Question 1

The Hebrews were

Accepted Answer

The Hebrews were a small, often-conquered people who founded the Western religious tradition, specifically Judaism, which subsequently influenced Christianity and Islam. They were not a powerful Mesopotamian people, the original inhabitants of Canaan or Palestine, founders of Western science and philosophy, or founders of the Mediterranean area tradition of religion.

Question 2

Describe the Persian Empire. What helps explain its success? How was it similar to the empires it succeeded? How was it different?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

The most important historical contribution of the Phoenicians was

Accepted Answer

The Phoenicians' greatest contribution was the spread of urban culture and the alphabet. The Phoenician alphabet was the first one to use symbols to represent individual sounds, making it much easier to learn and write than earlier writing systems such as hieroglyphics. This innovation spread throughout the Mediterranean world and eventually led to the development of the Greek and Latin alphabets that are still used today.

Question 4

Discuss the characteristics of the Assyrians and the reasons for their remarkable success as conquerors. What were their most valuable skills? Are there any similarities between Assyrian policies and those of any nation in today's world?

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Question 5

Compare the Code of Hammurabi with the laws of the Hebrew Covenant (including, but not limited to, the Ten Commandments). In what way do they appear to have a common root? In what major way do they differ?

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Question 6

All of the following are true of the Assyrians except that

Accepted Answer

The main deity of the Assyrians was not Ashur, but rather the god Ashur. Additionally, Ashur was not a goddess of peace, but rather a god of war.

Question 7

The religion of Zarathustra included all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D, as Auhra Mazda is considered to be a good and powerful spirit in Zarathustra's religion, not an evil one. The other options are all part of Zarathustra's teachings, which emphasized ethical behavior, the importance of the individual, and the use of fire as a symbol of purity and devotion.

Question 8

Reasons for the success of Achaemenid Persia included all of the following except

Accepted Answer

While the Achaemenid Persians certainly had a strong military, administrative competence, and general respect for the law, their success was not due to ruthless suppression of dissent. In fact, the Achaemenid Persians were known for their relative tolerance of the conquered peoples, as long as they paid tribute and respected Persian authority. This policy of generosity and tolerance actually helped to maintain stability in the empire by minimizing rebellions and uprisings.

Question 9

Persian imperial administration combined

Accepted Answer

The Persian imperial administration had a semi-independent provincial government with central control. The empire was divided into satrapies or provinces, each headed by a satrap appointed by the king. The satrap had considerable autonomy in governing his province, but he was also accountable to the king and had to pay tribute to the central treasury. This system allowed for some local self-government but ultimately centralized power in the hands of the king.

Question 10

Summarize the main characteristics of Zoroastrianism, and compare it with the Egyptian religion. What are some similarities and differences? What similarities does Zoroastrianism have to other Western religions?

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Question 11

Do women seem to be regarded differently in Hebrew society than in other ancient civilizations? Consider the roles played by some famous Hebrew women.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

The Hebrews came to believe in

Accepted Answer

The Hebrews came to believe in one transcendent god, who they believed was the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This belief is known as monotheism and is a central tenet of Judaism. While some other religions of the ancient Near East believed in multiple gods, the Hebrews believed in one powerful deity who created and controlled the entire universe.

Question 13

Why was the ancient city of Ugarit important not only for its time, but for future history?

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Question 14

The Persian king was all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The Persian king was not elected. He was usually a member of the royal family and inherited his position.

Question 15

Cyrus the Great was

Accepted Answer

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire. He ruled from 550-530 BCE and conquered various neighboring lands and allowed their cultures to mix with Persian culture. He was a very skilled military leader and politician.

Question 16

Survey Hebrew political history, from the Exodus to the return from Babylon.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What was the role of the Phoenicians in disseminating the civilization of western Asia throughout the Mediterranean world? What would you say was the most important cultural achievement they passed on, and why?

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Question 18

Discuss the development of the Hebrew religion, and compare it with what you know of the other religions mentioned thus far in the textbook.

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Question 19

The Neo-Babylonians shared with the Assyrians

Accepted Answer

The Neo-Babylonians, like the Assyrians, were known for their accurate astronomical observations and predictions. This was an important aspect of their culture and was used for both practical purposes and religious beliefs.

Question 20

All of the following are true of the Canaanites except

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 2: The Ship, the Sword, and the Book: Western Asia, C.A 1500-400 B.C