Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East
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Questions and Answers

What geographic feature was crucial for the development of Sumerian civilization?

  • Rivers (correct)
  • Lakes
  • Mountain ranges
  • Deserts

What material did Sumerians primarily use for building due to the scarcity of natural resources?

  • Lumber
  • Metal
  • Stone
  • Clay (correct)

What was a key challenge that villagers in ancient Sumer faced during the flooding seasons?

  • Loss of topsoil and destruction of homes (correct)
  • Lack of trade opportunities
  • Scarcity of food supplies
  • Damage to irrigation systems

Which of the following books is NOT part of the Torah?

<p>Book of Kings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles was primarily responsible for organizing projects to control floods in Sumer?

<p>Priests or royal officials (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which notable Sumerian literary work describes a catastrophic flood?

<p>The Epic of Gilgamesh (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant structure did King Solomon build in Jerusalem?

<p>The Temple (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Jewish society, who held the greatest legal and moral authority?

<p>The eldest male relative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the evolution of hereditary rule in Sumer?

<p>The need for stable governance after conflicts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments in Jewish tradition?

<p>To stress religious duties toward God (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed significantly to Sumer's trade and economic relationships with distant regions?

<p>Accessibility of river routes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically happened among rival city-states in ancient Sumer?

<p>They often battled for control over land and water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the covenant made by God with Abraham signify in Judaism?

<p>A promise of eternal land (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Babylonian Captivity for the Jewish people?

<p>A spreading out of the Jewish population known as the Diaspora (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a key belief of the ancient Israelites?

<p>Worship of multiple gods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the strong and wise second king of Israel who united the tribes?

<p>David (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first female ruler of Egypt during the New Kingdom?

<p>Hatshepsut (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pharaoh is credited with stretching Egypt's borders to their greatest extent?

<p>Thutmose III (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement is Ramses II known for during his reign?

<p>Signing the first peace treaty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ancient Egyptian religion, who was originally believed to rule Egypt before becoming the god of the dead?

<p>Osiris (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of scribes in ancient Egyptian society?

<p>To keep records and document knowledge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Book of the Dead in Egyptian beliefs?

<p>To guide souls through the afterlife (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following innovations did the Egyptians develop to aid in land surveying?

<p>Geometry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of writing did ancient Egyptians develop that was simpler than hieroglyphics?

<p>Demotic script (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Amenhotep IV introduce regarding religious practices?

<p>He mandated the worship of Aton exclusively (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which goddess was particularly associated with love and emotions in ancient Egyptian mythology?

<p>Isis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Egyptians view the process of mummification over time?

<p>Eventually available to common people as well (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major historical event happened in 332 B.C. concerning Egypt?

<p>The fall of the last Egyptian dynasty (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did ancient Egyptians believe about the heart concerning the afterlife?

<p>It was weighed against the feather of truth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plant did ancient Egyptians utilize to create a writing material similar to paper?

<p>Papyrus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Darius I play in the Persian Empire's governance?

<p>He introduced a single code of laws for the entire empire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the Persian economy's shift during Darius I's reign?

<p>The introduction of coins allowed for a money economy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason historians termed the Phoenicians as 'carriers of civilization'?

<p>They spread Middle Eastern civilization around the Mediterranean. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did geography significantly shape ancient Egypt's development?

<p>The Nile flooded regularly providing fertile land for agriculture. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Egypt face significant turmoil including corruption and rebellions?

<p>Middle Kingdom (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major advancement in military technology did the Egyptians adopt from the Hyksos?

<p>Horse-drawn war chariots (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the New Kingdom pharaohs expand Egyptian influence?

<p>By creating a large empire through military conquest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Nile River, what significance did the terms 'Black Land' and 'Red Land' hold?

<p>'Black Land' was fertile, while 'Red Land' was barren desert. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Egyptian society was central to the authority of the pharaohs?

<p>The belief that they were deities with absolute power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics defined the Old Kingdom of Egypt?

<p>Strong pharaohs creating an organized state through bureaucracy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the benefits of establishing a money economy as opposed to a barter system?

<p>All goods could be directly compared against each other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one impact of Zoroastrianism on the Persian Empire?

<p>It unified the empire under a single religious doctrine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to ancient Egypt's agricultural success?

<p>Effective irrigation systems and dikes along the Nile. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary responsibility did rulers have regarding their city-states?

<p>Maintain city walls and irrigation systems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which social class was considered the highest in Sumerian society?

<p>Ruling family and high priests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Sumerians perceive their gods?

<p>As ordinary people with human-like emotions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the ziggurat play in Sumerian society?

<p>A religious center dedicated to the chief god (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovation is credit to the Sumerians in terms of communication?

<p>Invention of cuneiform writing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant outcome of Hammurabi's Code?

<p>It codified civil and criminal law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which empire was established by Sargon around 2300 B.C.?

<p>The Akkadian Empire (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major advancement did the Hittites contribute to Mesopotamia?

<p>Knowledge of iron extraction from ore (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did women’s social status in Sumer compare to later civilizations?

<p>Women had more legal rights than in later civilizations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Sumerians believe about the afterlife?

<p>They lived in a grim underworld with no escape (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant literary achievement did Sumerians develop?

<p>The first epic poem documenting heroic narratives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable physical characteristic did Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian Empire feature?

<p>A defensive moat and an 85-foot thick brick wall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of the Assyrian Empire’s reputation?

<p>Being among the most feared warriors in history (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Sumerian mathematics included the division of time?

<p>A system based on six, dividing hours into sixty minutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fertile Crescent

A region in the Middle East known for its fertile land, named for the abundance of wheat and other crops.

Mesopotamia

The area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as 'the land between the rivers'.

Sumer

The world's first civilization, located in southeastern Mesopotamia.

Mesopotamian Floods

Powerful floods that could destroy villages and farmland, but also deposited fertile soil for agriculture.

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Irrigation

The process of channeling water from rivers to fields for irrigation.

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City-States

Independent cities with their own governments, rulers, and armies.

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Irrigation Systems

A complex system of ditches and canals used to manage water for agriculture, especially during dry seasons.

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Sun-Dried Bricks

Bricks made from clay and sun-dried, used extensively in Sumerian architecture.

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Role of the Sumerian Ruler

The ruler of a city-state in Sumer was responsible for maintaining infrastructure, leading armies, enforcing laws, and overseeing administration.

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Sumerian Social Hierarchy

Sumerian society had a strict hierarchy, with the ruling family, officials, and priests at the top, followed by merchants, artisans, and scribes. Peasants and farmers formed the lowest class.

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Women's Status in Sumer

In Sumerian culture, women held a higher social status than in later civilizations of the region, due to the influence of goddesses.

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Sumerian Polytheism

Sumerian mythology involved multiple gods and goddesses, each controlling different aspects of life.

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Ziggurats

The Sumerians built large stepped platforms called ziggurats, often topped with temples dedicated to their main god or goddess.

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Cuneiform Writing

The Sumerians developed cuneiform writing, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

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Sargon of Akkad & the First Empire

Sargon of Akkad, around 2300 B.C., established the first known empire by uniting multiple Sumerian city-states under his rule.

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Hammurabi & the Babylonian Empire

Hammurabi, ruler of Babylon, unified Mesopotamia under his rule, becoming known for his famous code of laws.

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Hammurabi's Code

The Hammurabi Code was a comprehensive set of laws that covered civil matters like contracts, property, and marriage, as well as criminal offenses.

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Hittites & Iron Technology

The Hittites, from Asia Minor, brought the knowledge of ironworking to Mesopotamia, revolutionizing weaponry and tools.

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Assyrian Warriors & Empire

The Assyrians, known for their fierce warriors, mastered iron weapons and established one of the most powerful empires in the region.

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Assurbanipal & The Library of Nineveh

King Assurbanipal, of the Assyrian Empire, established a vast library in Nineveh, preserving ancient knowledge.

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Nebuchadnezzar & the Neo-Babylonian Empire

Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of the neo-Babylonian empire, rebuilt Babylon into a magnificent city, famous for its Hanging Gardens.

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The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, known for their extraordinary beauty and engineering.

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Bureaucracy

A system of government using departments and officials following specific rules; an example was set up by Darius I in the Persian Empire.

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Barter Economy

An early form of economy where goods and services are exchanged for other items, rather than using money.

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Phoenician Alphabet

A way to represent sounds using symbols, developed by the Phoenicians. It influenced our alphabet.

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Tyrian Purple

A purple dye produced by the Phoenicians from a tiny sea snail, highly valued in ancient times.

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Pharaoh

The powerful Egyptian rulers, often seen as both human and divine.

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Vizier

The chief minister of Egypt, responsible for government administration, taxes, and irrigation.

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Life After Death

A term used to describe the ancient Egyptian belief in life after death, with elaborate burial practices.

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Middle Kingdom

A period in ancient Egypt marked by strong leadership, irrigation projects, and expansion into the surrounding regions.

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Ancient Egypt Regions

Ancient Egypt was divided into two main regions:

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Black Land

A term referring to the rich, fertile land along the Nile River, vital for Egyptian agriculture.

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Red Land

The barren desert surrounding the fertile Nile Valley.

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Nile Cataract

A natural waterfall on the Nile River, marking the southern boundary of Upper Egypt.

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Delta Region

The land formed by silt deposits at the mouth of some rivers.

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Ancient Egypt

The area around the Nile River, one of the first civilizations in the world and flourished for thousands of years.

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Nubia

A powerful civilization known for its gold, located to the south of Egypt.

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Monotheism

The belief in only one God, a concept central to Israelite faith, setting them apart from the polytheistic societies of their time.

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The Torah

A sacred text containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is considered a foundation of Jewish law and tradition.

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Covenant

A promise or agreement made between God and the Israelites, particularly with Abraham, establishing a foundational principle of their faith.

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The Talmud

A collection of Jewish oral law and interpretation of the Torah, compiled and written down centuries after the Torah.

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Laws and Morality in Judaism

A moral and legal framework contained within the Torah, addressing various aspects of life, from religious practices to social interactions.

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The Ten Commandments

A set of ten principles believed to be revealed by God to Moses, forming a cornerstone of Jewish ethics and morality.

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Jewish Prophets

Spiritual leaders who interpreted God's will and provided guidance to the Jewish people throughout history.

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The Diaspora

The forced relocation of Jewish people from their homeland in Judah to various parts of the world following the Babylonian Captivity.

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Hatshepsut

The first female ruler of Egypt during the New Kingdom. She ruled with the same rights as a pharaoh, encouraged trade, and expanded Egyptian influence.

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Thutmose III

Hatshepsut's stepson, who became pharaoh after her. Known for his military prowess and expansion of Egypt's borders to their greatest extent.

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Ramses II

A famous pharaoh of the New Kingdom who ruled for 66 years. He expanded Egypt's control northward to Syria, and engaged in fierce battles against the Hittites.

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The Egyptian-Hittite Peace Treaty

The first known peace treaty in history, signed between Egypt and the Hittites after years of conflict. It declared 'peace and brotherhood forever' between the two nations.

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Re

The god of the sun in ancient Egyptian religion. Later, he became associated with Amon, forming the powerful god Amon-Re.

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Osiris

The god of the underworld and judge of souls in ancient Egyptian religion. He was believed to weigh hearts against the feather of truth to determine a person's fate after death.

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Isis

The goddess of magic, healing, and motherhood in ancient Egyptian religion. She was also the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus.

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Set

Osiris' jealous brother who killed him and cut his body into pieces. He represents evil and darkness in ancient Egyptian mythology.

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Akhenaton

A pharaoh who challenged the traditional worship of Amon-Re. He dedicated his reign to the god Aton, seeking to reshape religious beliefs in Egypt.

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Aton

The god of the sun disk, worshipped by Akhenaton as the sole god of the universe. He replaced Amon-Re as the primary deity during Akhenaton's reign.

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The Book of the Dead

A collection of ancient Egyptian spells, charms, and prayers that were intended to help the deceased navigate the underworld and achieve eternal life.

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Mummification

The process of preserving dead bodies through embalming and wrapping them in cloth. This was a common practice in ancient Egypt, believed to ensure a successful afterlife.

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Hieroglyphics

A system of writing developed in ancient Egypt, composed of symbols or pictures that represented objects, concepts, or sounds. These were carved into stone and used for important records.

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Hieratic writing

A simpler form of writing developed in ancient Egypt. It was a cursive form of hieroglyphics used for everyday purposes.

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Papyrus

A plant that grows along the banks of the Nile. Its fibers were used to create a paper-like writing material.

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Rosetta Stone

A flat black stone found in Egypt, containing the same passage carved in hieroglyphics, demotic script, and Greek. It helped decipher the meaning of hieroglyphics.

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Astronomy

The study of the stars and planets. Egyptian priest-astronomers mapped constellations and charted planetary movements.

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Geometry

The science of measuring and understanding the Earth's surface. It was used by Egyptians to survey land, build pyramids, and create temples.

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Study Notes

Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East

  • Early civilizations arose in the Fertile Crescent, a region known for its rich soil and wheat.
  • Mesopotamia, meaning "between the rivers," is the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
  • Sumer, in southeastern Mesopotamia, was the birthplace of the world's first civilization.
  • Floods were common, requiring cooperation for irrigation and flood control, leading to organized societies.
  • Sumerians built with clay bricks, developing major cities like Ur and Uruk.
  • Trade connected Sumerian cities to distant regions like Egypt and India.

Sumerian Civilization

  • Sumer had about 12 city-states, often at war.
  • City-states were ruled by leaders who maintained irrigation and defense, acting as representatives of the gods.
  • Sumer had a social hierarchy with ruling families, officials, and priests at the top.
  • Middle class included priests, scribes, merchants, and artisans.
  • Lower class included peasants and farmers, some of whom were enslaved.
  • Women had varying social standing, with goddesses highly honored initially, but with limited legal rights.

Sumerian Religion and Contributions

  • Sumerians were polytheistic, believing many gods controlled everyday life.

  • Gods were human-like, with positive and negative attributes.

  • Ziggurats were large stepped platforms topped by temples, honoring chief gods.

  • Sumerians had rituals to keep the gods happy and ensure prosperity.

  • Belief existed in a grim underworld after death.

  • Cuneiform, wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, was the earliest form of writing, arising from recording goods.

  • Sumerian knowledge impacted later civilizations including Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

  • Sumerian scholars developed astronomy, mathematics, a number system based on 60, algebra, geometry, calendars, and eclipse prediction.

Invaders, Traders, and Empire Builders

  • Great empires arose in the region, with a mix of warriors and traders.
  • Sargon of Akkad built the first empire in Mesopotamia.
  • Hammurabi's Code was an early attempt at codifying laws, influencing civil and criminal law codes.
  • Hittites from Asia Minor introduced ironworking, changing weaponry and tools.
  • Assyrians were feared warriors with advancements in ironworking, creating a vast library in Nineveh.
  • Nebuchadnezzar revived Babylon, extending its empire and constructing impressive defenses.
  • Persians expanded the empire, with Darius I establishing a bureaucracy and using coins.
  • Phoenicians were traders and seafarers, spreading civilization and developing an alphabet.

Benefits of a Money Economy

  • Simplified exchanges
  • Simplified comparisons of items
  • Money can be saved

Kingdom on the Nile

  • Egypt's civilization depended on the Nile River.
  • Nile floods created fertile "Black Land." Desert "Red Land" beyond.
  • Egyptians built systems for irrigation and water storage.
  • Egypt united Upper and Lower Egypt into one civilization.
  • Development of Egyptian history into three main periods, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom.

Old Kingdom Egypt

  • Pharaohs held absolute power.
  • Egyptians believed pharaohs were gods.
  • Bureaucracy, a system of government with multiple departments and subdivisions, was used by the Pharaohs.
  • Viziers acted as chief ministers.
  • Social hierarchy with pharaohs, aristocrats, merchants, scribes, and peasants.
  • Egyptians believed in the afterlife, burying the dead in pyramids.

Middle Kingdom Egypt

  • Turbulent period with fluctuating Nile floods, corruption, and rebellions.
  • Strong rulers organized drainage projects.
  • Egyptians' land increased through the drainage projects.
  • Hyksos conquered part of Egypt by introducing bronze weapons.

New Kingdom Egypt

  • Large empire created by powerful pharaohs, reaching as far as Syria and the Euphrates.
  • Trade and interaction with neighboring regions increased.

Powerful Rulers of New Kingdom

  • Hatshepsut: First female pharaoh, encouraged trade.
  • Thutmose III: Military general, expanded Egypt's borders.
  • Ramses II: Ruled for 66 years, expanded control to Syria.
  • Fought wars with Hittites and signed a known peace treaty.
  • Egypt faced various invasions before the collapse of the final Egyptian dynasty in 30BC.

Egyptian Civilization

  • Religion played a key role, with belief in many gods, such as Re, Amon-Re, Osiris, and Isis.
  • Pharaoh Akhenaten attempted to change religious beliefs, but this didn't last.
  • Egyptians believed in an afterlife with a judgment of souls.
  • Mummification was used to prepare the dead for the afterlife.
  • Scribes were essential, keeping records and utilizing hieroglyphics and demotic script.
  • Egyptians had achievements in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, calendars, and geometry.

Arts and Literature

  • Egyptian achievements included statues, wall paintings, carvings, hymns, prayers, proverbs, love poems, and practical advice.

Roots of Judaism

  • Israelites, also known as Hebrews, were monotheistic.
  • Key belief was in a covenant with God.
  • Records of events and laws were written in the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
  • Additional texts like the Talmud expanded upon the laws and customs.
  • Spiritual leaders (prophets) reminded people of their duties and ethical considerations.
  • The diaspora of Jews during the Babylonian Captivity led to Judaism spreading throughout the world.
  • Jewish beliefs influenced Christianity and Islam.

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Explore the fascinating early civilizations that emerged in the Fertile Crescent, particularly focusing on Mesopotamia and Sumer. Discover the structure of Sumerian city-states, their innovative use of clay in construction, and the intricate social hierarchy that defined their society. Dive into the historical significance of trade connections with distant regions.

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