Lesson 11
What are the characteristics of a civilized society?
A written language, the keeping of written records, the development of specialized skills and occupations, social classes, complex government and religious practices
In what ways has the Fertile Crescent been culturally fertile for thousands of years?
Armies and trade have moved across it
What is the central reality of Egypt?
The Nile
What was the name of the position in Egyptian government probably held by Joseph?
Vizier or second in command
What are common motivations for advancing and inventing?
The need to improve methods or techniques, making work more efficient, making money
What region did Hammurabi rule?
Mesopotamia
The tower of Babel was on what plain.
Shinar
Why is the term "pre-historic" invalid?
We have records of the world and of the men who lived in it from the time they were created.
What is a city-state?
A city that functions as a country with its own king, nobles, and army
Which of the two divisions of Egypt is close to the Mediterranean Sea?
Lower Egypt.
What important discovery was made in Rosetta by troops of Napoleon in 1799?
The Rosetta stone, a large slab with text in Greek and hieratic
What important sailing invention is credited to the Sumerians?
The sailing ship
Why did Hammurabi create his code of law?
He didn't want to handle each legal case himself. He established a code for his kingdom that gave judges guidance how to decide cases that came before them.
From what Chaldean city did Abram and his family move?
Ur
Give some examples of behavior that could be considered primitive or barbaric that are practiced in today's world.
Taking of innocent life, dictatorial rule, having multiple wives
What was the most important Sumerian city?
Ur
What did God demonstrate to the Egyptians through the plagues?
He had more power than their gods.
In what way does a written language help a country be and remain strong?
Communicating ideas, remembering the past, learning from the Bible
What did the Sumerians create to make agriculture easier and more productive?
The yoke, the wheeled cart, and an irrigation system
What do all law codes recognize?
There is a standard of behavior to which all people should aspire to
Balaam lived near what river?
Euphrates
What are the other names that have been given to the area called Sumer?
Mesopotamia, Iraq, the Fertile Crescent
What is the name of the written language of the Sumerians?
Cuneiform
Why were Egyptians buried with supplies such as food and furniture?
Egyptians believed that they would need provisions for the after-life.
Where do we get the word "paper"?
From papyrus, the material made from reeds on which the Egyptians wrote.
What originally covered the exterior of the Egyptian pyramids?
Limestone
How many laws did God give the Israelites?
613
What judge of Israel defeated the Mesopotamians?
Othniel
What are the two main rivers that run through the area once known as Sumer?
Tigris and Euphrates
What changes can take place in everyday life when one person rules several conquered peoples?
Loss of freedom, resentment toward rulers, loss of national identity
What do you think some of the benefits were of the absolute rule of the pharaoh? What were the drawbacks?
There were few government upheavals, people respected the word of the pharaoh.
Drawbacks: pharaoh was seen as a god and the lives of the people were closely regulated.
Why do you think the Egyptian civilization lasted a long time compared to many other civilizations?
They didn't know God but were "religious" people and experienced few government upheavals
What two metals are the components of bronze?
Copper and tin
What discovery related to Hammurabi was made in 1901?
A seven-foot-high column on which his code was inscribed.
When did followers of Islam become a major force in the region of Mesopotamia?
7th century AD