Mesopotamia

Multiple Choice

Why do you think the location of Mesopotamia was significant in the development of early civilizations?

• It was located between two major rivers, providing fertile land.

• It was isolated from other civilizations.

• It was located in a desert with little water.

• It was surrounded by mountains, making travel difficult.

Open Ended

Analyze the image and write a few sentences stating why Mesopotamia was the perfect place for this to happen. 

Multiple Choice

Which two rivers are most closely associated with the development of Mesopotamian civilization?

• Nile and Amazon

• Tigris and Euphrates

• Indus and Ganges

• Yangtze and Yellow

Draw

Draw a Circle Where Mesopotamia is located.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the region known as the Fertile Crescent?

• A crescent-shaped region in Western Asia that gave rise to early civilizations

• A mountainous region in Africa known for its gold mines

• A desert region in North America with little vegetation

• A peninsula in Europe famous for its castles

• Religion played a very important role in the lives of Ancient Mesopotamians.

• They practiced Polytheism which is the belief in more than one god.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about Sumerian city-states is correct?

• Each city-state was self-ruled and often centered around a ziggurat

• All city-states were ruled by a single king from Babylon

• City-states did not have any religious or trade centers

• Sumerian city-states were not involved in government

Multiple Choice

What Does Polytheistic Mean?

• Belief in One god

• Belief in Laws and Consitutuion

• Belief in Many gods

• Belief in Nothing

Multiple Choice

Which of the following were Sumerian contributions to science and technology?

• Invention of the wheel, sail, and plow

• Discovery of electricity

• Development of the steam engine

• Creation of the printing press

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In order to honor their gods and goddesses and to ensure their presence in the city, Mesopotamians built large religious monuments called ziggurats.

• Each ziggurat was dedicated to a specific god and resembled an Egyptian pyramid. The ziggurat gave the gods a place to stay in hopes that they would remain present in the city, offering greater protection.

Multiple Choice

Which tool was used to write cuneiform on clay tablets?

• Metal chisel

• Reed stylus

• Stone knife

• Wooden stick

​Social Classes

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The specialization of labor in Mesopotamia led to the social classes that shaped society.

• An individual's work determined the social class to which he or she belonged to. Social classes were rigid and most of the time children were expected to pursue the same occupation as their parents.

Multiple Choice

Why Did Social Classes Emerge?

• People Wanted to Vote For Leaders

• Trade made everyone equal and wealthy

• Farming created surpluses, leading to specialized jobs

• All people were created equal in society

Multiple Choice

What Does 'Presumption of Innocence' Mean?

• No Cruel and Unusual Punishment

• Right to a trail by a jury of your peers

• Not guilty if presumed innocent

• Innocent until proven innocent