Was Ancient Sumer A Civilization?

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| By Jdarauz
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Was Ancient Sumer A Civilization? - Quiz

The answer is yes! Sumer was an urban civilisation in the historical region of southern Mesopotamia during the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze ages. What else can you tell us about the Sumerians? Let’s find out!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which statement shows how Sumerian religion and government were connected?

    • A.

      Sumerians believed that merchants sold goods for the king.

    • B.

      Sumerians believed that the king got his powers from the gods.

    • C.

      Sumerians recorded their prayers on clay tablets

    • D.

      Sumerians recorded the movements of the planets.

    Correct Answer
    B. Sumerians believed that the king got his powers from the gods.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that Sumerians believed that the king got his powers from the gods. This statement suggests that there was a strong connection between Sumerian religion and government. The belief that the king derived his powers from the gods implies that the religious beliefs and practices of the Sumerians influenced the political structure and authority of their government. It indicates that the Sumerian rulers were seen as divinely ordained and held a religious significance in addition to their political power.

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  • 2. 

    What does the Standard of Ur represents?

    • A.

      The characteristics of a civilization

    • B.

      The power of the gods

    • C.

      Advances in technology

    • D.

      War and peace

    Correct Answer
    D. War and peace
    Explanation
    The Standard of Ur is an ancient artifact from Mesopotamia that depicts scenes of war and peace. It is believed to have been a ceremonial object or a military standard used in battles. The artwork on the Standard of Ur showcases the military prowess and victories of the Mesopotamian civilization, as well as scenes of peace and prosperity. Therefore, the Standard of Ur represents the themes of war and peace in ancient Mesopotamia.

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  • 3. 

    "I live in a two story house near the center of the city. I like to throw parties where my guests eat from gold plates and drink from gold cups."  I am a Sumerian ____________________.

    • A.

      Farmer

    • B.

      Government official

    • C.

      Craftsperson

    • D.

      Merchant

    Correct Answer
    B. Government official
    Explanation
    Based on the information provided, the person states that they live in a two-story house near the center of the city and they like to throw parties where their guests eat from gold plates and drink from gold cups. This suggests that they have a high social status and wealth. A government official would be more likely to have this lifestyle compared to a farmer, craftsperson, or merchant.

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  • 4. 

    Whose duty was it to do these jobs: build temples, lead the army and enforce the laws?

    • A.

      The king's

    • B.

      The priests'

    • C.

      The scribes'

    • D.

      The governors

    Correct Answer
    A. The king's
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the king's. In ancient civilizations, such as in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, it was the responsibility of the king to oversee the construction of temples, lead the army in times of war, and enforce the laws of the land. The king held a position of authority and power, and these duties were integral to their role as a ruler. The priests, scribes, and governors may have had important roles in society, but these specific tasks fell under the jurisdiction of the king.

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  • 5. 

    The Sumerians invented something that made it possible for their armies to use chariots. What was it?

    • A.

      A harness

    • B.

      Swords

    • C.

      Wheels

    • D.

      Horseshoes

    Correct Answer
    C. Wheels
    Explanation
    The correct answer is wheels. The invention of wheels by the Sumerians allowed their armies to use chariots effectively. Chariots were mounted on two wheels, which provided stability and mobility on the battlefield. The wheels enabled the chariots to move swiftly, making them a formidable force in warfare. Without the invention of wheels, the Sumerian armies would not have been able to utilize chariots as a strategic military asset.

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  • 6. 

    What are two inventions that helped Sumer become a civilization?

    • A.

      The tire and the pencil

    • B.

      The irrigation systems and the wheel

    • C.

      Weapons of mass destruction

    • D.

      The standards and the levees

    Correct Answer
    B. The irrigation systems and the wheel
    Explanation
    The two inventions that helped Sumer become a civilization were the irrigation systems and the wheel. The irrigation systems allowed them to control and distribute water for farming, which led to a surplus of food and the ability to support a larger population. The wheel revolutionized transportation and trade, making it easier to move goods and people over long distances. These inventions played a crucial role in the development and growth of Sumer as a civilization.

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  • 7. 

    The scribes were very important in Sumer. Why?

    • A.

      They helped the city keep tracks of its records.

    • B.

      They were in charge of cleaning the levee and the canals.

    • C.

      They helped the city keep tracks of the food supply.

    • D.

      They were in charge of cleaning the palace and the temples.

    Correct Answer
    A. They helped the city keep tracks of its records.
    Explanation
    The scribes were very important in Sumer because they helped the city keep track of its records. This implies that they were responsible for maintaining and organizing important documents and information, ensuring that the city's records were accurate and accessible when needed. By performing this crucial task, the scribes played a vital role in the administration and governance of the city, facilitating efficient decision-making and ensuring the smooth functioning of various aspects of Sumerian society.

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  • 8. 

    Ancient Sumerians invented the irrigation systems and plows. What did these two inventions help provide?

    • A.

      A system of government

    • B.

      A partner with whom to trade

    • C.

      A steady supply of food

    • D.

      An honor for the gods

    Correct Answer
    C. A steady supply of food
    Explanation
    The inventions of irrigation systems and plows by the Ancient Sumerians helped provide a steady supply of food. Irrigation systems allowed for controlled water distribution, ensuring crops received enough water for growth. Plows made it easier to cultivate the land, increasing agricultural productivity. These inventions were crucial for sustaining a reliable food source, which was essential for the survival and development of the Sumerian civilization.

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  • 9. 

    What is a Ziggurat?

    • A.

      They were massive levees built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley.

    • B.

      They were massive irrigations systems built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley.

    • C.

      They were massive monuments built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley.

    • D.

      They were very small, tiny monuments built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley.

    Correct Answer
    C. They were massive monuments built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley.
    Explanation
    A ziggurat is a massive monument built in the ancient Mesopotamian valley. These structures were typically made of mud bricks and had a stepped or terraced design. Ziggurats were religious or administrative centers and were often associated with temples or shrines. They were important architectural and cultural symbols in ancient Mesopotamia, representing the connection between heaven and earth.

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  • 10. 

    Sumerians were the first ones to  ________________________________.

    • A.

      Have gods

    • B.

      Write their laws

    • C.

      To have slaves

    • D.

      To have merchants

    Correct Answer
    B. Write their laws
    Explanation
    The Sumerians were the first civilization to write their laws. This is significant because it demonstrates their advanced level of organization and governance. By having written laws, they were able to establish a system of rules and regulations that governed their society. This allowed for consistency and clarity in legal matters, ensuring that everyone understood the expectations and consequences. The development of written laws also laid the foundation for future legal systems and influenced the development of other civilizations.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 10, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 07, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Jdarauz
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