Mesopotamia Geography and Sumerians

What was civilization’s first system of writing called?

• cuneiform
• hieroglyphs
• Sanskrit
• calligraphy 

Who served as the link between Sumerians and their many gods and goddesses?

• king
• priests
•  generals
• merchants

What is a unique characteristic of polytheism?

• Polytheism is the belief in one god.
• Polytheism is the belief in many gods.
• Polytheism is the belief in the Torah.
• Polytheism is the belief in the Ten Commandments.

Which of the following correctly shows the social hierarchy of Sumerian society?

• priests, king, merchants, farmers, slaves
• priests, king, farmers, merchants, slaves
• king, priests, farmers, merchants, slaves 
• king, priests, merchants, farmers, slaves

What large step shaped temple tower was located in the center of ancient Sumer?

• ziggurat
• pyramid
• citadel
• pagoda 

What does the word Mesopotamia literally mean in Greek?

• the land under the mountains
• the land between the rivers
• the land beyond the great desert
• the land of the Fertile Crescent

What were two main purposes for a ziggurat?

• for worship and trade
• for worship and defense
• for worship and as a palace for the king
• for worship and storage of food surplus

What are canals, dams, and water wheels examples of?

• domestication
• social hierarchies
• irrigation techniques
• military innovations

What are the two physical features that form the boundary of Mesopotamia?

• Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
• Nile and Niger Rivers
• Indus and Ganges Rivers
• Huang He and Yangtze River

What role did farmers and laborers play in the Fertile Crescent?

• They made and executed the laws.
• They developed written language.
• They developed irrigation systems.
• They conducted religious ceremonies.