Quiz on Writing and City Life

What was considered a skilled craft in ancient Mesopotamia?

• Building

• Trading

• Writing

• Farming

How many signs did Mesopotamians have to learn to read and write?

• Dozens

• Hundreds

• Thousands

• Only a few

What did a letter from an official to the king typically begin with?

• To my lord A, speak: ...

• Greetings, my lord A...

• Dear King A, ...

• To the great ruler A...

What was Uruk known as in Mesopotamian tradition?

• The Ancient City

• The Capital

• The Great City

• The City

What precious materials did Enmerkar want for the city temple?

• Gold and silver

• Lapis lazuli and precious metals

• Wool and grain

• Wood and stone

What did the messenger have to do to find his way during the journey?

• Go by the stars and the sun

• Ask for directions

• Use a map

• Follow the river

What happened when the messenger grew weary?

• He got the messages mixed up

• He returned home

• He wrote a letter

• He found the chief of Aratta

What did Enmerkar do when the messenger could not get the chief to part with the materials?

• Called for a meeting

• Sent another messenger

• Wrote the words down on a clay tablet

• Gave up on the trade

What does the poem suggest about the importance of writing?

• It was only used for trade

• It was not important

• It was a way to remember stories

• It was only for kings

How did the people of Susa greet the messenger?

• With cheers

• Like tiny mice

• With silence

• With gifts