Ancient History Of Mesopotamia Sumerian City-states! Trivia Facts Quiz
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following are true of cities in ancient Sumer?
- A.
Cities offered people more opportunities than life in the country.
- B.
Cities were the centers of trade, learning, and religion.
- C.
Cities were safer than life in the country.
- D.
Cities were built near farms.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cities offered people more opportunities than life in the country.
B. Cities were the centers of trade, learning, and religion.Explanation
In ancient Sumer, cities offered people more opportunities than life in the country. This is because cities were the centers of trade, learning, and religion. These urban areas provided individuals with access to various economic activities, educational institutions, and religious centers, allowing them to have more opportunities for social, economic, and intellectual growth compared to those living in rural areas. Additionally, cities were often built near farms to ensure a stable food supply for the urban population.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why is Sumer referred to as the world’s first urban culture?
- A.
With a Sumerian population of over half a million people, 4 out of every 5 people lived in cities.
- B.
Sumer was the first place to have organized government.
- C.
Sumer was the first place to be ruled by priests.
- D.
In Sumer, everyone got paid for their labor.
Correct Answer
A. With a Sumerian population of over half a million people, 4 out of every 5 people lived in cities.Explanation
Sumer is referred to as the world's first urban culture because it had a large population living in cities. With over half a million people, 4 out of every 5 individuals in Sumer lived in urban areas. This indicates a high level of urbanization and suggests that Sumer was one of the earliest civilizations to have a concentrated urban population.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the most important building in a Sumerian city?
- A.
City-hall
- B.
Ziggurat
- C.
Hospital
- D.
Jail
Correct Answer
B. ZigguratExplanation
The most important building in a Sumerian city was the Ziggurat. Ziggurats were massive stepped towers made of mud-brick that served as religious temples. They were considered the center of the city and were dedicated to the patron deity of the city. Ziggurats were not only religious structures but also administrative and economic centers, where important rituals and ceremonies took place. They symbolized the connection between heaven and earth and were a prominent feature of Sumerian architecture and culture.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A city-state is a city AND its surrounding farmland and villages.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A city-state refers to a city and the surrounding farmland and villages that it governs. This means that a city-state is not just limited to the city itself, but also includes the agricultural and residential areas that are under its control. Therefore, the statement that a city-state is a city and its surrounding farmland and villages is true.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is a ziggurat?
- A.
A temple.
- B.
A signpost that marked the center of a Sumerian city.
- C.
A government office tower.
- D.
A trading center or marketplace.
Correct Answer
A. A temple.Explanation
A ziggurat is a type of ancient temple that was built by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia. It was a massive stepped structure with a flat top, resembling a pyramid. These temples were considered sacred and were dedicated to the worship of gods and goddesses. They were often located in the center of the city and served as a religious and administrative center. The ziggurats were believed to be a connection between heaven and earth, and were used for various religious rituals and ceremonies.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The first leaders in Sumerian city-states were priests
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In Sumerian city-states, the first leaders were priests. This is because religion played a central role in Sumerian society, and the priests were considered to have a direct connection with the gods. They were responsible for performing religious rituals, interpreting omens, and advising the people on matters of governance. The priests held significant power and influence, and their leadership was based on their religious authority. Therefore, the statement "The first leaders in Sumerian city-states were priests" is true.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Priests were very powerful in Sumerian cities.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In Sumerian cities, priests held a significant amount of power. They were considered to be the intermediaries between the gods and the people, and their role was crucial in religious rituals and ceremonies. They had control over the temples, which were the centers of religious and social activities. Additionally, priests were also involved in the administration of the cities and had influence over political decisions. Therefore, it can be concluded that priests were indeed very powerful in Sumerian cities.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who served as the link between the Sumerians and the goods.
- A.
Priests
- B.
Farmers
- C.
War chiefs
- D.
Political leaders.
Correct Answer
A. PriestsExplanation
Priests served as the link between the Sumerians and the goods. In ancient Sumerian society, priests held significant religious and social power. They were responsible for performing religious rituals and ceremonies, including offerings and sacrifices. As part of their role, priests also managed the distribution of goods and resources. They oversaw the temples and controlled the storage and allocation of food, livestock, and other valuable items. Therefore, priests acted as intermediaries between the Sumerian people and the goods, ensuring their proper distribution and use.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which best describes the Sumerians relationship to their gods?
- A.
Sumerians thought of their gods as rich landowners who created humans to work for them.
- B.
Sumerians thought of their gods as parents taking care of their children.
- C.
Sumerians thought of their gods as parents who punished their children.
- D.
Sumerians thought of their gods as "eternal humans," with all of the same traits of humans.
Correct Answer
A. Sumerians thought of their gods as rich landowners who created humans to work for them.Explanation
The Sumerians believed that their gods were like wealthy landowners who created humans to serve and work for them. This suggests that the Sumerians saw themselves as subservient to their gods and believed that their purpose was to fulfill the needs and desires of the gods. This belief reflects the hierarchical nature of the Sumerian society, where the gods were seen as powerful figures who controlled and owned everything, including the labor of humans.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why are the Royal Tombs of Ur important?
- A.
They tell us a lot about daily life in ancient Sumer.
- B.
It is history’s earliest graveyard.
- C.
They were discovered by Leonard Wooley.
- D.
It is the burial place of Sumer’s first king.
Correct Answer
A. They tell us a lot about daily life in ancient Sumer.Explanation
The Royal Tombs of Ur are important because they provide valuable insights into daily life in ancient Sumer. By studying the artifacts and remains found in these tombs, archaeologists have been able to learn about the culture, customs, and social structure of the Sumerian civilization. This includes information about their beliefs, economy, craftsmanship, and even their burial practices. The tombs offer a unique window into the past and help us understand the lives of the people who lived in ancient Sumer.Rate this question:
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- 11.
How were bodies in the Royal Tombs of Ur identified?
- A.
From their tombstones.
- B.
Each was wearing a name tag.
- C.
From their telephone number.
- D.
From cylinder seals found nearby.
Correct Answer
D. From cylinder seals found nearby.Explanation
The bodies in the Royal Tombs of Ur were identified from cylinder seals found nearby. Cylinder seals were small, cylindrical objects carved with intricate designs and often used as a form of identification or signature in ancient Mesopotamia. These seals were typically rolled onto clay tablets or other surfaces to leave an impression, and they were often buried with important individuals to signify their identity and status. Therefore, the presence of cylinder seals near the bodies allowed archaeologists to identify the individuals buried in the tombs.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who is Leonard Wooley?
- A.
The archaeologist who discovered the Royal Tombs of Ur.
- B.
The artist who created the Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Grommet movies.
- C.
The first recognized sheep herder in history.
- D.
The British explorer who discovered Mesopotamia.
Correct Answer
A. The archaeologist who discovered the Royal Tombs of Ur.Explanation
Leonard Wooley is known as the archaeologist who discovered the Royal Tombs of Ur. This means that he was the individual responsible for uncovering and exploring these ancient burial sites. The Royal Tombs of Ur are significant as they provided valuable insights into the Sumerian civilization and its burial practices. Wooley's discovery and subsequent excavations at Ur have contributed greatly to our understanding of ancient Mesopotamia and its culture.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In addition to religious tasks, what other responsibilities did Sumerian priests have?
- A.
They controlled irrigation.
- B.
They collected taxes.
- C.
They were in charge of food storage.
- D.
They commanded the army.
Correct Answer(s)
A. They controlled irrigation.
B. They collected taxes.
C. They were in charge of food storage.Explanation
Sumerian priests had additional responsibilities besides religious tasks. They controlled irrigation, which implies that they were responsible for managing and maintaining the water supply for agriculture. They also collected taxes, indicating that they played a role in the financial administration of the society. Additionally, they were in charge of food storage, suggesting that they oversaw the management and distribution of food resources. However, there is no mention of them commanding the army in the given options.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which best describe Sumerian religious practices?
- A.
Polytheistic.
- B.
Monotheistic.
- C.
Atheistic.
- D.
Agnostic.
Correct Answer
A. Polytheistic.Explanation
The Sumerians were known for their polytheistic religious beliefs, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. They believed that each deity had control over different aspects of life, such as fertility, agriculture, and war. They constructed temples and performed rituals to honor and appease these gods, seeking their favor and protection. The Sumerians also believed in a complex hierarchy of divine beings, with the chief god Enlil being the most powerful. Therefore, the term "Polytheistic" accurately describes Sumerian religious practices.Rate this question:
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