fact because the concept of "greater cultural advancements" is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives and interpretations. It is not a universally agreed-upon fact.

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  • 21. 

    Farming in the ancient world led to the development of all of the following except:

    • A.

      Private property

    • B.

      Rules of inheritance

    • C.

      The calendar

    • D.

      Cooperative hunting groups

    Correct Answer
    D. Cooperative hunting groups
    Explanation
    Farming in the ancient world led to the development of private property, rules of inheritance, and the calendar. However, it did not lead to the development of cooperative hunting groups. Farming allowed people to settle in one place and cultivate crops, which led to the establishment of permanent settlements and the development of private property. It also resulted in the need for rules of inheritance to pass down land and resources. Additionally, farming required keeping track of time for planting and harvesting, leading to the development of the calendar. However, cooperative hunting groups were more common in hunter-gatherer societies rather than in agricultural societies.

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  • 22. 

    A direct result of the Neolithic Revolution (agriculture) is that people:

    • A.

      Began living in permanent settlements

    • B.

      Developed a nomadic way of life

    • C.

      Depended on hunting and gathering

    • D.

      Used crop rotation to increase agricultural output

    Correct Answer
    A. Began living in permanent settlements
    Explanation
    The Neolithic Revolution, which marked the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture, had a significant impact on human societies. One direct result of this revolution was that people began living in permanent settlements. With the ability to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, individuals no longer needed to constantly move in search of food. Instead, they could stay in one place and establish permanent villages or towns. This shift to settled communities allowed for the development of more complex social structures, the accumulation of surplus food, and the advancement of various other aspects of civilization.

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  • 23. 

    Why did hunter-gatherers lead nomadic, or traveling, lives?

    • A.

      They moved on when the soil was used up.

    • B.

      They followed the movements of animals.

    • C.

      They outgrew their villages.

    • D.

      They moved to escape wars.

    Correct Answer
    B. They followed the movements of animals.
    Explanation
    Hunter-gatherers led nomadic lives because they followed the movements of animals. This allowed them to hunt and gather food more efficiently as they could track herds of animals and take advantage of seasonal migrations. By constantly moving, they ensured a sustainable food supply and avoided depleting the resources in one area. Additionally, following the animals allowed them to adapt to different environments and take advantage of the diverse resources available in different regions.

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  • 24. 

    The survival of early humans depended on the availability of ___.

    • A.

      Plants and animals

    • B.

      Government

    • C.

      Culture

    • D.

      Writing

    Correct Answer
    A. Plants and animals
    Explanation
    Early humans relied on the availability of plants and animals for their survival. They hunted animals for food and used plants for sustenance, medicinal purposes, and building materials. The ability to find and utilize these resources effectively was crucial for their survival and development. Government, culture, and writing were important aspects of human civilization but were not directly linked to the survival of early humans.

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  • 25. 

    The earliest simple tools and weapons were made of

    • A.

      Bronze

    • B.

      Stone

    • C.

      Copper

    • D.

      Iron

    Correct Answer
    B. Stone
    Explanation
    Stone is the correct answer because it is stated that the earliest simple tools and weapons were made of stone. This implies that stone was the primary material used for crafting tools and weapons in ancient times. Bronze, copper, and iron were introduced later in human history, indicating that they were not the earliest materials used for making tools and weapons.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 06, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Jwmackey7
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