History Midterm - River Valley Civilizations

1.

What geographic conditions fostered the first cities?
- A.
  
  Mountains
- B.
  
  Flat plains
- C.
  
  Rivers/river valleys
- D.
  
  Trees/forests
Correct Answer
C. Rivers/river valleys

Explanation
Rivers and river valleys fostered the first cities because they provided a reliable source of water for agriculture, transportation, and trade. The fertile soil along riverbanks allowed for the cultivation of crops, leading to surplus food production and the development of settled communities. Rivers also served as natural transportation routes, facilitating trade and communication between different groups of people. Additionally, the presence of rivers attracted a variety of wildlife, making them ideal locations for hunting and gathering. Overall, the availability of water and the resources provided by rivers and river valleys were crucial in the development of early urban civilizations.

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2.

We studied the Indus and Egypt river valley civilizations. What were the other 2? (in alphabetical order seperated with a comma)

Correct Answer
China, Mesopotamia

Explanation
The other two river valley civilizations that were studied along with the Indus and Egypt were China and Mesopotamia. These civilizations were also known for their advanced agricultural practices, urban development, and complex social structures. China's civilization emerged along the Yellow River and is famous for its contributions to art, philosophy, and technology. Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is often referred to as the cradle of civilization and is known for its invention of writing, the development of the first cities, and the establishment of early empires.

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3.

Mesopotamia's rivers: _______________________

Correct Answer
Tigris and Euphrates

Explanation
Mesopotamia's rivers are the Tigris and Euphrates. These two rivers were crucial to the development of the Mesopotamian civilization. The rivers provided a reliable source of water for agriculture, allowing the people to cultivate crops and establish permanent settlements. The fertile soil along the riverbanks supported the growth of crops, which in turn sustained the population. Additionally, the rivers served as important transportation routes for trade and communication. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers played a significant role in shaping the culture, economy, and daily life of the Mesopotamian people.

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4.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flowed into the....
- A.
  
  Meditteranean Sea
- B.
  
  Persian Gulf
- C.
  
  Bosporus Strait
- D.
  
  Aegean Sea
Correct Answer
B. Persian Gulf

Explanation
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flowed into the Persian Gulf. The Persian Gulf is a body of water located in the Middle East, between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are two of the most important rivers in the region and have played a significant role in the development of ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia. They both originate in the mountains of Turkey and flow through modern-day Iraq before emptying into the Persian Gulf. The Persian Gulf serves as the outlet for these rivers, carrying their waters into the sea.

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5.

The people of Mesopotamia faced all of the following problems EXCEPT for.....
- A.
  
  Weather: irregular floods and hot sun
- B.
  
  No natural barriers
- C.
  
  Too many trees (lack of farmland)
- D.
  
  No raw materials
Correct Answer
C. Too many trees (lack of farmland)

Explanation
The people of Mesopotamia faced various challenges, including irregular floods and a hot sun, the absence of natural barriers, and a lack of raw materials. However, they did not face the problem of having too many trees, which would have hindered their ability to cultivate farmland.

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6.

Mesopotamia was divided into:
- A.
  
  Provinces
- B.
  
  City-states
- C.
  
  Counties
- D.
  
  It was undivided
Correct Answer
B. City-states

Explanation
Mesopotamia was divided into city-states. City-states were independent political entities that consisted of a city and its surrounding territory. Each city-state had its own government, laws, and ruler. They were autonomous and often engaged in conflicts and alliances with neighboring city-states. This division into city-states allowed for a decentralized political system in Mesopotamia, where power was not concentrated in a central authority but rather distributed among several independent entities.

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7.

Wrote the first code of written laws
- A.
  
  Hammurabi
- B.
  
  Ploysthenes
- C.
  
  Thisthones III
- D.
  
  Thistones II
Correct Answer
A. Hammurabi

Explanation
Hammurabi is the correct answer because he is known for creating the first written code of laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi. This code was established during his reign as the king of Babylon in ancient Mesopotamia around 1754 BC. The Code of Hammurabi consisted of 282 laws that covered various aspects of daily life, including commerce, property, family, and criminal justice. It was significant because it provided a set of rules and punishments that applied to all members of society, ensuring fairness and order.

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8.

Hammurabi's code discriminated against:
- A.
  
  Minorities
- B.
  
  Children
- C.
  
  Lower social classes
- D.
  
  It was an equal code
Correct Answer
C. Lower social classes

Explanation
Hammurabi's code discriminated against lower social classes. This can be inferred from the historical context of ancient Mesopotamia, where Hammurabi ruled as king. The code was a set of laws that aimed to maintain social order and protect the interests of the ruling elite. It imposed harsher punishments and stricter regulations on those belonging to lower social classes, while providing more lenient treatment for the upper class. This discriminatory treatment is evident in various provisions of the code, which reflected the hierarchical structure of the society at that time.

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9.

Which civilization suffered of the monsoons?
- A.
  
  Indus River
- B.
  
  Egypt
- C.
  
  China
- D.
  
  Mesopotamia
Correct Answer
A. Indus River

Explanation
The Indus River civilization suffered from the monsoons. The monsoon season in this region brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to floods and other natural disasters. The Indus River civilization relied heavily on agriculture, and the monsoons played a crucial role in providing water for their crops. However, excessive rainfall during the monsoon season could also lead to destructive floods, causing damage to their settlements and infrastructure. Therefore, the monsoons had both positive and negative impacts on the Indus River civilization.

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10.

Sargon of Akkad was the first _______ builder

Correct Answer
empire

Explanation
Sargon of Akkad is historically recognized as the first empire builder. He was the ruler of the Akkadian Empire, which was the first known empire in human history. Sargon successfully conquered many city-states and united them under his rule, creating a centralized and powerful empire. This marked a significant shift from smaller, independent city-states to a larger political entity, thus earning Sargon the title of the first empire builder.

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11.

(Type in the box below seperated by commas) Writing system of Sumer: Writing system of Egypt: Name of Chinese writing:

Correct Answer
cuneiform, hieroglyphics, calligraphy

Explanation
Cuneiform was the writing system used by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia. It consisted of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. Hieroglyphics, on the other hand, were the writing system used by the ancient Egyptians. They consisted of pictorial symbols that represented words or sounds. Calligraphy refers to the name of the Chinese writing system, which is known for its decorative and artistic style of writing using a brush or pen.

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12.

The Great Wall of China's function
- A.
  
  Decoration
- B.
  
  Defense
- C.
  
  Road
Correct Answer
B. Defense

Explanation
The Great Wall of China's main function was defense. It was built to protect China from invasions and attacks from various nomadic tribes and armies. The wall served as a physical barrier, making it difficult for enemies to penetrate and providing a strategic advantage for the defenders. It also had watchtowers and signal towers along its length, allowing for effective surveillance and communication. Additionally, the wall acted as a psychological deterrent, showcasing the military strength and determination of the Chinese empire.

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13.

1st emperor of China was ____ Huangdi

Correct Answer
Shi

Explanation
The correct answer is "Shi" because "Huangdi" is the title given to the first emperor of China. "Shi" is the name of the first emperor, also known as Qin Shi Huangdi, who unified China and established the Qin Dynasty.

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History Midterm - River Valley Civilizations

What geographic conditions fostered the first cities?

We studied the Indus and Egypt river valley civilizations. What were the other 2? (in alphabetical order seperated with a comma)

Mesopotamia's rivers: _______________________

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flowed into the....

The people of Mesopotamia faced all of the following problems EXCEPT for.....

Mesopotamia was divided into:

Wrote the first code of written laws

Hammurabi's code discriminated against:

Which civilization suffered of the monsoons?

Sargon of Akkad was the first _______ builder

(Type in the box below seperated by commas) Writing system of Sumer: Writing system of Egypt: Name of Chinese writing:

The Great Wall of China's function

1st emperor of China was ____ Huangdi