Ancient Civilizations
What was a major effect of the Neolithic Revolution?
Development of permanent settlements and complex societies.
What was the polis in ancient Greece?
An independent city-state with its own government.
Which civilization had the greatest influence on early Roman culture?
Greeks.
What event marked Rome’s complete political domination of Greece?
The conquest of Greece in 146 B.C.E.
What economic issue weakened Rome’s economy?
Answer: Reliance on slave labor limited industrialization.
Which ancient civilization developed cuneiform, one of the first writing systems?
Sumerians.
Which Greek city-state was known for its military-focused society?
Sparta.
What was the primary cause of the Punic Wars?
Control over Mediterranean trade.
What was the Pax Romana?
A 200-year period of peace and prosperity in Rome.
What factor contributed to both the fall of the Republic and modern democratic crises?
Answer: Growing economic inequality.
What was the main purpose of Hammurabi’s Code?
To establish legal principles based on social hierarchy.
What form of government was established in Athens during its Golden Age?
Direct democracy.
What was a key characteristic of the Roman Republic?
Elected officials representing citizens.
How did Christianity initially spread in the Roman Empire?
Answer: Through missionaries and trade routes.
How did political corruption contribute to Rome’s decline?
Answer: Senators misused public funds, reducing trust in government.
The Israelites contributed what major idea to Western civilization?
The concept of monotheism.
Who was responsible for spreading Greek culture across the Near East?
Alexander the Great.
What social class struggles were common in the Roman Republic?
Patricians (elite landowners) vs. plebeians (commoners).
Why did Emperor Diocletian divide the Roman Empire?
Answer: To make administration more manageable.
What was Julius Caesar’s leadership style best known for?
Answer: Military dominance and swift action.
What legal principle does Hammurabi’s Code reflect?
Retributive justice (punishment matching the crime).
The term "Hellenistic" refers to what?
The blending of Greek culture with other civilizations.
What major legal concept from the Twelve Tables is still used today?
Innocent until proven guilty.
What was a major cause of the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
Answer: Military overexpansion and political corruption.
What modern issue parallels Rome’s struggles before its fall?
Answer: The rise of authoritarian leaders weakening democratic institutions.
Question: What legal and political ideas from Rome continue to influence modern governments?
Answer: Concepts such as republicanism, rule of law, and separation of powers remain
fundamental to modern democracies.