Daily Life In Ancient Mesopotamia! Trivia Facts Quiz
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- 1.
Which art form were Sumerian artists NOT known for?
- A.
Pottery
- B.
Jewelry
- C.
Sculptures
- D.
Mosaics
Correct Answer
C. SculpturesExplanation
Sumerian artists were known for their skills in pottery, jewelry, and mosaics. However, sculptures were not a prominent art form in Sumerian culture. This can be attributed to the fact that Sumerians primarily focused on creating functional and decorative objects rather than large-scale sculptures. The absence of sculptures in their artistic repertoire sets them apart from other ancient civilizations like the Egyptians who were renowned for their monumental sculptures.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Religion was a large part of Sumerian daily life.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Religion played a significant role in the daily lives of the Sumerians. They believed in multiple gods and goddesses and conducted various rituals and ceremonies to please them. Temples were built as places of worship, and priests held important positions in society. Sumerians believed that their gods had control over all aspects of life, including agriculture, trade, and warfare. They offered sacrifices and prayers to ensure the favor of the gods and sought their guidance in decision-making. Therefore, it can be concluded that religion was indeed a large part of Sumerian daily life.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why were ziggurats built in the shape of stepped pyramids?
- A.
The shape reminded Sumerians of the mountains where they believed their gods lived.
- B.
The shape was copied from the Egyptians.
- C.
The shape was like an arrowhead pointing to the sky where they believed the gods lived.
- D.
The shape reminded the Sumerians of an upside down heart and represented the gods sending their love down to Sumer.
Correct Answer
A. The shape reminded Sumerians of the mountains where they believed their gods lived.Explanation
The correct answer is that the shape of ziggurats reminded the Sumerians of the mountains where they believed their gods lived. This suggests that the Sumerians built the ziggurats in this shape as a way to symbolize a connection between the earthly realm and the divine realm. By constructing the ziggurats in the shape of stepped pyramids, the Sumerians may have believed that they were creating a physical representation of the sacred mountains where their gods resided, allowing for a closer connection to the divine.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who could enter the temple at the top of a ziggurat?
- A.
Only priests could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat.
- B.
Anyone with an offering to leave could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat.
- C.
Only those who were being prepared to be sacrificed could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat.
- D.
Anyone who had “look out duty” could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat.
Correct Answer
A. Only priests could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat.Explanation
The correct answer is "Only priests could enter the temple at the top of the ziggurat." This is because ziggurats were ancient Mesopotamian religious structures, and the temple at the top was considered a sacred space reserved for priests who performed religious rituals and ceremonies. The general public or individuals with offerings were not allowed to enter the temple.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the phrases below describe a Sumerian ziggurat?
- A.
Mountain of the gods.
- B.
Temple
- C.
The center of daily life.
- D.
Protective fortress
Correct Answer(s)
A. Mountain of the gods.
B. Temple
C. The center of daily life.Explanation
The Sumerian ziggurat can be described as a "Mountain of the gods" because it was a massive structure that reached towards the heavens, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and divine realms. It can also be referred to as a "Temple" because it served as a religious sanctuary where rituals and offerings were made to the gods. Additionally, it was considered "The center of daily life" as it was not only a religious site but also a hub for administrative, economic, and social activities in the ancient Sumerian cities.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why was education so important to the Sumerians?
- A.
Someone who could read and write could always get a good job.
- B.
Because both parents usually worked, schools took care of the children.
- C.
No one could understand the will of the gods without an education.
- D.
Farmers needed to know when to plant and harvest their crops.
Correct Answer
A. Someone who could read and write could always get a good job.Explanation
Education was important to the Sumerians because someone who could read and write had more opportunities for employment. This suggests that literacy was highly valued in Sumerian society and that individuals with these skills were in high demand. Being able to read and write would have opened doors to various professions and roles, providing individuals with better job prospects and potentially higher social status.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following was NOT a common job of Sumerian priests?
- A.
Priests ran schools
- B.
Priests were doctors.
- C.
Priests determined how land would be used.
- D.
Priests were lawyers.
Correct Answer
D. Priests were lawyers.Explanation
In ancient Sumerian society, priests held significant roles and responsibilities. They were involved in various aspects of society, including running schools to educate the youth, providing medical services as doctors, and playing a crucial role in determining how land would be utilized. However, one job that was not commonly associated with Sumerian priests was being lawyers. Legal matters were typically handled by other individuals in the society, such as judges or administrators. Therefore, the correct answer is that priests were not commonly lawyers.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following statements are true for people in the lower class in ancient Sumer?
- A.
The lower class were paid for their work.
- B.
The lower class were identified by the style of clothes they wore.
- C.
People born in the lower class remained in the lower class.
- D.
The jobs lower class people did were restricted.
Correct Answer
A. The lower class were paid for their work.Explanation
In ancient Sumer, the lower class were indeed paid for their work. This suggests that they were engaged in various forms of employment and were compensated for their labor. The statement implies that there was an economic system in place where individuals from the lower class could earn wages for their services, distinguishing them from other social classes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
There was no slavery in ancient Sumer.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "There was no slavery in ancient Sumer" is false. Slavery was indeed present in ancient Sumer. The Sumerians practiced slavery, and it was an integral part of their society. Slaves were often prisoners of war or individuals who were sold into slavery due to debts or as a form of punishment. They were owned by wealthy individuals and were used for various tasks, including agricultural work, domestic chores, and even as concubines. Slavery played a significant role in the economy and social structure of ancient Sumer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How were slaves acquired in ancient Sumer?
- A.
Slaves were prisoners of war.
- B.
Slaves were awarded for good deeds.
- C.
When a Sumerian couldn’t pay a debt, they worked off their debt as a slave.
- D.
The king forced every Sumerian to work as a slave for a neighbor once every ten years.
Correct Answer
A. Slaves were prisoners of war.Explanation
In ancient Sumer, slaves were acquired through the capture and enslavement of prisoners of war. This means that individuals who were captured during warfare were subsequently enslaved and made to work for their captors. This was a common practice in many ancient civilizations, where victorious armies would often take captives as slaves to serve their needs and contribute to their society.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following statements are true about the role of women in ancient Sumer?
- A.
Women were the equals of men in ancient Sumer.
- B.
Women could serve in government in ancient Sumer.
- C.
Women could be educated in ancient Sumer.
- D.
Women could vote in ancient Sumer.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Women could serve in government in ancient Sumer.
C. Women could be educated in ancient Sumer.Explanation
In ancient Sumer, women had the opportunity to serve in government and be educated. This suggests that women had a significant role and were not limited to traditional gender roles. They were able to participate in political affairs and contribute to the governance of the society. Additionally, the fact that women could be educated indicates that they had access to knowledge and were able to develop their skills and abilities. However, there is no mention of women being the equals of men or having the right to vote in ancient Sumer.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Why is the Standard of Ur important?
- A.
It was discovered by Leonard Wooley at the Royal Tombs of Ur.
- B.
It had a treasure map hidden in its secret compartment.
- C.
It depicted the social classes of ancient Sumer.
- D.
It identified the king and queen at the Royal Tombs of Ur.
Correct Answer
C. It depicted the social classes of ancient Sumer.Explanation
The Standard of Ur is important because it depicted the social classes of ancient Sumer. This artifact provides valuable insight into the social structure and hierarchy of the Sumerian civilization. It helps historians and archaeologists understand the divisions and roles within Sumerian society, shedding light on their political and cultural systems. By studying the Standard of Ur, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Sumerians and their way of life.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Why were priests powerful in ancient Sumer?
- A.
Only priests could know the gods' will.
- B.
Priests were in charge of making sure everyone behaved in a way that would make the gods happy.
- C.
Priests determined who was a part of the upper class.
- D.
Priests determined who got an education in ancient Sumer.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Only priests could know the gods' will.
B. Priests were in charge of making sure everyone behaved in a way that would make the gods happy.Explanation
In ancient Sumer, priests were powerful because they were the only ones who could know the gods' will. This gave them authority and influence over the people, as they were seen as intermediaries between the gods and humans. Additionally, priests were responsible for ensuring that everyone behaved in a way that would please the gods, which further solidified their power and control over society.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which is NOT one of the social classes in ancient Sumer
- A.
Slaves
- B.
Priests
- C.
Noble class.
- D.
Lower class
Correct Answer
C. Noble class.Explanation
The social classes in ancient Sumer included slaves, priests, and a lower class. However, the noble class was not one of the social classes in ancient Sumer.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 24, 2018Quiz Created by
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