AP World History Final Exam Semester 1

The correct answer is papyrus pith. Papyrus was a type of paper that the Egyptians used, and it was made from the pith of the papyrus plant. The pith was extracted from the plant and then flattened and dried to create a writing surface. This papyrus paper was widely used by the Egyptians for writing and documenting various texts, including religious texts, literature, and administrative documents.

Iron was used after the use of bronze because bronze was the primary metal used for tools and weapons before iron became widely available. Bronze was a stronger and more durable material compared to stone or bone, but it had limitations. Iron, on the other hand, was abundant and easier to obtain, making it a more practical choice for tools and weapons. The discovery and widespread use of iron marked a significant technological advancement in human history.

Fanatical belief in the ideology of the empire is not a major cause of the decline and fall of empires. While it is true that ideologies can play a role in shaping the actions and decisions of empires, they are not the primary cause of their decline. Overextension of the administration, economic collapse, and failure of leadership are more significant factors that have historically led to the downfall of empires.

The Sumerians are credited with inventing writing. They developed a system of writing known as cuneiform around 3200 BCE. This system used wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets, and it was used for various purposes such as record-keeping, literature, and communication. The invention of writing by the Sumerians was a significant milestone in human history, as it allowed for the preservation and transmission of knowledge across generations.

In Sumer after about 2800 B.C.E., temple priests ruled in conjunction with kings. They held significant power and influence within the society due to their close association with religious practices and beliefs. The priests played a crucial role in performing rituals, interpreting omens, and communicating with the gods. Their involvement in political affairs allowed them to exert control and influence over the ruling class, making them an important group in the governance of Sumer.

Empires usually grow through conquest because conquering other territories and peoples is a common method for expanding the influence and control of a ruling power. This allows the empire to increase its territory, resources, and population, which in turn strengthens its political and economic power. Conquest also helps to establish dominance over conquered areas, ensuring obedience and loyalty to the ruling empire. Throughout history, many empires have risen to power through military conquest, such as the Roman Empire, Mongol Empire, and British Empire.

The Byzantine Empire controlled the largest geographic region among the given options. The Byzantine Empire was a powerful and long-lasting empire that encompassed a vast territory, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It reached its peak in the 6th century, with territories extending from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Middle East and Egypt in the east. The Kingdom of the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Vandals were significant kingdoms during the early Middle Ages, but their territorial control was not as extensive as that of the Byzantine Empire.

Goats and sheep were the first animals to be domesticated in the "Fertile Crescent" because they were well-suited to the region's environment and the needs of early agricultural societies. These animals provided a reliable source of food in the form of meat, milk, and wool, and they were also used for transportation and labor. The domestication of goats and sheep allowed for the development of settled farming communities and the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary one.

The Bronze Age was a time of significant technological breakthroughs. This era marked the development and widespread use of bronze, which was a major advancement in metalworking. Bronze tools and weapons were stronger and more durable than their stone counterparts, leading to improvements in agriculture, warfare, and trade. The Bronze Age also saw the emergence of complex societies and the development of new technologies such as pottery, weaving, and early forms of writing. This period laid the foundation for future advancements in civilizations and greatly influenced human history.

The correct answer is "was often spurred by major climate changes." This is because major climate changes, such as ice ages or droughts, would have directly impacted the availability of resources and habitats for early humans. As a result, they would have been forced to migrate in search of more favorable conditions. This pattern of migration in response to climate changes is supported by archaeological and genetic evidence.

The correct answer is the Indus Valley. Scholars know the least about this civilization compared to the other options provided. The Indus Valley civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, flourished around 2600 to 1900 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. Despite extensive archaeological excavations, the written language of the Indus Valley civilization remains undeciphered, making it difficult to fully understand their culture, social structure, and political system. In contrast, Greek city-states, the Nile Valley, and the Tigris-Euphrates civilizations have left behind more decipherable written records, allowing scholars to gather more knowledge about these civilizations.

The Bantu people migrated thousands of miles to southern Africa. This is evidenced by their settlement in regions far south of the Niger River. They were well-known for their copper-shaping skills, which suggests that they had established themselves in southern Africa and developed specialized crafts. The fact that they never practiced agriculture indicates that they relied on other means of sustenance during their migration and settlement.

The Warring States Period was a time of intense conflict and warfare among various states in ancient China. This period ultimately led to the rise of the Qin dynasty, which emerged as the dominant power and unified China under the rule of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Qin dynasty was able to take advantage of the chaos and instability of the Warring States Period to gain control and establish a centralized government. Therefore, the statement "led to the rule of the Qin dynasty" accurately reflects the historical significance of the Warring States Period.

The art and craftwork of the Indus valley indicates that they participated in active interregion trade. This conclusion can be drawn from the presence of various artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and seals that were found in the region, which display influences from different cultures and regions. The intricate designs and high level of craftsmanship suggest that the Indus valley civilization had established connections and exchanges with other societies, indicating their involvement in trade and cultural interactions.

The Struggle of the Orders refers to a historical conflict that took place in ancient Rome between the plebeians (commoners) and the patricians (aristocrats). It was a struggle for political and social equality, as the plebeians sought to gain more rights and representation in the Roman government. The conflict lasted for several centuries and resulted in the plebeians gradually gaining more power and influence through various reforms and concessions made by the patricians. The answer choice "a conflict between plebeians and patricians" accurately describes the nature of the Struggle of the Orders.

Alexander the Great extended his empire as far east as the Indus River. This expansion was a significant achievement for Alexander as it allowed him to conquer and control vast territories in the Indian subcontinent. The Indus River marked the easternmost point of his conquests, and it demonstrated his ambition and military prowess in establishing one of the largest empires in history.

The correct answer is "Aryan invaders nearly completely destroyed the Indus valley civilization." This is not one of the four legacies of the Harappa described in the text. The text mentions that the Aryan invaders adopted some settlement characteristics, agricultural techniques, and religious ideas of the Indus valley civilization. However, it does not mention that they nearly completely destroyed it.

The book of Genesis states that God created man "in his own image". This means that humans possess qualities and characteristics that reflect the nature of God. It implies that humans have inherent worth and value, as they are created in the likeness of God. This belief is foundational in many religious traditions and emphasizes the unique and special status of human beings in relation to the rest of creation.

The Maya calendar incorporated the yearly agricultural cycle, dates and events in "cosmic" periods of thousands of years, and historic events in the lives of specific rulers. However, it did not include "lifecycle" stages for each individual.

The correct answer is "often granted some level of Rome citizenship to conquered peoples." This is because the passage mentions that Rome "usually chose conquest of a state rather than an alliance with it" and "often granted some level of Rome citizenship to conquered peoples." This suggests that Rome had a tendency to grant citizenship to those they conquered.

Sicily was the first region to be incorporated into the Roman Empire. The Romans conquered Sicily in 241 BC during the First Punic War against Carthage. This conquest marked the beginning of Roman expansion beyond the Italian peninsula and laid the foundation for the eventual Roman control over the entire Mediterranean region.

The correct answer is "began around 7000 B.C.E." This is because the Indus valley civilization is believed to have started around this time period. The civilization flourished in the Indus River Valley, which is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. Archaeological evidence suggests that the civilization had well-planned cities with advanced infrastructure and a sophisticated system of writing. The civilization reached its peak around 1000 B.C.E., but by 1900 B.C.E., it started to decline, possibly due to environmental changes and the migration of people. The Indus valley civilization is also known for its advanced agricultural practices, including the use of irrigation systems. However, the given options state that they made little use of agricultural practices, which is incorrect.

Imperial dominance refers to the control and authority exerted by a ruling power over conquered territories and peoples. The correct answer suggests that imperial dominance requires the use of sheer power to enforce rule. This implies that the ruling power relies on force and coercion to maintain control, rather than attempting to gain the allegiance or support of the subjugated peoples. This explanation aligns with the understanding that imperial dominance is often characterized by oppressive and authoritarian tactics rather than diplomacy or cooperation.

Rome became a republic in 509 B.C.E. This is the correct answer because it is the only option that aligns with historical records. The year 753 B.C.E. is significant for the founding of Rome, but it was still ruled by kings at that time. The years 405 B.C.E. and 241 B.C.E. are not relevant to the establishment of the Roman Republic.

The Purusa-sakta is a myth that helped justify the caste system in India. The caste system is a social hierarchy that divides people into different groups based on their birth and occupation. According to the myth, the Purusa, a primordial being, was sacrificed to create the different castes. This myth provided a religious and cultural basis for the rigid social structure of the caste system, with each caste having its own rights, duties, and privileges. It helped maintain social order and control by assigning individuals to specific roles and limiting social mobility.

Alexander the Great is the correct answer because he conquered the region of Mesopotamia, which included Sumer, in the 4th century BCE. As a result of his conquest, Greek became the dominant language and culture in the region, displacing the use of Sumerian cuneiform writing. Alexander's conquest led to the spread of Hellenistic culture and the adoption of the Greek alphabet, which eventually replaced cuneiform as the primary writing system in the region.

Ancient Egypt was often a unified state because it was ruled by pharaohs who maintained control over the entire region. The pharaohs were considered divine and had absolute power, allowing them to centralize authority and create a unified state. This unity was crucial for the development and prosperity of Ancient Egypt, as it facilitated the construction of monumental structures like the pyramids and enabled efficient governance and administration.

The correct answer is "were usually considered inferior by Romans." This is because the Romans typically viewed the barbarians as less advanced or cultured compared to themselves. The term "barbarians" was often used to describe non-Roman peoples who were seen as uncivilized or lacking in sophistication. This perception of inferiority likely stemmed from cultural differences, such as language, customs, and societal organization.

The Zhou dynasty disintegrated, leading to the Warring States period. This period followed the collapse of the Zhou dynasty and was characterized by intense warfare and political fragmentation among various states in ancient China. The disintegration of the Zhou dynasty resulted in a power vacuum, which led to the rise of competing states and prolonged conflict between them. This period marked a significant shift in Chinese history and set the stage for the subsequent unification under the Qin dynasty.

The question asks for the text that is NOT one of the first five texts. The first five texts listed are "Book of Changes," "Book of Songs," "Rites and Rituals," and "The Good Life." Since "The Good Life" is one of the texts listed, it is not the correct answer.

The given answer states that Neanderthals warred with each other and drove themselves to extinction. However, this reason is not mentioned in the text as a cause for the disappearance of Neanderthals. The text only discusses the possibilities of Homo sapiens sapiens destroying Neanderthals through violence, out-competing them for resources, and interbreeding with them.

The city-states of Mesopotamia were particularly vulnerable due to inter-urban warfare. This means that the city-states were constantly engaged in conflicts and battles with each other. This constant state of warfare made them vulnerable to attacks and weakened their overall defense capabilities. Additionally, inter-urban warfare led to instability and lack of unity among the city-states, making it easier for powerful external enemies to exploit their weaknesses.

The economies of the villages along the Nile River were based on cereal agriculture. This means that the villagers relied on growing crops such as wheat, barley, and other grains for their livelihood. The fertile soil and regular flooding of the Nile River provided ideal conditions for agriculture, allowing the villagers to cultivate crops and sustain themselves. Commercial trade, fishing, and warfare may have played a role in their economies to some extent, but the primary foundation was cereal agriculture.

The correct answer suggests that cities in the Niger River valley may have developed without the need for hierarchy, centralization, government structure, or written language. This implies that the development of cities in this region did not necessarily rely on these factors and that alternative forms of social organization may have been present.

In the mid-1700s, natural scientists had questioned the idea that all plant and animal species had been separately created. This suggests that they were beginning to challenge the prevailing belief in separate acts of creation for each species. This questioning indicates a shift towards considering the possibility of common ancestry and evolution, which would later be supported by the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin.

Chinese oracle bones have provided useful information about the rulers of the Shang dynasty. These bones, which have been useful to archeologists, anthropologists, and historians for at least three centuries, first came to the attention of scientists after they were found at excavation sites. Despite being usually made from human bones, these oracle bones have proven to be valuable sources of information about the rulers of the Shang dynasty, shedding light on their practices, beliefs, and governance.

Noam Chomsky argues that the ability to use language is genetic. He believes that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, which he refers to as the "language acquisition device" (LAD). According to Chomsky, this genetic predisposition allows children to acquire language effortlessly and rapidly, regardless of the specific language they are exposed to or the quality of language input they receive. Chomsky's theory suggests that language acquisition is not solely dependent on environmental factors or parental teaching, but rather on an inherent linguistic structure that is hardwired in the human brain.

The correct answer is the imperial architecture of Persepolis. This is because the architecture of Persepolis provides valuable insights into the artistic design of the Persian civilization. The buildings and structures in Persepolis showcase the unique style, techniques, and motifs used in Persian art. By studying the architectural features, such as the intricate carvings, columns, and decorative elements, we can gain a better understanding of the artistic choices and cultural significance of Persian design. The other options mentioned, such as paintings, iron-work walls, and sculptures, may also contribute to our understanding of Persian art but are not the primary sources for our knowledge.

The given answer suggests that Alexander the Great typically ruled through local hierarchies. This means that instead of directly governing conquered peoples, he would appoint local leaders or rulers to maintain control over the regions he conquered. This approach allowed him to effectively govern a vast empire and maintain stability by utilizing existing power structures.

The Popul Vuh is a sacred text of the Mayan civilization that contains their creation myth. It is not associated with the Roman Catholic conquistadores from Spain, the Inca civilization, or the Aztec civilization.

Mesopotamian and Greek began as city-states. Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq, was home to several ancient city-states such as Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon. These city-states had their own governments and ruling elites. Similarly, ancient Greece was composed of various city-states, including Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, each with its own government and identity. Both Mesopotamia and Greece eventually expanded their territories and formed larger empires, but they initially started as independent city-states.

The city of Rome was founded in 753 B.C.E. This date is widely accepted by historians and is based on the traditional founding story of Rome. According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were raised by a she-wolf. They decided to build a city on the Palatine Hill and Romulus became the first king of Rome. While there is debate among historians about the accuracy of this founding story, 753 B.C.E. is generally accepted as the date of Rome's foundation.

The Emma Elish is the creation myth of the people of Akkad, which is a true statement. It describes the rebellion of a god and goddess and their subsequent destruction by Marduk, another true statement. However, the statement that humans were created by gods out of earth and water is not true according to the Emma Elish. In this myth, humans were created by the blood of the rebel god, Kingu, and the goddess Tiamat's body.

The Shang state was characterized by a king who allowed relatives to rule regional areas. This means that the king of the Shang state delegated power to his relatives, allowing them to govern different regions within the state. This decentralized system of governance allowed for greater control and stability over a larger territory.

The agricultural settlements found in North America around 1200 C.E. are not usually considered sites of primary urbanization because their populations were too low. Urbanization typically involves the growth and concentration of a large population in a specific area, with the development of complex social, economic, and political systems. These settlements likely had smaller populations and did not exhibit the same level of urban characteristics and complexity as primary urban centers. Therefore, they are not considered primary urbanization sites.

The correct answer is usually centered on a single city. This is because Greek city-states were typically focused around a single city, which served as the political, economic, and cultural center of the state. The city-state was a self-governing entity with its own laws, government, and citizens. It was not uncommon for the city-state to have a population exceeding 100,000, but this varied depending on the specific city-state. The statement about the political powers analogous to that of a state within the United States is not relevant to the nature of Greek city-states.

Carthage's defeat in all three Punic Wars is the correct answer because it is the only option that directly relates to Carthage's military failures. The other statements provide additional information about Carthage's distance from Italy, its lack of success when Hannibal invaded Italy, and its eventual defeat by Rome, but only the statement about losing all three Punic Wars specifically addresses Carthage's military failures.

The Chinese three earliest known dynasties were each at one time the most powerful dynasty. This means that each of these dynasties held significant power and influence during their respective reigns. They may have achieved this through military conquests, political stability, or economic prosperity. However, it is important to note that these dynasties did not overlap each other, indicating that they existed at different periods in Chinese history. Additionally, the statement suggests that these dynasties showed a reverential respect for the sanctity of human life, implying that they may have had cultural or moral values that emphasized the importance of human life.

Pictographic writing refers to a form of communication where pictures or symbols are used to represent objects or ideas. This type of writing is considered to be the earliest form of written communication, as it dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians and Egyptians. Pictographic writing allowed people to convey messages and record information by using simple drawings that represented specific concepts. Over time, pictographic writing evolved into more complex systems such as cuneiform and phonetic writing, which used symbols to represent sounds and syllables. Therefore, pictographic writing occurred before Assyrian writing, phonetic writing, and cuneiform writing.

The Sumerians dominated Mesopotamia for nearly a millennium. Mesopotamia was an ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Sumerians were one of the earliest civilizations in this region and they established city-states in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE. They developed advanced systems of writing, mathematics, and governance, and their influence lasted for almost 1000 years. The Sumerians made significant contributions to the development of human civilization and their dominance in Mesopotamia shaped the cultural, political, and economic landscape of the region during that time.