Geography & Origins
Why did early nomadic peoples most often settle along rivers? (i.e. What did rivers create?)
Rivers created natural levees perfect for farming
What is considered to be the first known great work of literature?
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Rosetta Stone helped scholars decipher which written language of ancient Egypt?
Hieroglyphics
Who is considered the founder of Western philosophy from classical Greece?
Socrates
What political and social system structured medieval European society (lords, vassals, serfs)?
Feudalism
Between which two rivers was Mesopotamia located?
Tigris & Euphrates
What was the first known written set of laws in Mesopotamia?
Hammurabi's Code
Why did Egyptians practice mummification? (Give the primary religious/cultural reason)
To preserve the body and keep the soul alive
Who fought in the Peloponnesian War?
Spartans & Athenians
What did peasants and commoners give up to lords in exchange for protection?
Freedoms
What nickname describes the fertile land where early civilizations grew?
Fertile Crescent
What was the temple called that was built to honor the gods in Mesopotamia?
Ziggurats
What was not a shared concept between Hinduism and Buddhism?
Caste System
Which military formation helped Greeks hold off Persian invasions?
Greek Phalanx
Who is generally considered the “Father of Europe”?
Charlemagne
Name the river along which Ancient Egypt developed
Nile
Why do historians still struggle to understand the Indus Valley Civilization?
We have not been able to decipher their ancient writing
According to Hinduism, what must a person do to ultimately achieve nirvana?
Breaking the cycle of reincarnation
What story explains the founding of Rome? (Name the two legendary figures.)
Romulus & Remus
Which group from Scandinavia was known for raiding Europe and had a reputation as fearsome invaders?
Vikings
Which geographical feature provided a natural fortification for the Indus River Valley civilization?
Himalayan Mountains
Which ancient civilization was especially isolated from the rest of the world?
China
Which religion is commonly considered the world’s first major monotheistic religion?
Zoroastrianism
Which powerful kingdom did the Romans overthrow before establishing the Roman Republic in 509 B.C.E.?
Etruscans
Which factor—trade, war, geography, or something else—best explains why Europe became more isolated during the Early Middle Ages?
Lack of travel and trade led to Europe's isolation