History Exam

What was the first written law code (Hint: It was created by a Babylonian ruler)?

Answer explanation

The first written law code is the Code of Hammurabi, created by the Babylonian ruler Hammurabi around 1754 BC. It established laws and punishments, making it one of the earliest examples of a legal framework.

Because of agricultural surpluses, certain people were able to engage in tasks and jobs other than farming. What was this change in society called?

Answer explanation

This change in society is called specialization. Agricultural surpluses allowed individuals to pursue various non-farming roles, leading to the development of different professions and a more complex social structure.

Which group of people were the first to practice monotheism?

Answer explanation

The first group to practice monotheism were the ancient Hebrews, who worshipped one God, Yahweh. This belief system laid the foundation for Judaism and influenced Christianity and Islam.

Who is Abraham and why is he important?

Answer explanation

Abraham is a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, known as the patriarch of the Israelites. His covenant with God established the foundation for monotheism and is central to the beliefs of these religions.

Who was Moses and why is he important?

Answer explanation

Moses is a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments. His story symbolizes faith, liberation, and moral law.

What are the holy book and holy guidelines of Judaism?

Answer explanation

The holy book of Judaism is the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. The holy guidelines are found in the Torah, which contains laws and teachings central to Jewish faith and practice.

What was the Exodus and the Diaspora as it related to early Jewish history?

Answer explanation

The Exodus refers to the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt, while the Diaspora describes the dispersion of Jews outside their homeland, particularly after the Babylonian exile, shaping Jewish identity and culture.

What is the name of the earliest written symbols, where pictures would represent ideas?

Answer explanation

The earliest written symbols that used pictures to represent ideas are known as pictographs. These symbols were used in ancient cultures to convey messages and record information.

What was the form of writing in Egyptian civilization?

Answer explanation

The form of writing in Egyptian civilization was hieroglyphics, a system that used pictorial symbols to represent sounds and ideas, primarily used for religious texts and monumental inscriptions.

What was the form of writing in Sumer?

Answer explanation

The form of writing in Sumer was cuneiform, which involved pressing a stylus into clay tablets to create wedge-shaped marks. This system was one of the earliest forms of writing in human history.