Quiz on Ancient Empires

A state containing several countries or territories is called

• A city-state.

• an empire.

• a region.

• an ally.

Sargon created the world’s first empire by

• defeating Hammurabi in battle.

• destroying the city-state of Ur.

• uniting Akkadian and Babylonian lands.

• conquering Mesopotamian city-states.

The main purpose of Hammurabi’s Code was to

• make sure everyone in his empire knew the law.

• punish his political rivals.

• conquer and rule a new empire.

• encourage the growth of trade.

The largest group of people in the Babylonian Empire included

• priests and nobles.

• government officials and slaves.

• farmers, artisans, and slaves.

• builders, slaves, and soldiers.

The rule of law, established under Hammurabi, was the idea that

• different laws apply to people of different social ranking.

• all members of society, even the rich and powerful, must obey the law.

• there is no difference between civil law and criminal law.

• the meaning of the law may differ in different parts of the empire.

Which of the following best describes the social structure of the Babylonian Empire?

• A rigid caste system with no mobility.

• A class system with some social mobility.

• A completely egalitarian society.

• A society ruled by a council of elders.

What was one of the main reasons for the decline of the Akkadian Empire?

• Natural disasters and climate change.

• Invasion by the Hittites.

• Internal rebellions and economic troubles.

• Overexpansion and lack of resources.

Which of the following was a significant achievement of the Babylonian Empire?

• The creation of the first democracy.

• The construction of the Great Wall.

• The development of a written code of laws.

• The invention of the wheel.

What was a key factor in the success of the Akkadian Empire under Sargon?

• Alliances with the Egyptian pharaohs.

• Isolation from neighboring empires.

• Advanced military tactics and organization.

• Peaceful negotiations with rival city-states.

How did the Babylonian Empire maintain control over its vast territories?

• By allowing complete autonomy to local rulers.

• Through a network of spies and informants.

• Through a centralized government and legal system.

• By frequently relocating its capital city.