Early Civilizations
Why is Mesopotamia called the Fertile Crescent?
Because its rich, crescent-shaped land supported early farming.
Why are the writings of the Talmud important to Judaism?
They explain Jewish laws.
How did Aksum change Nubian culture?
By introducing Christianity and new trade influences.
Where would you find very hot days and freezing nights?
In a desert such as the Sahara.
Why did the U.S. invade Iraq in 2003?
Concerns about weapons of mass destruction and terrorism.
What was cuneiform used for?
Recording information using wedge-shaped marks.
What led to the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire?
Emperor Constantine accepted the religion.
What allowed civilizations to grow in Mesopotamia?
Rivers provided water, silt, and fertile soil.
What resource strongly shapes land use in the Eastern Mediterranean?
Water availability.
Why did the UN divide Palestine in 1947?
To create a Jewish state.
Why was Hammurabi’s Code written down?
So everyone knew the laws and punishments.
Why was the year 622 chosen as Year One in Islam?
Muhammad and his followers left Mecca (the Hijra).
What climate is common in Syria, Jordan, and southern Israel?
A desert or semi-arid climate.
What is a negative effect of Turkey’s dam projects?
They reduce water flowing into neighboring countries.
What describes the Kurds of Iraq?
They are tolerant of other religions and have a distinct culture.
How did Egypt’s location protect it?
Deserts on both sides made invasion difficult.
What describes followers of Shia Islam?
They believe leadership must descend from Muhammad’s family.
How did invasions in the 700s change Central Asia?
New Turkic languages spread and tribes migrated.
What physical feature most shaped early civilizations?
Rivers and fertile land.
How did religion contribute to Lebanon’s 1970's civil war?
Sunni and Shia groups disagreed over political power.
How were Mesopotamians and Egyptians similar?
Both were polytheistic (worshiped many gods).
How has Islam influenced North African social life?
It shapes daily customs such as prayer and dress.
What groups migrated into Central Asia along the Silk Road?
Uzbek, Kazakh, and Turkmen tribes.
How do Libya and Algeria fund their schools and military?
Oil exports.
What major event involved protests that changed Egypt’s government?
The Arab Spring.