History Of Art And Architecture (Mesopotamian Period)

Explanation
Mesopotamia is known as the cradle of civilizations because it was the birthplace of many important advancements and contributions to human society. It was in Mesopotamia that animals were first domesticated, trade and coinage systems were developed, legal governments were established, the potter's wheel and wagon wheel were invented, the alphabet was created, and significant advancements were made in architecture and astronomy. These achievements make Mesopotamia a crucial and influential region in the development of human civilization.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Sumerian" or "Sumerian period." The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that existed in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, from around 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE. They were responsible for developing cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing systems, which was used to record various aspects of their society. The Sumerians also constructed ziggurats, which were large stepped structures used as temples and administrative centers. These contributions by the Sumerians played a significant role in the development of Mesopotamian civilization.

Explanation
Cuneiform is a system of writing that is characterized by the use of characters formed by arranging small, wedge-shaped elements. This system of writing was developed by the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. Cuneiform was written on clay tablets using a stylus made of reed, and it was used to record various aspects of Sumerian society, including administrative, legal, and religious texts. The term "cuneiform" derives from the Latin word "cuneus," which means "wedge," referring to the shape of the characters used in this writing system.

Explanation
The Epic of Gilgamesh is considered the world's first literature because it is one of the oldest surviving works of literature in the world. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 2100 BCE, and tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk. The epic is written in the form of a poem and explores themes of heroism, friendship, mortality, and the search for immortality. It is significant because it showcases the development of storytelling and the use of written language in ancient civilizations, making it a landmark in the history of literature.

Explanation
The correct answer is Akkadian and Hittite. The given information describes a civilization that was short-lived and collapsed two centuries after its establishment. This matches the history of both the Akkadian and Hittite civilizations. Additionally, the mention of fortifications of cyclopean stone masonry and gateways with portal sculpture aligns with the architectural styles and techniques used by both civilizations.

Explanation
Nebuchadnezzar II was a Babylonian king who captured Jerusalem and is known for his architectural achievements in Babylon. The Babylonians and Chaldeans were closely related and often used interchangeably, as the Chaldeans were a prominent group within the Babylonian empire. Therefore, both the terms "Babylonian" and "Chaldean" can be used to describe Nebuchadnezzar II and his association with the architectural wonders of Babylon.

Explanation
The given answer "assyrian" suggests that the civilization being referred to in the question is the Assyrian civilization. This is supported by the statement that they were a great military power, which is a well-known characteristic of the Assyrians. Additionally, the mention of palaces taking precedence over religious buildings aligns with the Assyrian culture, as they were known for their grand palaces and their focus on military conquest rather than religious pursuits.

Explanation
The given answer, "persian," is correct because Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty in Persia and he indeed defeated the Babylonians. The Achaemenid dynasty was known for its significant architectural developments, including the construction of grand palaces, cities, and monuments. Therefore, the answer accurately connects Cyrus the Great's victory over the Babylonians with the architectural advancements during the Achaemenid dynasty in Persia.

Explanation
The correct answer is shedu, lamassu. The Assyrian winged bull is commonly referred to as either a shedu or a lamassu. These mythical creatures were often depicted with a bull's body, wings, and a human head. They were believed to be protective spirits and were commonly placed at the entrances of palaces and temples as a symbol of power and strength.

Explanation
Crenellation refers to a pattern along the top of a parapet. It typically consists of alternating solid sections and gaps, creating a distinctive design. This architectural feature serves both practical and decorative purposes. The solid sections, known as merlons, provide protection for defenders by acting as a barrier. The gaps, known as crenels, allow defenders to shoot or throw projectiles at attackers. Crenellations are commonly seen in medieval castles and fortifications, adding a unique visual element to the structure while also serving as a defensive measure.

Explanation
The term "giparu" refers to a building that houses the Entu priestesses. The word itself is derived from the Sumerian language, where "gi" means "house" and "paru" means "entu." The Entu priestesses were highly regarded in ancient Mesopotamian society and were responsible for performing religious rituals and ceremonies. The giparu served as a sacred space where these priestesses lived and carried out their duties.

Explanation
A ziggurat is a type of ancient Mesopotamian temple tower that was made up of tiered rectangular layers. These layers increased in number from one to seven over time. Ziggurats were considered artificial mountains and were used as religious and administrative centers in ancient Mesopotamia.

Explanation
The correct answer is "ishtar gate". The Ishtar Gate was the entrance gate to the palace of Sargon, named after the goddess of war, fertility, and love. It was a significant architectural and artistic achievement of the ancient city of Babylon, showcasing vibrant blue glazed tiles with intricate reliefs of animals and mythical creatures. The gate symbolized the power and grandeur of the Babylonian empire and served as a testament to the worship of Ishtar.

Explanation
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a magnificent palace built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Amytis. These gardens were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and were known for their impressive terraced gardens filled with a variety of plants and trees. The gardens were designed to resemble a mountain landscape and were built to provide a beautiful and peaceful retreat for the queen. Despite their grandeur, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon have not been conclusively located and some historians debate their existence.

Explanation
The given description matches the characteristics of the Palace at Persepolis. It was built on a stone platform and consisted of multi-columned buildings. The access to the platform was through a long double stairway.

Explanation
An apadana is a large hypostyle hall or audience hall. It is characterized by its size, usually around 109 square meters, and its tall columns, which are more than 19 meters in height. The given description matches the features of an apadana, making it the correct answer.

Explanation
The term "talar-i-takht" refers to the Hall of 100 Columns in Persepolis. This hall was a grand structure in the ancient city of Persepolis, located in present-day Iran. It was named after the 100 columns that adorned its interior, making it an impressive architectural feat. The hall was likely used for various ceremonial and administrative purposes during the time of the Achaemenid Empire.

Explanation
The word "khazaneh" is the Persian term for "treasury." Persepolis is an ancient city in Iran that was the capital of the Persian Empire. The royal treasury in Persepolis refers to the place where the wealth and treasures of the Persian kings were stored. Therefore, "khazaneh" is the correct answer as it accurately represents the royal treasury in Persepolis.

Explanation
The given answer "code of hammurabi" is the correct answer because it accurately identifies the subject being described in the statement. The statement mentions that there are 300 statutes written in Akkadian on 51 columns, which is a description that matches the Code of Hammurabi. The Code of Hammurabi is an ancient Babylonian legal code that consists of 282 laws written in Akkadian language on a stele with 51 columns. Therefore, the given answer correctly identifies the subject being described in the statement.

Explanation
The Behistun Inscription is a text etched into the stone of a mountain that describes the manner in which Darius became the king of Persia. It is an important historical artifact that provides valuable information about the rise of Darius and the Persian Empire. The inscription is written in multiple languages and scripts, including Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, making it a significant resource for scholars studying ancient languages and cultures.