EQ #20 Checkpoint

Which geographic feature most influenced the development of independent Greek city-states?

• Dense forests that provided timber for construction

• Large river systems that connected cities like in Mesopotamia

• Mountains and seas that isolated communities from one another

• Vast deserts that made travel and farming difficult 4

Answer explanation

The mountainous terrain and surrounding seas of Greece led to the isolation of communities, fostering the development of independent city-states rather than a unified empire, unlike regions with large river systems.

Why were the Minoans able to develop a strong trade network?

• Their island location placed them along key trade routes

• They used warships to conquer trade partners and take their goods

• They were the only ancient civilization with advanced banking systems

• They had vast gold mines that allowed them to pay for expensive imports

Answer explanation

The Minoans developed a strong trade network primarily due to their island location, which positioned them along key trade routes in the Mediterranean, facilitating commerce with various cultures.

The Mycenaean civilization was known for being:

• A peaceful society that focused only on art and culture

• A civilization with no interest in expansion or war

• Warlike and focused on conquest, taking over the Minoans

• A group of nomadic tribes that never built cities

Answer explanation

The Mycenaean civilization was indeed warlike, focusing on conquest and expansion, particularly over the Minoans. This distinguishes them from peaceful societies and nomadic tribes, highlighting their militaristic nature.

What caused the decline of the Minoan civilization?

• An invasion by the Roman army

• Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and Mycenaean conquest

• A food shortage caused by over-farming the land

• A mysterious plague that wiped out the entire population

Answer explanation

The decline of the Minoan civilization was primarily due to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, along with the Mycenaean conquest, which disrupted their society and led to their downfall.

Which of the following statements about the Mycenaeans is true?

• They were peaceful farmers who avoided conflict at all costs

• They built strong fortresses and often fought in wars

• They completely ignored trade and only focused on farming

• They voted on rulers every year to keep their government fair.

Answer explanation

The Mycenaeans were known for their military prowess and built strong fortresses, indicating they often engaged in warfare. This contrasts with the other statements, which misrepresent their culture and activities.

How did Greece’s mountainous geography impact its development?

• It encouraged the Greeks to unite under a single powerful government

• It led to the development of independent city-states with their own governments

• It made farming extremely easy and led to a food surplus

• It prevented Greeks from ever becoming skilled sailors and traders

Answer explanation

Greece's mountainous geography led to the isolation of communities, fostering the development of independent city-states, each with its own government, rather than a unified nation.

Why did the Mycenaean civilization weaken and collapse?

• They stopped fighting wars and became completely peaceful

• They were constantly at war, which weakened them over time

• They chose to leave Greece and migrate to Asia

• Their government banned trade, which led to economic collapse

Answer explanation

The Mycenaean civilization weakened due to constant warfare, which drained resources and destabilized their society over time, leading to their eventual collapse.

What role did the Mediterranean Sea play in the development of Greek civilization?

• It isolated Greece from other cultures, preventing trade

• It provided a way for Greeks to trade, travel, and interact with other civilizations

• It made Greece a landlocked region with little outside influence

• It flooded frequently, destroying Greek coastal cities

Answer explanation

The Mediterranean Sea was crucial for Greek civilization as it facilitated trade, travel, and cultural exchange with other civilizations, enhancing economic and social development.

Which of the following was a major difference between the Minoans and Mycenaeans?

• The Minoans focused on trade and culture, while the Mycenaeans were warlike and built strong fortresses

• The Mycenaeans lived on islands, while the Minoans lived only on the mainland

• The Minoans built their civilization based on warfare, while the Mycenaeans focused only on art

• The Mycenaeans had no connection to Greek culture, while the Minoans were the first Greek-speaking people

Answer explanation

The Minoans were known for their trade and cultural achievements, while the Mycenaeans were more focused on military strength and constructed fortified cities, highlighting their warlike nature.

How did the fall of the Minoans and Mycenaeans affect Greek civilization?

• It led to the Greek Dark Ages

• It caused all Greek people to migrate to Rome and start a new civilization

• It immediately led to the rise of the Roman Empire

• It resulted in the Greeks forming a large, unified empire under a single ruler

Answer explanation

The fall of the Minoans and Mycenaeans led to a period known as the Greek Dark Ages, characterized by a decline in population, loss of literacy, and reduced cultural activity, marking a significant setback for Greek civilization.