CCWH#03 Mesopotamia

What geographical feature was crucial for the development of early Mesopotamian cities?

• The Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• The Nile River.
• The Amazon River.
• The Ganges River.

Describe the economic system practiced by early Mesopotamian cities.

• Farmers contributed crops to public storehouses, and workers were paid uniform wages in grain.
• Barter system where goods were exchanged directly.
• Capitalist system with private ownership and profit maximization.
• Feudal system with lords and serfs.

How did the conflict between country and city manifest in Mesopotamian society?

• Rural communities and urban centers competed for resources and power.
• The conflict was primarily resolved through diplomatic negotiations.
• Country and city worked together harmoniously without conflicts.
• The conflict was non-existent in Mesopotamian society.

Which ancient Mesopotamian literary work is considered one of the oldest surviving epic poems in history?

• The Epic of Gilgamesh.
• The Iliad by Homer.
• The Odyssey by Homer.
• The Aeneid by Virgil.

What were some key features of Uruk, a prominent city-state in Mesopotamia?

• Walled city, extensive canal system, and monumental temples called ziggurats.
• Unplanned settlement without any architectural structures.
• Nomadic lifestyle and temporary settlements.
• Dense population with high-rise buildings.

How did Mesopotamian gods reflect the attributes of their rivers?

• The gods were moody and capricious, often associated with violent and unpredictable behaviors.
• The gods were peaceful and gentle, reflecting the calm nature of the rivers.
• The gods were benevolent and protective, ensuring smooth navigation of the rivers.
• The gods were absent in Mesopotamian beliefs.

What was the relationship or struggle between religion and rulers in Mesopotamian cities?

• Power shifted from priests to kings who declared themselves priests.
• Religion and rulers had a harmonious partnership with no struggles or conflicts.
• Religion held no influence or significance in the political realm.
• Rulers were subservient to the priests and followed their religious guidance.

How did writing, specifically cuneiform, contribute to the social order in Mesopotamia?

• It created a class distinction based on literacy, widening the gap between classes.
• Writing had no impact on the social order in Mesopotamia.
• Writing facilitated equal opportunities and social mobility for all individuals.
• Writing promoted unity and egalitarianism among Mesopotamian society.

What ended the city-state period in Mesopotamia? How did the new rulers change things?

• Drought, shifts in river courses, and conquest by pastoral nomads ended the city-state period. The new rulers shifted the responsibility for the social order from gods to people.
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions ended the city-state period.
• The city-states voluntarily merged to form larger empires.
• The city-state period never ended and continued throughout Mesopotamian history.

Who was Hammurabi, and what is he known for?

• A ruler of Babylon known for his law code, Hammurabi's Code.
• A prominent Mesopotamian philosopher and poet.
• A military general who led successful conquests across Mesopotamia.
• A prominent religious figure in ancient Mesopotamian mythology.