MESOPOTAMIA
This civilization developed between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
What is Mesopotamia?
The river that flooded yearly and made farming possible.
What is the Nile River?
The Fertile Crescent is often referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization” due to its rich soil and early development of cities. Which of the following rivers also flows through the Fertile Crescent along with the Tigris and Euphrates?
A) Jordan River
B) Mississippi River
C) Danube River
D) Seine River
A: Jordan River : The Jordan River, located to the west of the Tigris and Euphrates, also flows through part of the Fertile Crescent. Although it is not part of Mesopotamia itself, it was important to other ancient civilizations such as those in Canaan and ancient Israel. The Fertile Crescent curves from the Persian Gulf through Mesopotamia and extends toward the eastern Mediterranean, including the Jordan River Valley.
What is the main idea of a paragraph?
What is the most important point or message?
Who had the right to vote in ancient Athens?
A. All male and female citizens over 18
B. Only male slaves
C. Only adult males born in Athens
D. Any male who paid taxes
C: Only adult males born in Athens
The world’s first known writing system was developed here.
What is cuneiform?
Writing system using pictures and symbols.
What are hieroglyphics?
Why did early settlers choose to live near the rivers in Ancient Mesopotamia?
A) The rivers provided protection from invaders.
B) The rivers supplied fresh water and fertile soil for farming.
C) The rivers were used only for fishing and recreation.
D) The rivers created natural barriers that isolated civilizations.
B: The rivers supplied fresh water and fertile soil for farming :
The annual flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates deposited nutrient-rich silt on the land, which made the soil ideal for agriculture. Settlers relied on these rivers not only for drinking water and irrigation but also for trade and transportation. The ability to grow surplus crops supported population growth, urban development, and the rise of complex societies.
A paragraph mostly describes how bees make honey. What is the main idea?
What is “Bees work together to make honey”?
How are citizens involved in American democracy today?
C: They vote for or against officials who make the laws
A famous set of laws created by a Babylonian king.
What is the Code of Hammurabi?
Large tombs built for pharaohs.
What are pyramids?
What is one key difference between the Mesopotamian and Egyptian government structures?
A. Egypt was always ruled by priests
B. Mesopotamia was divided into kingdoms ruled by pharaohs
C. Egypt’s government evolved into a centralized monarchy; Mesopotamia had city-states led by kings and priests
D. Mesopotamia had no formal government system
C: Egypt’s government evolved into a centralized monarchy; Mesopotamia had city-states led by kings and priests
Why is identifying the main idea important when reading?
What is to understand what the text is mostly about?
Which geographical feature most influenced the development of Ancient Greece?
A. Deserts
B. Mountains and seas
C. Wide river valleys
D. Grasslands
B: Mountains and seas
Mesopotamians built these step pyramid temples.
What are ziggurats?
Egyptian process of preserving bodies after death.
What is mummification?
Which technological advancement is correctly matched with its civilization? (3 points)
A. Mesopotamia – Medicine and medical books
B. Egypt – Cuneiform writing
C. Egypt – 365-day calendar
D. Mesopotamia – Hieroglyphic writing
C: Egypt, 365-day calendar
Explanation: The chart indicates that Egypt developed a 365-day calendar, while Mesopotamia created a 12-month calendar and cuneiform writing.
Read: Rainforests are home to thousands of animals. They help clean Earth’s air. Many medicines come from rainforest plants.
What is the main idea?
What is “Rainforests are important to the planet”?
What was a major contribution of the Gupta Empire in ancient India?
A. Democracy
B. Cuneiform
C. The concept of zero
D. Iron weapons
C: The concept of zero
This group conquered Mesopotamia and improved iron weapons.
Who were the Assyrians?
Egyptian ruler believed to be a god on Earth.
What is a pharaoh?
Which body of water is located west of the Kingdom of Israel and Phoenicia?
A. Dead Sea
B. Red Sea
C. Mediterranean Sea
D. Persian Gulf
C: Mediterranean Sea
Explanation: The Mediterranean Sea is clearly labeled to the west of Phoenicia and the Kingdom of Israel. It was vital for trade and cultural exchange.
Which sentence best states the main idea of an informational article?
What is the topic sentence?
In Ancient Mesopotamia, which invention helped improve transportation and trade?
A. The compass
B. The plow
C. The wheel
D. The astrolabe
C: The wheel
Explanation: The Mesopotamians invented the wheel, which was essential for transportation and trade in carts and wagons.