Western Civ Chapter 1

A hierarchy is a social system that ranks certain people as more important and more dominant than others. In a hierarchy, individuals are organized into levels or positions based on their power, authority, or status. This system creates a clear structure of dominance and subordination, where those at the top have more control and influence than those at the bottom. Hierarchy can exist in various contexts, such as in organizations, governments, or even within social groups. It is a way of organizing and maintaining order, but it can also perpetuate inequality and privilege.

The first cities were formed in Mesopotamia around 4000-3000 B.C.E. Mesopotamia, which means "between the rivers" in Greek, was located in the region of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait. It was situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provided fertile land for agriculture and facilitated trade and transportation. The cities in Mesopotamia, such as Uruk and Ur, were centers of civilization and innovation, with advanced systems of writing, governance, and architecture.

Homo Sapiens first appeared in Africa. This is supported by scientific evidence such as fossil records and genetic studies, which indicate that the oldest known Homo Sapiens fossils and the most genetic diversity among modern human populations are found in Africa. Additionally, archaeological findings suggest that early human civilizations and cultural developments also originated in Africa.

Hammurabi, the Babylonian king, is best known for instituting the most famous set of early laws. These laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi, were a collection of legal principles that governed various aspects of Babylonian society. The code consisted of 282 laws that covered a wide range of topics, including criminal law, civil law, and family law. It is considered one of the earliest known legal codes and has had a significant influence on subsequent legal systems around the world.

Homer is the Greek poet credited with composing two of the most famous epic poems in Western literature, the Illiad and the Odyssey. These poems are considered foundational works in the genre of epic poetry and have had a significant influence on subsequent literary traditions. Homer's authorship of these epics is widely accepted and he is regarded as one of the greatest poets of ancient Greece.

The temporary dwellings of Paleolithic groups never became permanent settlements because they had to constantly roam in order to survive. Paleolithic groups were hunter-gatherers, relying on the availability of food and resources in different areas. Staying in one place for too long would deplete the resources in that area, making it necessary for them to move on to new locations. This constant movement prevented them from establishing permanent settlements.

The Olympic games were held every four years at Olympus in a sanctuary dedicated to the god Zeus. Zeus was the king of the gods in Greek mythology and was associated with thunder, lightning, and the sky. The Olympic games were an important religious and athletic event in ancient Greece, and were held in honor of Zeus. The athletes would compete in various sports to showcase their physical abilities and honor the god Zeus.

Nebuchadnezzar II was the most notable ruler of the short-lived Neo-Babylonian Empire. He is known for his military campaigns, architectural achievements, and the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Nebuchadnezzar II also played a significant role in the biblical accounts, particularly in the story of the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people. His reign marked a period of cultural and economic prosperity for the Neo-Babylonian Empire, making him the correct answer to the question.

Solomon was the last king of a unified Hebrew kingdom because after his reign, the kingdom split into two separate entities: the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south. Solomon's rule was characterized by prosperity, wisdom, and the construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem. However, his excessive taxation and forced labor policies led to discontent among the people, ultimately resulting in the division of the kingdom after his death.

The primary god of the Hebrews was named Yahweh. This is because Yahweh is the name of the God in the Hebrew Bible, and it is the name that is commonly used to refer to God in Jewish tradition. The Hebrews believed that Yahweh was the one true God and that they were his chosen people. Yahweh is also often referred to as Jehovah in some Christian traditions.

Hoplites were infantrymen who formed the main strike force of the Greek militia. They were heavily armed soldiers who fought in a phalanx formation, using spears and shields. Their disciplined and coordinated attacks made them a formidable force on the battlefield.

Historians' traditional definition of civilizations includes cities with dense populations and large buildings for community purposes, formal political systems and diverse crafts, and the knowledge of writing among at least part of the population. However, trade practices capable of transporting goods great distances is not specifically mentioned as a part of their definition.

Helots were a class of enslaved people in Spartan society. They lived under the constant threat of officially sanctioned violence and humiliation, as mentioned in the question. They were public slaves and could only be freed by the community, which is also mentioned in the question. There were more helots than Spartans in Sparta, indicating their large population and significance in the society. The only statement that does not apply to helots is that they owed only twenty years of service. This suggests that helots were not limited to a specific term of service, but were enslaved for life.

In Archaic Age Greece, women were denied the right to participate in politics. Although they were considered citizens of the city-state, they were excluded from political activities and decision-making processes. Women had limited roles and were expected to focus on domestic duties and child-rearing. While they had access to the justice system and could participate in religious activities, their involvement in politics was restricted, reflecting the patriarchal nature of the society during that time.

Women needed to carry and nurse infants. This explanation suggests that women were unable to participate in activities that required long-distance travel, such as hunting large game, because they had the responsibility of taking care of their infants. Carrying and nursing infants would have made it difficult for women to travel for long periods of time and engage in physically demanding activities like hunting.

The correct answer is Sumer. Sumer, located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), is widely regarded as the birthplace of the first cities and civilization. The Sumerians developed advanced agricultural techniques, invented writing (cuneiform), built complex city-states with organized governments, and made significant contributions in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. Their innovations and cultural achievements laid the foundation for future civilizations in the region and beyond.

The principal military striking force of the Neo-Assyrians was foot soldiers. This means that their main force consisted of infantry troops who fought on foot rather than using other means of transportation or weaponry such as cavalry, warships, or chariots. Foot soldiers were likely the backbone of their army, providing the necessary manpower and versatility for various types of warfare and tactics.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid built by King Cheops. Giza is a famous archaeological site in Egypt, located on the outskirts of Cairo. It is home to the three largest pyramids in Egypt, including the Great Pyramid. The pyramids at Giza are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are a significant historical and cultural landmark in Egypt.

The Zoroastrian religion was based on the doctrines of the prophet Zarathustra. Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, was the founder of Zoroastrianism and is considered a major figure in the religion. He preached monotheism and the existence of a supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who represented truth, light, and goodness. Zarathustra's teachings emphasized the battle between good and evil, with Ahriman representing the force of evil. His teachings formed the foundation of Zoroastrianism and influenced many aspects of Persian culture and belief systems.

The most significant development in the Stone Age was the production of food by farming. This marked a major shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural one, allowing humans to settle in communities and develop a more stable and reliable food source. Farming led to the domestication of plants and animals, which in turn led to the development of complex societies, the division of labor, and the advancement of technology. This shift laid the foundation for the development of civilizations and the progress of human history.

The Hebrew covenant was a sacred agreement believed to have been made between Yahweh, the Hebrew God, and Moses, their leader. This covenant outlined the terms and conditions of their relationship, including the commandments and laws that the Hebrew people were to follow. It was a significant event in Hebrew history and played a crucial role in shaping their religious and cultural identity.

King Hammurabi's law code divided society into three categories: free persons, commoners, and slaves. This division was based on the social hierarchy prevalent during that time. Free persons were individuals who had certain rights and freedoms, such as owning property and participating in trade. Commoners were the majority of the population who were not part of the royalty or priestly class but had some rights and responsibilities. Slaves, on the other hand, were considered the lowest class and were owned by others, lacking personal freedoms and rights.

The correct answer is Minoan. The Minoan civilization emerged on the island of Crete around 2200 B.C.E. The Minoans were known for their advanced culture, trade networks, and sophisticated art and architecture. They had a complex society with a centralized government, a system of writing known as Linear A, and a thriving economy based on agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Minoans also had a strong influence on later civilizations, such as the Mycenaeans, who eventually conquered them.

The Canaanites' most important innovation was the creation of an alphabet in which each letter represented a single sound in the language. This innovation revolutionized writing systems, as it allowed for a more efficient and simplified way of recording and communicating information. This alphabet was later adopted and adapted by various civilizations, including the Greeks and the Romans, and it eventually evolved into the alphabets used in many languages today.

The Mycenaeans seem to have spent more time and resources on war than on religion. This can be inferred from historical evidence such as the presence of heavily fortified cities, warrior graves, and depictions of warfare in their artwork. Additionally, the Mycenaeans were known for their military prowess and aggressive expansion, as seen in their involvement in the Trojan War. In contrast, other civilizations like the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Hebrews placed a greater emphasis on religious practices and rituals, as evidenced by their monumental temples, religious texts, and religious ceremonies.

The security of the New Kingdom was most threatened by the Hittites. The Hittites were a powerful empire located in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, and they posed a significant military threat to Egypt during the New Kingdom period. The Hittites engaged in several military campaigns against Egypt, including the famous Battle of Kadesh. This conflict between the Hittites and Egypt resulted in a power struggle for control over the region, making the Hittites a major threat to the security of the New Kingdom.

The Minoans created a civilization on the island of Crete that thrived between 2200 and 1400 B.C.E. The Minoans were known for their advanced culture, including their impressive architecture, complex social structure, and maritime trade. They were skilled in arts and crafts, as seen in their intricate pottery and frescoes. The Minoans also had a system of writing known as Linear A, although it has not been deciphered yet. Their civilization declined around 1400 B.C.E., possibly due to natural disasters or invasions.

In the Greek city-state of Sparta, the helots were a class of enslaved people who were responsible for performing the majority of the work. They were owned by the Spartan citizens and were primarily tasked with agricultural labor, allowing the Spartans to focus on military training and warfare. The helots were an integral part of the Spartan society and their labor was essential for the functioning of the city-state.

The correct answer is that the Mycenaeans built palaces centered on imposing throne rooms with large hearths. This statement suggests that the Mycenaeans placed importance on their rulers and their seat of power, as well as the use of hearths for warmth and cooking. This architectural feature indicates a centralized and hierarchical society. The other statements in the question do not provide information about the construction of palaces or the use of throne rooms and large hearths.

The Mycenaeans were an Indo-European people who developed a civilization in the Peloponnese peninsula. They were known for their advanced architecture, including the construction of fortified cities like Mycenae and Tiryns. They were also skilled warriors and were involved in the Trojan War as depicted in Homer's epic, the Iliad. The Mycenaeans were influential in the spread of Greek culture and language throughout the region.

Individual Excellence was the most highly valued personal quality among the Greeks. This can be attributed to the Greek's emphasis on personal achievement and the pursuit of excellence in various aspects of life, including athletics, arts, and philosophy. The Greeks believed that individuals who excelled in their respective fields were deserving of admiration and respect. This value of individual excellence can be seen in the Greek concept of arete, which refers to the fulfillment of one's potential and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.

The Old Kingdom in Egypt was a period characterized by a strong centralized state, with power concentrated in the hands of a king. This means that the political authority and decision-making were controlled by the king, who held significant power and influence over the entire kingdom. The centralization of power allowed for effective governance and administration, as well as the implementation of large-scale projects such as the construction of monumental pyramids.

Memphis was the first capital of united Egypt. It was founded around 3100 BCE and served as the political and cultural center of the country during the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods. Located near the Nile River, Memphis held great importance as a strategic and administrative hub. It was home to numerous temples, palaces, and monuments, including the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Djoser. However, over time, the capital shifted to other cities like Thebes and eventually Cairo.

The correct answer is 100 years. The Dark Age in the Near East lasted for a period of 100 years following the calamities between 1200-1000 B.C.E. This suggests that there was a significant decline in civilization, cultural development, and economic prosperity during this time. It is important to note that this period is often characterized by a lack of written records and archaeological evidence, making it challenging to precisely determine the duration and extent of the Dark Age.

During the Dark Age, the Greeks learned to write again around 800 BCE. They acquired this knowledge from the Phoenicians.

The power and success of the Egyptian kings depended on their fulfillment of religious obligations, specifically their ability to make the Nile River flood every year. This act demonstrated the king's maat, or their ability to maintain order and balance in the world. The flooding of the Nile was crucial for agriculture and the prosperity of the kingdom, so the king's ability to control this natural event was seen as a sign of their divine power and legitimacy as a ruler.

The greatest contribution that the Hebrews made to Western Civilization is monotheism and the centrality of scripture. This means that they introduced the belief in one God and the importance of religious texts. This had a profound impact on Western Civilization, shaping its religious and cultural development. Monotheism influenced the development of Christianity and Islam, two major world religions. The centrality of scripture also laid the foundation for the Judeo-Christian tradition, which has had a significant influence on Western moral and ethical values.

Ancient Egypt was known for its social hierarchy, with pharaohs at the top and slaves at the bottom. There was a clear distinction between different social classes, and social equality was not a prominent feature of ancient Egyptian society. This lack of social equality would not have contributed to the relative stability and prosperity of Egypt.

Archaeological findings suggest that redistributive economic systems were present in the Minoan, Mesopotamian, and Mycenaean cultures. This means that these cultures had economic systems where resources were collected and then redistributed among the population. These findings provide evidence of a centralized authority or governing body that controlled the allocation of resources in these societies.

The Bronze Age in the west was approximately between 4000-1000 B.C.E. This era marked a significant advancement in human civilization, where bronze, a metal alloy made from copper and tin, was widely used for tools, weapons, and other artifacts. It was a period of technological and cultural development, characterized by the rise of complex societies and the emergence of trade networks. The timeframe of 4000-1000 B.C.E. aligns with archaeological evidence and historical records of the Bronze Age in western regions.

Ionian and other philosophers of the Archaic Age believed that the universe was arranged in an orderly and therefore knowable way. They also reasoned that the universe was regulated by a set of laws of nature rather than by the arbitrary intervention of divine beings. They believed that people must use logic and evidence to explain the cosmos, rather than rely upon tradition and authority alone. However, the statement that they founded schools and academics to train others is not true.

The correct answer suggests that the Mycenaeans were initially influenced by the Minoans, but eventually became dominant over the Minoan territory. This implies that there was a shift in power and control between the two civilizations, with the Mycenaeans taking over the Minoan lands.

Akhenaten is the correct answer because he is known for creating a monotheistic religion in Egypt. He introduced the worship of the sun god, Aten, as the supreme deity, replacing the traditional polytheistic beliefs centered around Amun-Re. This shift in religious practice is considered by some scholars to be the world's first instance of monotheism.

The Archaic Greeks adopted the writing system of the Phoenicians to their own language around 800 B.C.E. The Phoenicians were known for their highly developed script, which was based on an alphabet of 22 consonants. The Greeks modified this alphabet by adding vowels, creating the foundation for the Greek alphabet that is still in use today. This adoption of the Phoenician writing system allowed the Greeks to record and communicate their own language more effectively, leading to advancements in literature, philosophy, and other fields.

According to the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the dead did not have to convince a jury of kings that their life was virtuous. Instead, the gods judged each human after death based on their actions and deeds in life. The goal for each human was to live a life dedicated to justice and good deeds, and those who received a positive judgment from the gods would be spiritually united with Osiris.

The Neo-Assyrian Empire was the first empire to emerge following the Dark Age in the ancient Near East. This empire rose to power in the 10th century BCE and reached its height in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. The Neo-Assyrians were known for their military prowess and aggressive expansion, conquering many surrounding regions and establishing a vast empire. They were also known for their advanced administrative systems and cultural achievements, making them a significant power in the ancient world.

King Nebuchadnezzar II ruled the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This empire was a successor to the Neo-Assyrian Empire and was known for its architectural achievements, such as the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Greek Empire and the Persian Empire were ruled by different leaders and were not under the control of King Nebuchadnezzar II.

The Greek Dark Age is believed to have occurred between 1000-750 B.C.E. This period followed the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization and was characterized by a decline in population, trade, and cultural development. It was a time of political instability and economic hardship, with many cities being abandoned and the Greek population becoming more fragmented. The Dark Age eventually gave way to the Archaic period, marked by the revival of trade, the development of city-states, and the emergence of Greek literature and art.

The Hyksos were a group of foreign invaders who attacked Egypt during the late middle kingdom. They were likely of Semitic origin and their invasion marked the end of the Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the Second Intermediate Period in Egyptian history. The Hyksos established their capital at Avaris and ruled over northern Egypt for several centuries. They introduced new military technology, such as the horse-drawn chariot, which greatly impacted Egyptian warfare. Eventually, the Hyksos were expelled from Egypt by the pharaoh Ahmose I, leading to the start of the New Kingdom.

Archilochus was a poet known for his satirical and mocking poems that challenged traditional values, particularly militarism. His works often criticized the glorification of war and the ideals associated with it. Through his poems, Archilochus used his wit and humor to question and challenge the prevailing beliefs and norms of his time. His satirical approach made him famous and influential in the literary world, as he used poetry as a medium to express his dissent and critique societal values.