Spodek Chapter 4 Reading Quiz

The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were indeed located around the Huang He (Yellow River) valley. The Huang He valley is often referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization, as it was the birthplace of these early dynasties. The river provided fertile land for agriculture, which allowed these civilizations to thrive. Additionally, the proximity to the river facilitated trade and communication between different regions, contributing to the development of these dynasties. Therefore, the statement that the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were all located around the Huang He valley is true.

The Inca empire is known for building an extensive network of roads and paths. This infrastructure was crucial for the empire's communication, trade, and military movements. The roads were carefully constructed and maintained, often passing through difficult terrains such as mountains and valleys. The Inca road system, known as the "Qhapaq Ñan," stretched for thousands of miles, connecting various regions of the empire. These roads played a significant role in the empire's administration and control, allowing for the efficient movement of goods, people, and information across their vast territory.

The Shang state was characterized by a king who allowed relatives to rule regional areas. This means that power was decentralized, with the king delegating authority to his family members to govern different regions. This system of regional rulers contributed to the Shang state's structure and governance, as it allowed for a degree of autonomy and local control. It also suggests that the king had a level of trust in his relatives to effectively govern and maintain order in their respective areas.

The correct answer suggests that cities may develop without the need for hierarchy, centralization, government structure, or written language. This means that the excavated urban settlement in the Niger River valley did not show evidence of these factors being necessary for the development of cities. This challenges the commonly held belief that a centralized political authority and hierarchical social organization are essential for urban development. It implies that there may be alternative factors or conditions that contribute to the growth and establishment of cities.

Chinese oracle bones have provided useful information about the rulers of the Shang dynasty. These bones, which have been useful to archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians for at least three centuries, were first discovered at excavation sites. They were typically made from human bones and contain inscriptions that offer valuable insights into the political, religious, and social aspects of the Shang dynasty. By studying these oracle bones, researchers have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the rulers, their beliefs, and the society they governed.

The Bantu people migrated thousands of miles to southern Africa. This implies that they moved from their original location to settle in the southern parts of the continent. The statement suggests that the Bantu people were mobile and willing to travel long distances in search of new settlements or resources. This migration could have been driven by factors such as population growth, the need for new land, or environmental changes. It is an important aspect of Bantu history and their influence can still be seen in various parts of southern Africa today.

The given correct answer suggests that the first cities of the Americas were connected to the spiritual realm through shamans. This implies that the people in these cities had a strong belief in the supernatural and relied on shamans to communicate with the other-world. This spiritual connection may have played a significant role in the development and cultural practices of these early cities.

The domestication of the horse was a more recent development in early Chinese culture compared to the other options. This is because the domestication of the horse occurred around 4000-3500 BCE, while primitive writing, domestication of the water buffalo, and human grave sacrifices were practices that existed earlier in Chinese culture. The domestication of the horse had a significant impact on transportation, warfare, and trade, leading to advancements in various aspects of Chinese society.