Mesopotamia Review #1

Ancient Sumerians invented irrigation systems and plows. What did these two inventions help provide?   

• a system of government
• a partner with whom to trade 
• a steady supply of food
• an honor for the gods

Which Sumerians worked atop the ziggurats?

• Politicians
• Priest 
• Military Officials
• Scribes

What was the main reason Sumerians developed writing? 

• to keep track of trade 
• to write laws
• to write history
• to describe agricultural techniques

How did the people of ancient river civilizations manage with limited natural resources?

• They raided nearby cities for supplies that they needed.
• They conquered new areas that were rich in the resources they needed.
• They all had plenty.
• Merchants traded their excess supply of food for the natural resources needed.

How was the society of ancient Sumeria organized?

• It was divided into social classes: priests were the highest, rich merchants were next, farmers and artisans were next, slaves were on the bottom.
• They had a government system much like the one we have today.
• It was a matriarchal society and the women were in charge.
• They had the first democratic system.

What is a civilization?

• Five things make a culture a civilization: 1. growth of cities, 2. specialized workers, 3. advanced technology, 4. a form of writing, 5. complex institutions like religion and government
• Any place where people settled and lived was a civilization.
• A place where the inhabitants practice religion.
• When the culture and beliefs are written down, that makes a civilization.

What type of government system existed in ancient Sumeria?

• It was an autocracy.
• It was a dictatorship.
• There was no government system in ancient Sumeria.
• Priests ruled Sumerian cities because the people believed that the priests had direct contact with the gods.

What was life like for most Sumerian women?

• It was very difficult because they had few rights.
• They had many rights and could participate in most occupations.
• They were slaves.
• They were the leaders of the government, it was a matriarchal society.

Why did early civilizations develop around rivers?

• The rivers provided water for the people. Rivers made crop irrigation possible. Flooding left behind nutrients that made the soil good. Rivers were a source of transportation.
• They didn't all form there.
• Rivers were worshipped, that's why.

What is meant by polytheism?

• belief in one god
• a belief in no god
• a belief in many gods