1.
Who is the patron god of Babylon?
Correct Answer
B. Marduk
Explanation
Marduk is the correct answer because he is the patron god of Babylon. In Babylonian mythology, Marduk was considered the most powerful deity and the supreme god of the city of Babylon. He was associated with creation, wisdom, and justice, and was believed to have defeated the chaos monster Tiamat to establish order in the world. Marduk was highly revered and worshipped by the Babylonians, and his temple, Esagila, was one of the most important religious sites in the city.
2.
Why did Babylon become an important center of trade?
Correct Answer
B. It was located between cities to the south and north.
Explanation
Babylon became an important center of trade because it was strategically located between cities to the south and north. This geographical advantage allowed Babylon to serve as a hub for trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions. The city's location made it a natural meeting point for merchants and traders, leading to the growth of a bustling commercial center.
3.
What is the name of the king who declared Babylon his capital?
Correct Answer
A. King Hammurabi
Explanation
King Hammurabi is the correct answer because he was the king who declared Babylon as his capital. Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty and ruled from 1792 BC to 1750 BC. He is best known for his code of laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi, which was one of the earliest known legal systems in history. By declaring Babylon as his capital, Hammurabi solidified its importance and established it as a center of power and culture in ancient Mesopotamia.
4.
Which group of words best describes ancient Babylon?
Correct Answer
A. Busy, wealthy, powerful
Explanation
Ancient Babylon was known for being a bustling city with a thriving economy and a strong military presence. It was a center of trade and commerce, attracting merchants from all over the region. The city was also wealthy, with luxurious palaces and temples adorned with precious materials. Babylon was a powerful empire, known for its conquests and military might. Overall, it was a busy, wealthy, and powerful city in its time.
5.
Why were rooftops important to the ancient Babylonians?
Correct Answer
B. Rooftops provided a fourth living space.
Explanation
Rooftops were important to the ancient Babylonians because they provided an additional living space. This suggests that rooftops were utilized as an extension of their homes, allowing them to have more room for various activities. It is likely that the limited space within their houses led them to utilize rooftops as an additional area for living, working, or socializing.
6.
Babylon’s streets doubled as the town’s garbage dump.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that the streets in Babylon were used as a garbage dump. This implies that the town did not have a designated area for disposing of waste, leading to the streets being used for this purpose.
7.
What is the name of Babylon's ceremonial gate?
Correct Answer
A. The Ishtar Gate.
Explanation
The correct answer is The Ishtar Gate. The Ishtar Gate was a ceremonial entrance to the city of Babylon, located in present-day Iraq. It was constructed during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE. The gate was dedicated to the goddess Ishtar and was one of the eight gates of the city. It was known for its impressive blue glazed brickwork and decorative animal motifs. The Ishtar Gate is considered one of the most important archaeological finds from ancient Babylon.
8.
What was the main feature of Babylon’s New Year’s festival?
Correct Answer
A. The Procession of the Gods.
Explanation
The main feature of Babylon's New Year's festival was the Procession of the Gods. This suggests that the festival involved a grand procession where the gods were paraded or showcased in some way. This could have been a significant aspect of the festival, symbolizing the presence and power of the gods in the celebration and possibly serving as a form of worship or homage to them.
9.
What is Hammurabi best remembered for?
Correct Answer
C. His code of laws.
Explanation
Hammurabi is best remembered for his code of laws. This code, known as the Code of Hammurabi, was a set of laws that governed the Babylonian society during his reign. It consisted of 282 laws that covered various aspects of life, including crime, property, and family matters. The code was written on a stone monument and served as a legal framework for the civilization. Hammurabi's code is considered one of the earliest known legal systems and has had a significant influence on later legal codes and systems.
10.
What is true of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?
Correct Answer(s)
C. They were built by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, for his foreign-born wife.
D. They were built to resemble a mountain from the land of Medes.
Explanation
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, for his foreign-born wife. They were also built to resemble a mountain from the land of Medes.