Question 1

The earliest evidence for a monumental construction project date to how long ago:

Accepted Answer

The earliest evidence for a monumental construction project dates back to approximately 5,500-4,200 years ago with the construction of the Sumerian ziggurats in Mesopotamia. This predates the construction of Stonehenge (which was built 4,500 years ago) and the Great Pyramid of Giza (which was built 4,500 years ago).

Question 2

The earliest monumental structure in ancient China was a:

Accepted Answer

The earliest monumental structure in ancient China was the defensive wall of earth, known as the Great Wall of China, built during the Zhou Dynasty in the 7th century BCE.

Question 3

The earliest evidence for the development of a number of elements of complexity-including status-differentiated burials, metallurgy, and scapulimancy-can be dated to what period of Chinese prehistory:

Accepted Answer

The earliest evidence for the development of complexity elements such as status-differentiated burials, metallurgy, and scapulimancy in Chinese prehistory dates back to 4,000-5,000 years ago. This period corresponds to the late Neolithic to the early Bronze Age, a time of significant cultural and technological advancements in ancient China.

Question 4

The first Shang emperor ascended to the throne about how many years ago:

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

The Shang Dynasty is marked by a succession of how many kings:

Accepted Answer

The Shang Dynasty is marked by a succession of 12 kings.

Question 6

The precious material that was commonly used in various regions of ancient China to signify the status of the emerging elite classes was:

Accepted Answer

Jade was highly valued in ancient China for its rarity, beauty, and durability. It was often used to create intricate carvings and objects, and was reserved for use by the ruling elite and high-ranking officials. Jade was believed to symbolize virtues such as loyalty, nobility, and purity, and its use by the elite was seen as a display of power and prestige.

Question 7

The cty of Xibeigang appears to have been a:

Accepted Answer

Xibeigang is known as a necropolis, which is a large, ancient cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments.

Question 8

For conflict theorists, civilization develops:

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists argue that civilization develops as a solution to conflicts between social classes. As social classes become more defined and inequalities arise, the dominant class seeks to establish order and maintain power through the development of formal institutions and laws. This leads to the establishment of civilization as a way to systematize and legitimize the dominance of the ruling class.

Question 9

The elites of complex societies seem to have as their motto:

Accepted Answer

The elites of complex societies often display their wealth and power openly as a means of asserting their status and influence, which aligns with the sentiment of "if you've got it, flaunt it."

Question 10

In archaeologist V. Gordon Childe's view, class societies developed:

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

For integration theorists, civilization develops:

Accepted Answer

Integration theorists argue that civilization develops when there is a need to mobilize and coordinate the labor of a large group, typically in response to the challenges of environment, technology or external threats. This perspective emphasizes the importance of cooperation and integration among different social groups and nations, as a means of achieving shared goals and creating a more stable and prosperous world. This view contrasts with other theories of civilization, such as those that emphasize conflict and competition as the primary forces driving historical change.

Question 12

Karl Wittfogel traced the origins of civilization to:

Accepted Answer

According to Karl Wittfogel's theory of hydraulic civilization, the origins of civilization can be traced to the need for a centralized authority to coordinate the construction and maintenance of irrigation systems in order to secure reliable access to water for agriculture. This required a large workforce and thus paved the way for the development of hierarchical social structures and centralized political power.

Question 13

Robert Carniero traced the origins of civilization to:

Accepted Answer

Robert Carniero is best known for his theory that warfare was the primary driver behind the formation of states and the emergence of civilization. He argued that warfare led to the conquest of territories, which in turn necessitated administrative and bureaucratic structures to manage these territories, thus leading to the development of more complex societies.

Question 14

Like Narmer in Egypt, Ying Zheng in China is credited with:

Accepted Answer

Ying Zheng is credited with uniting the various warring states in ancient China into a single nation, which he named Qin. He became the first emperor of a unified China and ruled from 221 to 210 BCE. While there were earlier dynasties, Ying Zheng's unification of China is considered the start of imperial China, a period that lasted until the early 20th century. The other options are incorrect, as Egypt was responsible for constructing the pyramids, national armies existed prior to Ying Zheng's reign, and there is no evidence that he mandated literacy.

Question 15

Ying Zheng's burial included about how many slightly-larger-than-life-size warriors and horses:

Accepted Answer

Ying Zheng, also known as Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, was buried with an army of approximately 8,000 slightly-larger-than-life-size terracotta warriors and horses to protect him in the afterlife.

Question 16

Ying Zheng consolidated the Chinese state of Qin about how many years ago:

Accepted Answer

Ying Zheng, who became the First Emperor of a unified China, consolidated the Chinese state of Qin around 2,250 years ago, completing his conquests by 221 BCE.

Question 17

Describe the development of Indus Valley civilization. Provide a chronology and description of sites.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

What was the significance of flood control in the development of the Indus Valley civilization?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Discuss the early development of a written language in the Indus Valley civilization. What was writing first used for in the Indus civilization, and where did the script originate?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

What was the significance of "cultural convergence" in the development of Indus Valley civilization?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 11: An Explosion of Complexity: The Indus Valley and China