World History Quiz: Ancient Societies And Cultures

2.

Why were the populations of early villages able to grow?

Large amounts of available land
Availability of jobs other than farming
Rise of civilizations
Food surpluses

Correct Answer

A. Food surpluses

Explanation

food surpluses allowed villages to feed growing populations, while earlier times would have seen starvation because of lack of food.

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3.

How were the first civilizations in the Americas different from those of Asia and Africa?

They were nomadic
They developed away from river valleys
They worshipped a single god
They built temples

Correct Answer

A. They developed away from river valleys

Explanation

One possible explanation for these civilizations building in the mountains instead of river valleys was that they thought their gods lived in the skies, and being in the mountains brought them closer to their gods.

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4.

What is the main feature that defines civilization?

Governments
Cities
Religions
Farming

Correct Answer

A. Cities

Explanation

While the other three are present in civilizations, they can also be present in nomadic cultures.

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5.

A ruler who conquers many cities and villages creates:

An empire
A civilization
A city-state
A culture

Correct Answer

A. An empire

Explanation

A ruler who conquers many cities and villages creates an empire. An empire refers to a large political unit or state that is usually composed of diverse territories and peoples under the control of a single ruler or government. The conquest of multiple cities and villages suggests the expansion of a ruler's power and influence over a vast area, which aligns with the concept of an empire.

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6.

The New Stone Age began when people learned to:

Use tools
Use fire
Make weapons
Farm

Correct Answer

A. Farm

Explanation

The New Stone Age began when people learned to farm. This marked a significant shift in human society as it allowed for the development of settled communities and the domestication of plants and animals. Farming provided a more reliable and abundant food source compared to hunting and gathering, leading to population growth and the emergence of complex civilizations. This agricultural revolution also led to advancements in technology, social organization, and the development of permanent settlements.

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7.

How did nomadic cultures differ from civilizations?

Nomads did not build cities
Nomads did not make jewelry
Nomads did not raise animals
Nomads did not have government

Correct Answer

A. Nomads did not build cities

Explanation

Nomadic cultures differed from civilizations in that they did not build cities. Unlike civilizations, which established permanent settlements with organized infrastructure, nomads constantly moved from one place to another in search of resources and grazing lands for their livestock. They relied on temporary shelters such as tents and had a more mobile lifestyle. This lack of permanent settlement and city-building set them apart from civilizations that developed complex urban centers.

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8.

Some scholars believe prehistoric people created cave paintings:

To communicate with each other
As a part of religious rituals
To decorate the cave where they lived
As a symbol of wealth and power

Correct Answer

A. As a part of religious rituals

Explanation

Prehistoric cave paintings were likely created as a part of religious rituals. These paintings often depict animals and hunting scenes, suggesting a connection to the spiritual beliefs and practices of the prehistoric people. The cave environment may have held a special significance for religious ceremonies, making it a suitable location for these artistic expressions. Additionally, the complexity and skill demonstrated in many cave paintings indicate a deeper purpose beyond mere decoration or communication.

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9.

The result of migration, warfare and trade:

Cultural diffusion
Destruction of civilization
The rise of cities
Turning from nomadic to settled life

Correct Answer

A. Cultural diffusion

Explanation

Migration, warfare, and trade all contribute to the exchange of ideas, beliefs, customs, and technologies between different cultures. This process is known as cultural diffusion. As people move, interact, and engage in conflicts or trade with each other, they bring their own cultural practices and adopt new ones from the societies they encounter. This leads to the spread and blending of various cultural elements, enriching the diversity and complexity of human civilizations. The answer, cultural diffusion, accurately reflects this outcome.

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10.

Iron was important in the ancient world primarily because:

It was a very scarce metal, so it was treasured
It could be used to make coins and jewelry
It could make sharper, stronger weapons and tools
It was much cheaper than bronze or copper

Correct Answer

A. It could make sharper, stronger weapons and tools

Explanation

Iron was important in the ancient world primarily because it could make sharper, stronger weapons and tools. Iron is a strong and durable metal that can be easily shaped into various weapons and tools. Compared to other metals like bronze or copper, iron was more readily available and cheaper to obtain. The ability to create sharper and stronger weapons and tools gave civilizations an advantage in warfare and everyday tasks, making iron a highly valued resource in the ancient world.

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11.

Which of the following is an example of an artifact?

A shard of pottery
A partial skeleton
An ancient rock layer
Fossilized remains

Correct Answer

A. A shard of pottery

Explanation

A shard of pottery is an example of an artifact because it is a man-made object that provides evidence of human activity in the past. Pottery is created by humans for various purposes such as cooking, storage, or decoration. The shard of pottery can provide valuable information about the culture, technology, and artistic practices of the people who made it. It is considered an artifact because it is a physical object that has been preserved and can be studied to gain insights into past civilizations.

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12.

What are archaeologists' primary resources in learning about early civilizations?

Material remains
Written records
Fossilized remains
Beliefs and values

Correct Answer

A. Material remains

Explanation

Archaeologists primarily rely on material remains to learn about early civilizations. Material remains refer to physical artifacts and structures left behind by ancient societies, such as tools, pottery, buildings, and artwork. These objects provide valuable insights into the daily lives, technologies, and cultural practices of past civilizations. While written records can also be important sources of information, they may not always be available or preserved. Fossilized remains, on the other hand, are typically associated with the study of paleontology rather than archaeology. Beliefs and values, while significant aspects of understanding a civilization, are often inferred from the analysis of material remains rather than directly studied.

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13.

The top social class of ancient societies was generally made up of:

Wealthy merchants
Farmers and artisans
Priests and nobles
All people were equal

Correct Answer

A. Priests and nobles

Explanation

In ancient societies, the top social class was typically composed of priests and nobles. These individuals held significant power and influence due to their religious and political roles. Priests were responsible for conducting religious ceremonies and rituals, while nobles held positions of authority and often had land and wealth. This social hierarchy meant that priests and nobles enjoyed privileges and a higher status compared to other members of society, such as wealthy merchants, farmers, and artisans.

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14.

Scribes were valuable to ancient societies because of their skills in:

Public works
Metalworking
Art and architecture
Reading and writing

Correct Answer

A. Reading and writing

Explanation

Scribes were valuable to ancient societies because of their skills in reading and writing. In ancient times, literacy was not common, and the ability to read and write was highly prized. Scribes were responsible for recording important information, such as laws, religious texts, and historical events. They also served as record keepers and administrators, helping to maintain order and organization in society. Their ability to read and write allowed them to communicate and pass on knowledge, making them indispensable members of ancient civilizations.

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World History Quiz: Ancient Societies And Cultures

Quiz Preview

Why were the populations of early villages able to grow?

How were the first civilizations in the Americas different from those of Asia and Africa?

What is the main feature that defines civilization?

A ruler who conquers many cities and villages creates:

The New Stone Age began when people learned to:

How did nomadic cultures differ from civilizations?

Some scholars believe prehistoric people created cave paintings:

The result of migration, warfare and trade:

Iron was important in the ancient world primarily because:

Which of the following is an example of an artifact?

What are archaeologists' primary resources in learning about early civilizations?

The top social class of ancient societies was generally made up of:

Scribes were valuable to ancient societies because of their skills in: