Unit 2 Ancient Civilizations

In China, Confucianism emphasized the idea that

• equality should exist between all members of society

• salvation could be attained by prayer, meditation, and good deeds

• individual goals should be placed ahead of the needs of the group

• harmony could be achieved by the proper behavior of each member of a family or society

Mesopotamians built ziggurats to be used as

• schools

• theaters

• burial chambers

• religious temples

In which region did China’s earliest civilizations develop

• Gobi Desert

• Himalaya Mountains

• Yellow River Valley

• Tibetan Plateau

Which statement about the Bantu migration is an opinion rather than a fact?

• The migration occurred gradually over a long period of time.

• Language and knowledge spread from northwestern to southern and eastern Africa.

• The lack of primary documents makes it difficult to determine the exact cause of the migration.

• Bantu civilization was superior to those civilizations that it displaced.

Use this timeline to answer the following question.

Which statement is supported by information in the timeline

• China developed an alphabet before the Phoenicians.

• The Shang dynasty ruled after the Qin dynasty

• The Zhou dynasty ruled before the Han dynasty.

• China united before it developed a written language

One reason early civilizations developed in China, Egypt, and the Tigris-Euphrates Valley in Mesopotamia is because

• vast mineral deposits existed for manufacturing

• climate and geography favored agriculture

• rivers contributed to nomadic lifestyles

• natural barriers provided protection from invasions

The speaker in the passage above is referring to the

• Greek tyrant and the Parthenon.

• Egyptian pharaoh and his pyramid.

• Assyrian king and his lighthouse.

• Hebrew king and the Temple.

Findings From Ancient Burial Sites:

• About 8,000 life—size, terra—cotta clay soldiers were found about one mile east of the first emperor of China’s tomb.

• Tombs in Egypt were found with tools, make-up, and clothing.

Source: Internet Ancient History Sourcebook, Fordham University

Based on the facts above, how were the beliefs of these societies similar?

• The rulers of ancient civilizations were buried in pyramids.

• Ancient people across civilizations did not appreciate the arts.

• The rulers of ancient civilizations appeared modest or humble in death.

• Ancient people across civilizations believed in preparing for life after death.

Some of the religious beliefs of an ancient people are listed in the box below.

This list best reflects the religious beliefs of which of the following ancient peoples?

• Egyptians

• Greeks

• Hebrews

• Phoenicians

Archaeological studies of the Indus Valley cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro show evidence of

• dynastic rule

• monotheism

• social equality

• urban planning