The Ultimate Pre-history Knowledge Quiz!

The Torah is considered the most sacred writing of the Jewish religion because it is believed to be the word of God as revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. It consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Torah contains the foundational laws, teachings, and history of the Jewish people, and it serves as a guide for Jewish religious practice and ethical behavior. It is read and studied extensively in synagogues and is considered the central text of Judaism.

Moses did not cast the gods out of the Kah'bah. The other options are true: he led the Hebrews out of Egypt, was adopted by a princess, and received the Ten Commandments. However, there is no mention or record of Moses casting the gods out of the Kah'bah.

The development of government was necessary in early cities to maintain order among the soaring population. As cities grew in size, the need for a system of governance became apparent to regulate various aspects of daily life. Without a governing body, it would have been difficult to manage the increasing population and prevent chaos or conflict. Therefore, the establishment of a government helped ensure that laws were enforced, disputes were resolved, and the overall stability of the city was maintained.

A covenant, in the Hebrew tradition, refers to a mutual promise between God and humanity. It is an agreement or contract that establishes a relationship between God and His people, outlining their responsibilities and obligations to each other. This covenant is considered sacred and binding, symbolizing the commitment and trust between God and His chosen people. It is not submission to the will of God, a sacred book, or the five pillars of Islam, as these options belong to different religious traditions.

The statement "greed" is not true about King Solomon. King Solomon is known for his wisdom, his trading empire, and the construction of a great temple. Greed implies an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, which is not a characteristic associated with King Solomon.

The Egyptian farmers were more fortunate than the farmers of Mesopotamia because the Nile flooded at regular intervals. This regular flooding provided the Egyptian farmers with a consistent water supply and fertile soil, which was ideal for agriculture. In contrast, although the Tigris river flooded yearly in Mesopotamia, the flooding was unpredictable and often destructive. The fertile soil around the Euphrates river also benefited the Mesopotamian farmers, but the regularity of the Nile's flooding gave the Egyptian farmers an advantage in planning and managing their crops.

Athens and Sparta both shared the characteristic of being city-states. This means that they were independent political entities with their own governments, laws, and territories, functioning as separate cities. Despite their differences in government and society, both Athens and Sparta were autonomous city-states in ancient Greece.

The correct answer is "cuniform". Cuniform is a system of writing that was developed in ancient Mesopotamia, which was one of the earliest civilizations to adopt agriculture. The development of cuniform was a result of the settled life in agricultural villages, as it allowed for record-keeping and communication. Therefore, the safer and more settled life of agricultural villages did result in specialization, cultural life, and domestication, but not in the development of cuniform.

Buddhism spread across Asia primarily through trade. As merchants traveled along the Silk Road and other trade routes, they carried Buddhist teachings and ideas with them, introducing them to new regions and cultures. The exchange of goods and ideas facilitated the spread of Buddhism, as people became exposed to the teachings and practices of the religion. Through trade, Buddhism gradually gained followers and established itself in various parts of Asia, eventually becoming one of the major religions in the region.

It was important that Alexander the Great was a student of Aristotle because Aristotle taught him all the traditions of the Greek world. This knowledge would have been crucial for Alexander's understanding of Greek culture, history, and philosophy, which would have greatly influenced his leadership and decision-making as he went on to conquer and rule vast territories. Additionally, Aristotle's teachings would have provided Alexander with a well-rounded education, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his future endeavors as a military strategist and statesman.

The correct answer is mountains. Mountains played a significant role in separating different regions within Greece. The rugged terrain created natural barriers, making it difficult for people to travel and communicate between regions. This geographical isolation led to the development of distinct regional identities and cultures within Greece. The mountains also affected trade and economic activities, as transportation and movement of goods were hindered by the challenging terrain. Thus, the presence of mountains had a profound impact on the division and diversity of regions within Greece.

The correct answer is Athens and Sparta. The Peloponnesian War was fought between these two city-states in ancient Greece from 431 to 404 BCE. Athens was known for its naval power and democratic government, while Sparta was known for its strong military and oligarchic government. The war was a result of rising tensions and power struggles between the two city-states, ultimately leading to Sparta's victory and the decline of Athenian power.

During the Hellenistic period, Alexandria, Egypt was important because it served as a center of commerce and Hellenistic culture. The city's strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea made it a hub for trade and economic activity. Additionally, Alexandria was a melting pot of different cultures and ideas, resulting in the flourishing of Hellenistic culture, which blended Greek, Egyptian, and other Eastern influences. The city became renowned for its libraries, scholars, and intellectual pursuits, making it a significant center for art, learning, and innovation.

The Phoenicians contributed to written communication through the use of phonetic symbols. Phonetic symbols are characters that represent specific sounds or phonemes, allowing people to read and understand a language even if they cannot speak it. This innovation in writing made it possible for different cultures and languages to communicate and exchange information more easily. The Phoenicians did not have the first written language, as there were other writing systems in use before them. They also did not create Cuneiform, which was developed by the Sumerians.

The term "prehistoric" refers to a time in the past before the invention of writing. This means it pertains to a period in history where there are no written records or documentation available. It is a term used to describe the time before humans developed the ability to record and document their activities and events in written form.

Historical narratives and epic poetry are examples of record keeping in a civilization. These forms of literature document the events, stories, and cultural values of a society, providing valuable insights into the history and traditions of that civilization. Through these narratives, important information is preserved and passed down from generation to generation, allowing future generations to learn from and understand their past. Record keeping is crucial for the preservation and transmission of knowledge, making it an essential characteristic of any civilization.

Cyrus was famous for his tolerance to diversity. This means that he was known for accepting and respecting people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. He promoted inclusivity and allowed different groups to practice their own customs and traditions. This aspect of Cyrus's character made him an influential and respected leader during his time.

The answer is "documents were found concerning the Indus Valley and Sumer." This is because the presence of documents concerning the Indus Valley and Sumer would actually support the idea that the people of the Indus Valley traded with the Sumerians. The other two options, the presence of Indus seals in Sumer and the finding of Sumerian items in the Indus Valley, provide direct evidence of trade between the two civilizations.

The geography of the region is the most plausible explanation for why ancient Greece did not unite under one government. Greece is made up of numerous mountains and islands, which created natural barriers and made communication and transportation difficult. As a result, the various city-states in Greece developed independently and often had different interests and alliances, making it challenging to establish a centralized government.

During the Neolithic age, humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities. They domesticated animals for agriculture and transportation purposes, used fire for cooking and warmth, and developed irrigation systems to control water supply for their crops. However, metal was not used during this time period as it was only introduced during the subsequent Bronze Age.

The reason we know so little about the Indus Valley Civilization is because its written language has not yet been deciphered. Without being able to understand the written records left behind by the civilization, it is difficult to gain a comprehensive understanding of their culture, society, and history. The lack of deciphered written language hinders our ability to interpret their literature, laws, religious texts, and other important aspects of their civilization. As a result, our knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilization remains limited.

Hinduism and Buddhism share several common beliefs and concepts. Karma is the belief that one's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives. Enlightenment refers to the ultimate goal of both religions, which is achieving a state of spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Reincarnation is the belief in the cycle of rebirth, where individuals are born into new bodies after death. Nirvana is the state of ultimate bliss and liberation from suffering that is sought after in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Phoenicians were known to be the most able seafarers of the early Mediterranean. They were skilled navigators and traders, establishing colonies and trading networks throughout the Mediterranean region. They developed advanced shipbuilding techniques, including the use of sails and navigation tools such as the astrolabe. Their expertise in sailing and navigation allowed them to explore and trade in distant lands, contributing to their reputation as the most capable seafarers of their time.

The advantage of the Chinese system of writing was that people all over China could read it. This suggests that the writing system was widely understood and accessible to the population of China, enabling effective communication and dissemination of information throughout the country.

The Chaldeans were known for their expertise in two main areas: night watching and astronomy. They were skilled in observing the night sky and interpreting celestial events, which made them renowned astronomers of their time. Additionally, they were also proficient in the use of phonetic alphabet, although this is not mentioned as a significant aspect of their legacy. Therefore, the correct answer is nightwatcher, astronomer.

The correct answer is that Caesar and Pompey clashed and went to war. This is the most accurate statement based on historical events. The triumvirate of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey ruled Rome for ten years before their alliance broke down and Caesar and Pompey became rivals. They engaged in a civil war known as the Roman Civil War, which lasted from 49 to 45 BCE. Pompey was eventually defeated by Caesar's forces and fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated.

Both Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies allowed women to pursue careers and own property. This indicates that both civilizations recognized women's rights and provided them with opportunities for economic independence and social mobility. This shared characteristic suggests a certain level of gender equality in these ancient societies, distinguishing them from many other contemporary civilizations.

Confucius believed that society should be focused around relationships. He emphasized the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships between individuals, such as between family members, friends, and rulers and their subjects. Confucius believed that by cultivating these relationships and adhering to proper social etiquette, society would be able to achieve stability and peace. He believed that a well-ordered society could be built upon the foundation of strong and virtuous relationships, which would ultimately lead to the betterment of individuals and society as a whole.

Daoism and the concept of Yin and Yang focus on the idea of natural order. Daoism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and following the natural flow of life. Yin and Yang, on the other hand, represent the complementary and interconnected forces that exist in the universe, symbolizing balance and harmony. Together, these concepts highlight the significance of embracing the natural order of things and finding balance in all aspects of life.

The Hellenistic culture was a blend of various cultures that were influenced by the conquests of Alexander the Great. It incorporated elements from Indian, Egyptian, and Persian cultures, but the Greek culture did not need to be "made up" as it was the dominant culture in the Hellenistic period. Therefore, the Greek culture is not included in the list of cultures that made up the Hellenistic culture.