Final Benchmark Review

Based on the map, which best describes how the physical features of Egypt affected its development?

• The Mediterranean sea bordered major cities.
• Large cities were created in the Western Desert.
• Many large cities developed along the Nile River.
• The Red Sea provided Lower Egypt with a barrier from attack.

1. Trade routes linking West Africa and North Africa required the shipment of goods across the hot, dry Sahara Desert.  It was difficult for the traders to carry these goods along these trade routes.
2. Domesticated camels were brought to the Sahara.  The camels could go for long stretches without drinking, survive extreme temperatures, and haul heavy loads.
How did the camels affect the transport of goods across the Sahara Desert?

• Traders were able to use camels to stop trans-Saharan shipments of goods.
• Traders were able to drink the milk from camels during their journey.
• Camels made travel across the desert more reliable and safer.
• Camels slowed transport by requiring frequent drinks of water.

I will sing of well-founded Earth,
Mother of all, eldest of all beings.
She feeds all creatures that are in the world,
All that go upon the goodly land,
And all that are in the paths of the seas,
And all that fly: all these are fed of her store.
Through you, O queen, men are blessed in their children
And blessed in their harvests,
And to you it belongs to give means of life
To mortal men and to take it away.
Excerpt from Homeric Hymn “To Earth Mother of All” translated by H.G. Evelyn-White
Which value of Greek civilization is reflected in this hymn?

• The Greeks believed that Gods and Goddesses were involved in natural events.
• The Greeks believed that humans became Gods and Goddesses after death.
• The Greeks believed that Gods and Goddesses were at war with humans.
• The Greeks believed that Gods and Goddesses needed sacrifices offered by humans to stay alive.

How did innovations that developed over time—such as writing, trade routes, schools, and the printing press—affect societies?

• They increased the spreading of ideas.
• They reduced the construction of buildings.
• They limited contact between peoples.
• They lowered literacy rates.

How did innovations such as irrigation, aqueducts, and improved farm techniques transform civilizations?

• Innovations made it possible to expand settlements at arid locations.
• Innovations increased the number of hunters and gatherers.
• Innovations required smaller herds and less livestock.
• Innovations decreased the size of cities.

Legalism: belief that leaders should rule with force
Confucianism: The ruler bears responsibility for the well-being of the people and, therefore, for peace and order in the empire.
Chinese leaders moved from a legalistic government to a government based on Confucianism.  How did Confucianism transform the society?

• Government leaders became concerned with the condition of China's citizens.
• Military leaders became more important than educators and priests.
• Farmers became less dependent on government subsidies and support.
• Merchants became concerned with the economic issues affecting China's citizens.

Hammurabi was the King of Babylon from 1792 BCE to 1750 BCE. Hammurabi wrote The Code of Hammurabi, the oldest set of laws known to exist, which was made up of 282 laws. The code was carved in stone for all to see and read.
Facts about The Code of Hammurabi
This was the first written code—people could see it. This increased people’s ability to read.
The code treated women fairly.
The harsh punishments made civilizations safer.
The code reinforced class structures-punishments were different for the different classes.
Based on the information above: how did Hammurabi help to transform society?

• His laws got rid of the existing class system.
• He required that every class be punished equally.
• He continued the practice of treating women differently than men.
• His laws were written to include women.

Timeline of Legal Codes
1700BCE: Hammurabi’s code in Babylon created strict laws and punishments.
550 BCE: Solon’s code in Greece created less strict laws and punishments.
1215 CE: Magna Carta in England limits a king’s power and protects citizens’ rights.
How has the role of legal codes evolved through time in human societies?

• Laws have become stricter over time.
• Legal codes have been based on religious beliefs.
• Governments have never supported the rights of citizens.
• Legal codes have gradually given more protections to citizens.

Kings wanted to control decision making in their governments.  How did this desire affect the structures of governments?

• Governments became constitutional monarchies when the king or queen shared the power with a legislative council.
• Governments became hereditary monarchies when kings and queens transferred power to their children.
• Governments became absolute monarchies when the king or queen held all power in their hands.
• Governments became elected monarchies when kings or queens were elected by the people.

The Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River basin around 1700 BCE and soon spread along other rivers in China. Yellow River floods enriched the surrounding soils, allowing farmers to produce surplus crops and domesticate animals. Yellow River floods often destroyed early settlements and ruined crop production for years.
How did geography affect the development of Chinese civilization?

• The growth of Chinese civilization depended on the Yellow River, but the Yellow River also brought suffering to Chinese people.
• The growth of Chinese civilization was slowed by the Yellow River and it only flourished when people moved away from rivers.
• The natural resources of China encouraged Chinese people to build massive public works projects to benefit the poor.
• The natural resources of China encouraged Chinese farmers to create artificial rivers, like the Yellow River, where they could produce crops.