Western Asia & Ancient Egypt
What was hieratic script?
A simplified form of Egyptian writing used for everyday purposes
What was a ziggurat?
A stepped temple tower
What principle was an important part of Hammurabi’s system of justice?
“An eye for an eye”
What was the primary purpose of the pyramids?
They were tombs for pharaohs.
What change did Akhenaten make to Egyptian religious practices?
He established the worship of Aten as the sole god
Why was the Nile River important to ancient Egypt?
It provided fertile soil, transportation, and communication
How did the Hyksos influence Egypt?
They introduced horse-drawn war chariots and helped Egyptians develop new military skills
What was cuneiform?
A Mesopotamian system of writing
What were Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt?
Two regions of ancient Egypt
Which Egyptian kingdom was known as a period of stability, expansion, and concern for public welfare?
Middle Kingdom
Why were early Sumerian city-states considered theocracies?
Priests and rulers claimed authority from the gods.
Which statement best describes Hammurabi’s Code?
It was a collection of laws based on strict justice.
What was mummification intended to accomplish?
Preserve the body after death
Which technological development made transporting people and goods easier?
The wheel
What did Egyptians believe about Osiris?
He became a symbol of resurrection and rebirth
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
Land Between two rivers
What was a Sumerian city-state?
An independent city and the surrounding territory it controlled
Who established the first empire in world history according to the chapter?
Sargon
Which Egyptian ruler united Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 B.C.?
Menes
What was an empire?
A large political unit controlling many peoples or territories
The Mesopotamians were described as polytheistic because they_____
believed in many gods and goddesses
Which two rivers were central to the development of Mesopotamian civilization?
Tigris and Euphrates
Why did irrigation help Mesopotamian civilization develop?
It provided a regular supply of water for crops.
What was one important purpose of Sumerian writing?
Recording information and keeping records
Why did Egyptians generally have a stronger sense of security than Mesopotamians?
Natural barriers protected Egypt, and the Nile floods were relatively regular