World History Chapter 1 Section 2 Quiz

Explanation
The Euphrates and Tigris rivers run through Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia, which means "land between rivers" in Greek, was an ancient region located in present-day Iraq and Syria. The Euphrates and Tigris rivers were vital to the development of civilization in this area, providing water for irrigation and transportation. These rivers played a significant role in the growth of early civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, who relied on the fertile land surrounding the rivers for agriculture and trade.

Explanation
A city-state is a city that functions as an independent sovereign state, with its own government and control over its own affairs. It is not part of a larger country or province, and it operates as its own entity. City-states have their own laws, regulations, and policies, and they often have a high degree of autonomy. Examples of historical city-states include ancient Athens and Rome.

Explanation
Cuneiform is indeed the ancient Mesopotamian writing system. It was developed by the Sumerians around 3500 BCE and was used by various civilizations in Mesopotamia, including the Babylonians and Assyrians. Cuneiform script was characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a reed stylus. It was one of the earliest known writing systems and played a crucial role in recording and preserving historical, economic, and cultural information in ancient Mesopotamia.

Explanation
A professional writer or record keeper was called a scribe. Scribes were highly skilled individuals who were responsible for writing and maintaining important documents, such as legal records, historical accounts, and religious texts. They were often employed by the royal court, government officials, or religious institutions. Scribes were trained in the art of writing and had a deep understanding of language and grammar. They played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge in ancient civilizations.

Explanation
Sargon I of Akkad is considered to have created the first known empire. He was the ruler of the Akkadian Empire, which existed in Mesopotamia during the 24th century BCE. Sargon I is known for his military conquests, which allowed him to establish a centralized government and control over a vast territory. His empire encompassed various city-states and regions, marking the beginning of a new era of empire-building in ancient history.

Explanation
The Code of Hammurabi is considered the first written code of law because it was a comprehensive set of laws compiled by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon, around 1754 BC. It consisted of 282 laws that covered various aspects of daily life, including commerce, property rights, family law, and criminal law. The code was written on a stone monument and displayed publicly, ensuring that everyone was aware of the laws and their consequences. This code is significant because it established a sense of justice and fairness in ancient Babylonian society and served as a model for future legal systems.