Holt Ancient Civilizations Chapter 3

The term "monarch" refers to the ruler of a kingdom or empire. In a monarchy, the monarch holds supreme power and authority over the government and its people. They are usually born into their position or inherit it through a royal lineage. Monarchs can have different titles such as king, queen, emperor, or empress, depending on the specific form of government and cultural context. They often have significant influence in making political decisions and shaping the direction of their nation.

Architecture is the correct answer because it is the science of building, which involves the design, planning, and construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, and monuments. The other terms mentioned in the question, such as ziggarat, polytheism, and cuneiform, are unrelated to the science of building. Ziggarat refers to a type of ancient Mesopotamian temple, polytheism is a belief in multiple gods, and cuneiform is a system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia.

In Sumerian society, religious ceremonies held significant importance, and those who performed these ceremonies held a high position in the social hierarchy. They were considered to have a direct connection with the gods and were responsible for maintaining the religious rituals and beliefs of the community. The priests were respected and revered for their role in ensuring the spiritual well-being of the society, which elevated their status above other social groups like scribes, peasants, and slaves.

The Sumerians hired professional writers called scribes to keep records. Scribes were highly skilled individuals who were trained in reading and writing. They were responsible for documenting various aspects of Sumerian society, including legal codes, administrative records, and religious texts. Their role was crucial in maintaining accurate and organized records, which were essential for the functioning of the Sumerian civilization.

Social hierarchy refers to the division of society by rank or class. It is a system where individuals or groups are placed in different positions based on their social status, power, or authority. This division can be seen in various aspects of society, including architecture, where different structures may be built to symbolize the status of certain classes or groups. It is also closely related to the concept of monarchy, as the monarch typically holds the highest position in the social hierarchy. Polytheism, on the other hand, refers to the belief in multiple gods and is not directly related to the division of society by rank or class.

A ziggurat is a pyramid-shaped temple that was built by the Sumerians. It was a significant architectural structure in ancient Mesopotamia. The Sumerians used cuneiform writing, which was one of the earliest forms of writing in the world. The alphabet, on the other hand, was not developed by the Sumerians but by other civilizations later on. Therefore, the correct answer is ziggurat, as it aligns with the description of a pyramid-shaped temple built by the Sumerians.

The correct answer is farmland was fertile and water was nearby. This explanation is supported by the fact that Mesopotamia was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provided a constant water supply for irrigation. The fertile soil in the region allowed for successful crop growth, making agriculture a thriving industry in Mesopotamia. The combination of fertile land and easy access to water contributed to the prosperous agricultural practices in the area.

An epic is a long poem that typically tells the story of one or more heroes. It often involves grand themes such as war, adventure, and heroism. Epics are known for their narrative structure and use of poetic devices. They often reflect the values and beliefs of a particular culture or society. Examples of famous epics include The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer.

Cuneiform is the correct answer because it was the writing system developed by the Sumerians, making it the world's first writing system. Cuneiform was composed of wedge-shaped marks impressed onto clay tablets using a stylus, and it was used for various purposes such as recording laws, literature, and administrative documents. This system played a significant role in the development of written communication and the preservation of historical records in ancient Mesopotamia.

Division of labor refers to an arrangement where each worker specializes in a specific task or job. This allows for greater efficiency and productivity as workers become highly skilled in their specialized area. By dividing tasks among workers, it enables them to focus on their strengths and perform their tasks more effectively. This concept is commonly seen in various industries and organizations, where different individuals or teams are assigned specific roles to contribute to the overall functioning and success of the organization.

Sargon built the world's first empire, which refers to a large and powerful state or group of territories under a single ruler. This implies that Sargon was able to conquer and unite different territories and peoples under his rule, establishing a centralized government and exerting control over a vast area. The term "empire" suggests a significant expansion of power and influence, indicating that Sargon's achievements went beyond the construction of a canal, the implementation of legal systems, or the development of irrigation techniques.

Floods on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers bring silt, a mixture of rich soil and tiny rocks, to the land. This silt deposits on the land during floods, making it fertile. The silt contains nutrients that enrich the soil, providing essential elements for plant growth. This process has been crucial for agriculture in ancient Mesopotamia, as the fertile land allowed for abundant crop production and supported the development of early civilizations in the region.

Hammurabi's Code was a set of many laws that were written down for all people to see. These laws were a comprehensive legal system that governed various aspects of life in ancient Babylon. They provided rules and regulations for social, economic, and criminal matters, ensuring justice and order in the society. The code was inscribed on a stele and displayed publicly, making it accessible to everyone and emphasizing the importance of following these laws.

Mesopotamia is the region between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River. The name "Mesopotamia" is derived from the Greek words "mesos" meaning "middle" and "potamos" meaning "river." Therefore, the correct answer is the Tigris River and the Euphrates River.

Polytheism refers to the belief in or worship of multiple gods. This is in contrast to monotheism, which is the belief in only one god. In societies that practice polytheism, there is often a pantheon of gods, each with their own specific attributes and responsibilities. This belief system was prevalent in many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The worship of many gods allowed for a diverse range of deities to be revered and appealed to for various needs and desires.

The purpose of the wall around a city was to protect its inhabitants from attack. Walls were built as a defensive measure to prevent enemy forces from easily entering the city and causing harm to the people living inside. These walls provided a physical barrier and made it more difficult for invaders to breach the city's defenses, ensuring the safety and security of the residents.

The abundance of food grown in the Fertile Crescent would have resulted in a surplus. This means that there would have been more food than what was needed for immediate consumption, allowing for the development of trade, specialization of labor, and the growth of complex societies. The surplus of food would have provided a stable food supply, leading to population growth and the ability to support non-agricultural activities such as art, architecture, and the development of social and political systems.

The given text suggests that the Sumerians valued education for their children. This is evident from the statement "After you have finished your assignment and reported to your monitor [teacher], come to me, and do not wander about in the street." The use of the word "assignment" implies that the Sumerians had a structured education system in place and expected their children to complete their assignments and report to their teacher. This indicates a value placed on education and the importance of completing assigned tasks.

Gilgamesh is the correct answer because he is indeed a legendary figure in Sumerian literature and the hero of a famous poem. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature and tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king who goes on a quest for immortality. This epic poem explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the search for meaning in life. Gilgamesh is an important figure in ancient Mesopotamian mythology and his story has had a lasting impact on literature and storytelling.

The correct answer suggests that a steady food supply is essential for the development of a complex society. This implies that when people have access to enough food, they can focus on other aspects of society such as building cities, creating inventions, and establishing social structures. It highlights the importance of agriculture and the ability to produce surplus food, which allows for specialization and the growth of civilization.

The Sumerians contributed the idea of using the number 60 as a measure for time. This concept is known as the sexagesimal system and it is still widely used today, particularly in measuring angles and time. The Sumerians divided the day into 24 hours, each hour into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. This base-60 system allowed for easier calculations and was a significant development in the history of mathematics.

City-states fought each other for farmland because they wanted to have enough farmland to grow food. This suggests that the city-states recognized the importance of agricultural resources for sustaining their populations and ensuring their survival. By acquiring more farmland, they could increase their food production and reduce the risk of famine or scarcity. This inference aligns with the fundamental need for food security and the competitive nature of city-states in acquiring and controlling valuable resources.

Ziggurats were tall primarily to honor the gods. These ancient Mesopotamian structures were considered sacred and served as religious temples. The height of the ziggurats symbolized their connection to the heavens and their role as a meeting place between the gods and humans. By constructing them at great heights, the ancient Mesopotamians demonstrated their reverence and devotion to the deities they worshipped.

The Phoenicians grew more powerful due to trade rather than from winning battles. They were renowned for their maritime skills and established a vast trading network across the Mediterranean. They were skilled merchants and navigators, known for their purple dye, glasswork, and cedar wood. Through their extensive trade routes, they accumulated wealth and influence, which contributed to their power and dominance in the ancient world.

Phoenicia was well-known for its abundant supply of cedar wood. This valuable resource played a significant role in their economy and trade. The Phoenicians were skilled shipbuilders and used cedar wood to construct their ships, which enabled them to establish a powerful maritime empire. Additionally, cedar wood was highly sought after for its durability and resistance to rot, making it ideal for construction and the production of luxury goods. This natural resource gave Phoenicia a competitive advantage and contributed to their prosperity and influence in the ancient world.

The Sumerian social hierarchy was shaped like a triangle because a very small number of people were rulers, similar to the top of a triangle. This implies that the rulers occupied the highest position in the social structure, just as the top of a triangle is the highest point. The comparison between the small number of rulers and the top of a triangle suggests that power and authority were concentrated at the upper levels of society, while the majority of the population, represented by the bottom of the triangle, consisted of priests and laborers.

The Phoenician alphabet spread along their trade routes because as the Phoenicians engaged in trade with different cultures and regions, they would have introduced their writing system to those they traded with. This allowed the alphabet to be disseminated and adopted by other societies, contributing to its spread.

The Phoenicians used the sea for trade because they were surrounded by mountains to the east and north. These mountains made it difficult for them to travel and trade by land, so they turned to the sea as a more accessible and efficient means of transportation.

Akkad became the most powerful city-state out of the given options. This can be attributed to the reign of Sargon the Great, who established the Akkadian Empire around 2334 BCE. Under Sargon's rule, Akkad expanded its territory, conquered neighboring city-states, and established a centralized government. This led to Akkad becoming a dominant force in the region, both politically and militarily. The Akkadian Empire lasted for around 150 years and left a significant impact on Mesopotamian history.

The Mesopotamians built canals to control the river's flow. This allowed them to regulate the water levels and prevent flooding, ensuring a consistent water supply for irrigation and agriculture. By controlling the flow of the river, they could also manage the distribution of water and control the surplus, ensuring the stability and productivity of their civilization.

Carthage was a colony, as it was originally founded as a Phoenician colony in North Africa. It eventually grew into a powerful city-state and later an empire, but its origins as a colony highlight its status as a political unit established by a foreign power in a new territory.