Question 1

Scholars called the language of the earliest written documents ____ because of the geographical region where it evolved.

Accepted Answer

The language of the earliest written documents is called Sumerian because it evolved in the region of Sumer, which is located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Therefore, options A, B, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 2

The epic Gilgamesh,one of the earliest recorded works of literature,tells the story of the area that is given credit for establishing the first complex societies,which is called

Accepted Answer

The epic of Gilgamesh is set in ancient Mesopotamia, which is considered to be one of the earliest areas where complex societies emerged. Mesopotamia encompassed the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which is now modern-day Iraq.

Question 3

What was the one purpose of river channels along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers?

Accepted Answer

The one purpose of river channels along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was irrigation. The water from the rivers was used to irrigate crops in the surrounding areas, which allowed for agricultural development and the growth of civilizations.

Question 4

What is meant when a writing system is described as phonetic?

Accepted Answer

When a writing system is described as phonetic, it means that it is based on sound. The written symbols in the system represent the sounds of a language, rather than representing whole words or concepts.

Therefore, the best choice is C - The writing system is based on sound.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a "city-state" in ancient Mesopotamia?

Accepted Answer

A city-state in ancient Mesopotamia was an independent political entity consisting of a city and its surrounding countryside, over which a single ruler, typically a king, held political and military authority. In this system, the ruler governed both the city center and the surrounding areas.

Question 6

The epic story Gilgamesh is used by historians to

Accepted Answer

The epic story Gilgamesh provides information about the early history of Uruk, a city in ancient Mesopotamia. It is not used to follow human migrations, describe the creation of a large empire, explain the early development of monarchies or describe the assault and destruction of Uruk.

Question 7

The modern name for the region of Mesopotamia is

Accepted Answer

Iraq and eastern Syria is the modern name for the region of Mesopotamia.

Question 8

The defining characteristics of a complex and large urban center includes all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Complex writing systems are not necessarily a defining characteristic of a complex and large urban center, as there have been complex urban centers with non-written or non-complex writing systems. The other options are defining characteristics of such urban centers.

Question 9

Unlike Neolithic communities,complex societies had larger surpluses and believed___________________were entitled to a large share.

Accepted Answer

Complex societies often had larger surpluses and believed that their rulers, gods, and priests were entitled to a large share of these surpluses. This belief was part of the social and religious structures that helped maintain order and hierarchy within these societies.

Question 10

A very significant transformation in technology in Ancient Mesopotamia was the

Accepted Answer

The wheel was a very significant transformation in technology in Ancient Mesopotamia. It revolutionized transportation and agriculture, making it easier to transport goods and increase agricultural productivity. The other choices listed were not developed until much later in history.

Question 11

Before they became kings,Mesopotamian rulers such as Gilgamesh were probably descendants of

Accepted Answer

The most likely answer is that Mesopotamian rulers such as Gilgamesh were descendants of prominent families. This is because in ancient societies, including Mesopotamia, rulership was often passed down through family lines. Additionally, rulers usually came from wealthy or powerful families who had the resources and connections to gain and maintain political power. Neither priests, farmers, scribes, nor judges were typically in positions of power that led to becoming a king.

Question 12

The name "Mesopotamia," given to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers,is this language's term for "between the rivers".

Accepted Answer

The term "Mesopotamia" is derived from the Greek language, where "meso" means middle or between and "potamos" means river, thus translating to "between the rivers."

Question 13

Most early Sumerian writing consisted of

Accepted Answer

The majority of early Sumerian writing was concerned with recording temple accounts, including the distribution of goods, the payment of taxes, and the management of resources. These accounts were typically written on clay tablets using cuneiform script. While some examples of personal letters, law codes, trade descriptions, and political treatises from this period have also been found, temple accounts constitute the bulk of the written record.

Question 14

As one of the leading cities of its time,which of the following characteristics of Uruk defined it as a complex society?

Accepted Answer

The fact that residents pursued specialized occupations is a defining characteristic of a complex society, as it indicates the presence of a division of labor and economic specialization beyond subsistence farming. The other options are not necessarily indicative of complexity; a population reaching 10,000, for example, could be the result of natural growth rather than a societal development.

Question 15

By 3100 B.C.E.,what was the approximate population of Uruk,the first large city in Mesopotamia?

Accepted Answer

By 3100 B.C.E., Uruk, the first large city in Mesopotamia, had an approximate population of 50,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

Question 16

What important narrative of the Hebrew Bible is also a part of Gilgamesh's epic travels?

Accepted Answer

The Great Flood narrative is a part of both the Hebrew Bible and Gilgamesh's epic travels. In the Hebrew Bible, it is the story of Noah and the Ark, whereas in Gilgamesh's epic, it is the story of Utnapishtim and the Great Flood. The similarities in the two narratives suggest a possible shared cultural tradition.

Question 17

By 2500 B.C.E.,how did early Mesopotamians improve the wheel?

Accepted Answer

Early Mesopotamians improved the wheel by adding spokes, which made it lighter, more efficient, and easier to maneuver. This innovation made transportation and trade easier and more widespread, contributing to the growth of civilization in the region.

Question 18

In the epic of Gilgamesh,the titular hero and Enkidu kill the ferocious monster Humbabathat was guarding

Accepted Answer

In the epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill Humbaba, who is the guardian of the cedar forest.

Question 19

Mesopotamian farmers had advanced tools made of

Accepted Answer

Mesopotamian farmers had advanced tools made of bronze. This was because bronze was an alloy of copper and tin, which made it a stronger and more durable material than copper alone. The use of bronze tools allowed farmers to improve their efficiency and productivity in agriculture, leading to the growth and prosperity of early Mesopotamian civilizations.

Question 20

In the story of Gilgamesh,what rank in his society did the title character have?

Accepted Answer

Gilgamesh was the King of Uruk.

Quiz 2: The First Complex Societies in the Eastern Mediterranean, ca 4000 - 550 B.C.E.