Innovation Across the Ancient World

Multiple Choice

In ancient communities before the creation of writing, who was most respected for their ability to memorize and share information?

• Farmers

• Storytellers and elders

• Warriors

• Traders

Multiple Choice

Why do you think elders and storytellers were highly respected in ancient communities before the creation of writing?

• Because they were the only ones who could hunt for food

• Because they could memorize and share large amounts of information

• Because they were the strongest members of the community

• Because they were responsible for building shelters

Open Ended

How do you think the lack of written language affected the way ancient communities shared and preserved knowledge?

Multiple Choice

The writing system in Mesopotamia is called

• Cuneiform

• Chinese

• Mesopotamian

• Art

Multiple Choice

How did the invention of cuneiform writing impact Mesopotamian society?

• It led to the development of mathematics.

• It revolutionized communication and record-keeping.

• It made pottery production easier.

• It improved transportation methods.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of technology?

• a religious system
• an axle
• a job
• written language

Multiple Select

Which of the following were innovations introduced by the Mesopotamians? Select ALL that apply.

• Cuneiform writing

• The wheel

• Gunpowder

• Astronomical calendars

Open Ended

The Olmecs engineered canals and dikes to control water flow and maximize ___ productivity.

Multiple Choice

The Olmec civilization is remembered for it's many ideas and inventions.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

What types of crops did the Olmecs grow on their farms?

• The Olmecs didn't farm so they only hunted and fished

• The Olmecs grew beets, turnips, and onions

• The Olmecs grew beans, squash and maize

Open Ended

Why were calendars important to the Maya?

Multiple Select

Which technologies were commonly used in the Maya civilization?

• guns

• astronomy

• plows pulled by farm animals

Multiple Choice

The Maya were probably the first civilization to develop ________________.

• metal tools

• terrace farming

• the telescope

• mummification

Multiple Choice

The Maya were polytheistic, meaning they believed in _________ god(s).

• No
• One
• Many

• Greek

Open Ended

Gunpowder would prove to be an influential contribution of the Chinese due to it's importance in making these two military items:

Multiple Choice

Which two major innovations from ancient China are highlighted as having a significant impact on the modern world?

• Gunpowder and papermaking

• Astronomical calendars and irrigation

• Cuneiform writing and the wheel

• Chariots and rockets

Multiple Choice

Ceramic used to make dishes, cups, and other items.

• Steel
• Porcelain
• Clay
• Bronze

Multiple Choice

The knowledge of making this product was a closely guarded secret. Telling others how to make this textile could result in severe punishment by the Chinese government. What is this fabric?

• linen
• wool
• cotton
• silk

Multiple Choice

What was the Silk Road?

• A road made of silk

• A road where you could find silk

• A network of trade routes

• A road in Ancient China

Multiple Choice

Three inventions that come from ancient China are

• calligraphy, origami, and karate

• herbal powders, hourglass, fireworks

• gunpowder, porcelain, paper money, and the compass

• shaduf, pyramids, long boats

Multiple Choice

This was NOT one of the major innovations of the Ancient Chinese.

• Compass

• Silk

• Gunpowder

• Flushing Toilets

Multiple Choice

Ancient Indians made advancements in which of the following areas?

• fashion and architecture

• cooking and writing

• mathematics and medicine

• astrology and art

Multiple Choice

Which civilization invented the wheel?

• Mesopotamia

• Egypt

• India or China

• Greece

• Rome

Multiple Choice

advanced technology is a characteristic of civilization that emphasizes....

• The use of stone tools
• The establishment of farming communities
• The development of complex political systems
• The creation and use of complex tools and systems

Open Ended

Out of all the innovations you read about today, which TWO do you believe are the most important? Explain.

Open Ended

Do you think civilizations could have succeeded without innovation? Why or why not?