1.
Which ancient superpower laid seige to the city of Jerusalem (in Israel) for over a year?
Correct Answer
B. The Babylonians
Explanation
The Babylonians laid siege to the city of Jerusalem for over a year. This ancient superpower was known for its military strength and conquests. The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar II, led the attack on Jerusalem in 587 BC, resulting in the destruction of the city and the exile of many of its inhabitants. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah.
2.
Ancient aquaducts provided the city with salt water for drinking.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Remember freshwater is for drinking. Saltwater will dehydrate the body.
3.
Ancient Engineers constructed the ___________________ that supplied water to the city of Jerusalem.
Correct Answer
A. Aquaducts
Explanation
Ancient Engineers constructed aqueducts that supplied water to the city of Jerusalem. Aqueducts were a system of channels and bridges that transported water from a source, such as a river or spring, to the city. These structures were carefully designed and built to ensure a steady flow of water to meet the needs of the population. The aqueducts played a crucial role in providing a reliable water supply for drinking, bathing, and irrigation purposes in the city of Jerusalem.
4.
How long did the ancient Israelites resist the invading army?
Correct Answer
C. More than a year
Explanation
The ancient Israelites resisted the invading army for more than a year. This suggests that they were able to hold off the invaders for a significant amount of time, indicating their strength and determination. It also implies that they had effective defensive strategies and possibly received support or reinforcements during this period. The length of their resistance demonstrates their resilience and unwillingness to surrender to the invading forces.
5.
What is most likely the significance of the aquaducts in Jerusalem?
Correct Answer
A. They enabled the Israelites to stay safe within the walls of the city of Jerusalem.
Explanation
The aqueducts in Jerusalem were most likely significant because they enabled the Israelites to stay safe within the walls of the city. These aqueducts provided a reliable water supply, which was crucial for the survival and defense of the city during times of siege or conflict. The Israelites could access water without leaving the safety of the city walls, ensuring their protection and ability to withstand prolonged attacks or blockades.
6.
After they were finally taken over, the Israelites were taken away (exiled) from Israel and sent to Mesopotamia.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because after being taken over, the Israelites were indeed exiled from Israel and sent to Mesopotamia. This event is known as the Babylonian exile, which occurred in the 6th century BCE when the Babylonians conquered the Kingdom of Judah. The Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland and resettled in Mesopotamia as captives. This period of exile had significant consequences for the Israelites' religious, cultural, and political identity.
7.
A Persian king allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland of Israel.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because there is historical evidence that supports the fact that a Persian king, Cyrus the Great, allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland of Israel after they had been exiled in Babylon. This is mentioned in the Bible as well as in other ancient texts.
8.
At one time, the Greeks persecuted the Jews living in Israel.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During certain periods in ancient history, the Greeks did persecute the Jews living in Israel. One notable example is during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BCE, when he attempted to Hellenize the Jewish population and banned Jewish religious practices. This led to a rebellion known as the Maccabean Revolt. Additionally, there were instances of persecution and discrimination against Jews in other Greek cities and regions throughout history. Therefore, the statement that the Greeks persecuted the Jews living in Israel is true.
9.
Which statement best explains the reason for the celebration of Hanukkah?
Correct Answer
B. It is a time to celebrate the victory of Judas Maccabeus, who enabled the jews to worship freely.
Explanation
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks. Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish military leader who led a successful revolt against the Greek ruler Antiochus IV, who had banned Jewish religious practices. The celebration of Hanukkah is a way to honor this victory and the freedom to worship that it brought to the Jewish people.