Ancient Japan history

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Questions and Answers

What geological process primarily shaped the islands of Japan?

  • Sediment deposition from major river systems.
  • Erosion from consistent monsoonal rains.
  • Glacial erosion during the Ice Age.
  • Volcanic activity and tectonic plate movement. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main islands that constitute Japan?

  • Honshu
  • Kyushu
  • Shikoku
  • Okinawa (correct)

In Japanese mythology, which divine couple is credited with creating the islands of Japan?

  • Raiden and Fujin
  • Amaterasu and Susanoo
  • Izanagi and Izanami (correct)
  • Ryujin and Otohime

Around what time period did the Jomon society, considered to be the earliest known culture in Japan, begin to emerge?

<p>14,000 BCE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What foreign influence had the most significant impact on the development of early Japanese culture?

<p>Korean and Chinese (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clan rose to prominence and is credited with establishing the first and longest-reigning imperial dynasty in Japan?

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

What was the fundamental unit upon which early Japanese social structure was based?

<p>Extended Family or Clan (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which religious ideology became intertwined with the authority of the imperial line?

<p>Shintoism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with creating Japan's first centralized government and codifying laws in a formal constitution?

<p>Prince Shotoku (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term aptly describes an emperor who holds the title but is effectively controlled by a military dictator?

<p>Figurehead Emperor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social class began to emerge during the Heian period, eventually dominating Japan's political landscape for centuries?

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

Which political and social system, characterized by a military dictatorship, dominated Japan for approximately 800 years?

<p>Feudalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the moral code that emphasized honor, loyalty, and martial skill and was followed by the samurai class?

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

What term was used to describe a samurai without a lord or master, often becoming mercenaries or outlaws?

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

Which group was known for their covert tactics and espionage, often employed to protect their lord's domain?

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

What sign were the Aztec people searching for to indicate the location where they should build their capital city, Tenochtitlan?

<p>An eagle perched on a cactus, eating a snake (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovative farming technique did the Aztecs use to create more agricultural land and increase food production?

<p>Chinampas (Floating Gardens) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Montezuma I contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the Aztec Empire?

<p>By consolidating the empire and expanding through military campaigns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the system of tribute play in the Aztec Empire's economy and governance?

<p>It was a primary source of wealth and maintained authority over conquered territories (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a unique characteristic of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, that set it apart from other cities of its time?

<p>Its construction on an island in a lake, connected by causeways (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategic measure did Hernán Cortés employ upon arriving in Mexico to commit his forces to conquering the Aztec Empire?

<p>He ordered his ships to be scuttled to prevent retreat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant advantage that aided the Spanish in their conquest of the Aztec Empire?

<p>Superior Naval Power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary factor that significantly weakened Tenochtitlan before its final defeat by the Spanish?

<p>A widespread smallpox epidemic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Migration Theory A, what was the primary means by which the first humans migrated to the Americas?

<p>Walking across the Bering Land Bridge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Migration Theory C propose regarding the peopling of the Americas?

<p>Early Americans may have come from multiple continents including Australia via island hopping across the Pacific. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many different calendars did the Maya civilization typically utilize, and what were their respective primary purposes?

<p>Three: One for tracking solar year, one for religious events, and one for historical timekeeping. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What farming technique did the Maya employ to replenish soil nutrients, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity?

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

Which deity held the highest position in the Inca pantheon and was central to their religious beliefs?

<p>Inti (Sun God) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What communication system did the Inca develop to relay messages and information quickly across their extensive empire?

<p>A system of runners called Chasquis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was trade limited within the Inca Empire, making it unique compared to other ancient civilizations?

<p>The government controlled distribution of goods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence indicates that the Olmec civilization had a theocratic form of government, where religious leaders held considerable power?

<p>The presence of religious symbols and iconography at their major sites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason the Olmec weren't recognized as the oldest Mesoamerican civilization until the 20th century?

<p>Their sites were buried under rainforest, hindering archaeological discoveries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic feature distinctly separates North Africa from the rest of the continent, creating two separate regions?

<p>The Sahara Desert (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which African culture is credited with being among the first to cultivate rice as a staple crop?

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

What type of belief system, recognizing a connection between the living and the spiritual world, was common in early African societies?

<p>Ancestor Veneration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant effect did the Sahara Desert have on shaping the development and interactions within Africa?

<p>It isolated communities and influenced trade routes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Congo River in the context of African geography and history?

<p>It is a major source of hydroelectric power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that contributed significantly to the Mali Empire's economic prosperity and influence?

<p>Its vast deposits of gold and control of trade routes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historically significant kingdom was situated in the area corresponding to modern-day Ethiopia?

<p>The Kingdom of Aksum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial role did griots play in early African societies?

<p>They were the oral historians and keepers of knowledge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes Lake Victoria a significant physical feature in Africa?

<p>It is the source of the Nile River (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental characteristic differentiates the Kalahari Desert from the Sahara Desert?

<p>The Kalahari has more biodiversity and supports more life than the Sahara (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which African empire's military decline can be partially attributed to the introduction and use of firearms by other groups?

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

What was particularly noteworthy about Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324?

<p>His immense wealth and entourage, which displayed Mali's riches to the world (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is believed to have significantly contributed to the decline of Great Zimbabwe?

<p>The depletion of nearby gold mines and environmental degradation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan?

<p>The worship of ancestors and nature spirits known as Kami (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Zen Buddhism from other forms of Buddhism practiced in Japan?

<p>Its focus on achieving enlightenment through meditation and intuition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Japan's Formation

Japan's formation is best described as an archipelago, a chain of islands formed by volcanic activity.

Japan's Major Islands

Shikoku is NOT one of Japan's four major islands, which are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Okinawa.

Creator Deities of Japan

According to Japanese mythology, the deities Izanagi and Izanami created the Japanese islands.

Emergence of Jomon Society

The first Japanese society, known as Jomon, emerged around 14,000 BCE.

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Cultural influence on early Japan

Early Japanese culture was significantly influenced by Korean culture, including writing and Buddhism.

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First Imperial Dynasty

The Yamato clan established the first imperial dynasty in Japanese history.

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Clans in Early Japan

Early Japanese social organization was based on clans, or uji, which were kinship groups.

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Sun Goddess and Imperial Line

The sun goddess Amaterasu became connected to the imperial line.

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First Centralized Government

Prince Shotoku created Japan's first centralized government and constitution.

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Powerless Emperor

A term for a powerless emperor controlled by the shogun is 'puppet emperor.

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Emergence of Samurai

The warrior class that emerged during the Heian period was the samurai.

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Feudalism in Japan

The system that dominated Japan for approximately 800 years was feudalism.

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The Samurai Code

The code that Samurai followed was called Bushido.

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Masterless Samurai

A masterless samurai was called a ronin.

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Stealth Warriors

The group that developed stealth tactics to protect their land were Ninjas.

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Aztec Settlement Sign

The primary sign the Aztecs used to determine where to establish their settlement was an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake.

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Floating Gardens

The Aztecs developed chinampas, or floating gardens, to support their growing population.

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Montezuma I's Contributions

Montezuma I expanded the Aztec Empire through military conquests and established legal codes.

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Aztec Tribute System

Tribute in the Aztec Empire was used to support the nobility, military, and public works projects.

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Tenochtitlan's Uniqueness

Tenochtitlan was unique because it was built on a lake, with a complex system of canals and causeways.

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Cortés' Ship Decision

Cortés scuttled his ships to prevent his men from leaving and to commit them to the conquest

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Spanish Conquest Disadvantage

Native immunity to disease was NOT an advantage for the Spanish during their conquest.

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Weakening of Tenochtitlan

Disease primarily weakened Tenochtitlan before its fall to the Spanish.

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Bering Land Bridge

Migration Theory A suggests the first Americans arrived via the Bering Land Bridge.

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Early Americans Arrival

Migration Theory C suggests early Americans arrived by boat following coastlines.

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Mayan Calendars

The Maya used multiple calendars which followed a 260-day cycle, a 365-day cycle and a Long Count calendar which tracked longer periods of time.

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Maya Agriculture

The Maya used techniques like slash-and-burn agriculture and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.

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Inca's Primary Deity

According to Inca religious beliefs, the sun god Inti was considered the most important.

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Inca Communication System

The Inca used a system of knotted strings called quipu to maintain records and communicate.

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Inca Trade Limitation

Trade was limited within the Inca Empire because the government controlled distribution of goods.

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Olmec Government

The Olmec's had large monuments, such as colossal heads, in religious centers suggests a theocratic government.

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Olmec Sites Rediscovery

The Olmec weren't recognized as the oldest Mesoamerican civilization until the 20th century because their sites were buried and difficult to find.

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Geographic Regions of Africa

The Sahara Desert creates two distinct regions in Africa, separating North Africa from Sub-Saharan Africa.

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African Rice Domestication

The first culture to domesticate rice in Africa was located in West Africa.

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African Beliefs

Animism, the belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena, was common among early African societies.

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Sahara Desert Impacts

The Sahara Desert presented a barrier to trade and cultural exchange between North and Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Congo River

The Congo River is significant because it is the second-longest river in Africa and an important transportation route.

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Mali Empire's Success

Mali Empire's control over gold mines helped ensure its economic success.

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East African Kingdom

The ancient African kingdom of Aksum was located in modern-day Ethiopia.

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African Oral Tradition

Griots served as oral historians, preserving and reciting the history and traditions of their people.

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Largest lake in Africa

Lake Victoria is significant because it is Africa's largest lake and a major source of the Nile River.

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The Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert is distinguished from the Sahara because it receives more rainfall and supports more plant and animal life.

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Firearms and the Songhai

The Songhai Empire's decline was influenced by the introduction of firearms because they were unable to defend themselves against firearms.

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Mansa Musa's pilgramage

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca was unique because he traveled with a large entourage and distributed vast amounts of gold, showcasing Mali's wealth.

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Decline of the great Zimbabwe

Deforestation and overpopulation contributed to the decline of Great Zimbabwe.

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Shintoism

The primary characteristic of Shintoism is its emphasis on the reverence of nature spirits, or kami.

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Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation and direct experience to achieve enlightenment.

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Study Notes

  • Japan is best described geographically as an archipelago.
  • Shikoku is one of Japan's four major islands. The others are Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu.
  • Izanagi and Izanami, according to Japanese mythology, created the Japanese islands.
  • The Jomon society, Japan's first known society, emerged around 14,000 BCE.
  • Early Japanese culture was significantly influenced by Korea and China.
  • The Yamato clan established the first imperial dynasty in Japan.
  • Early Japanese social organization was based on clans.
  • The sun goddess Amaterasu became connected to the imperial line.
  • Prince Shotoku created Japan's first centralized government and constitution.
  • A powerless emperor controlled by the shogun is described as a puppet emperor.
  • The warrior class that emerged during the Heian period were the samurai.
  • The Shogunate system dominated Japan for approximately 800 years.
  • Bushido was the code followed by the samurai.
  • A masterless samurai was called a ronin.
  • Ninja developed stealth tactics to protect their land.
  • The Aztecs looked for an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake to determine where to establish their settlement.
  • The Aztecs developed chinampas, or floating gardens, to support their growing population.
  • Montezuma I expanded the Aztec Empire and formalized the tribute system.
  • Tribute provided the Aztec Empire with resources and wealth from conquered territories.
  • Tenochtitlan was unique among ancient cities due to its construction on an island in a lake.
  • Cortés scuttled his ships to prevent his men from leaving.
  • Aztec weaponry was not an advantage to the Spanish.
  • Disease and starvation primarily weakened Tenochtitlan before its fall to the Spanish.
  • Migration Theory A suggests the first Americans arrived via a land bridge.
  • Migration Theory C suggests early Americans traveled along the coast.
  • The Maya used a solar calendar for agriculture and a ritual calendar for religious events.
  • The Maya used slash-and-burn agriculture to maintain soil fertility.
  • The sun god Inti was considered the most important deity, according to Inca religious beliefs.
  • The Inca used quipu, a system of knotted strings, to maintain control over their vast empire.
  • Trade was limited within the Inca Empire because the government controlled distribution.
  • Olmec colossal heads suggest they had a theocratic form of government.
  • The Olmec weren't recognized as the oldest Mesoamerican civilization until the 20th century because the swampy environment destroyed much evidence.
  • The Sahara Desert creates two distinct regions in Africa by separating North Africa from Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The Nok culture was the first to domesticate rice in Africa.
  • Animism was a common belief system among early African societies.
  • The Sahara Desert acted as a barrier to movement and cultural exchange in Africa.
  • The Congo River is significant because it is the largest river in Africa.
  • Mali Empire's economic success was due to its control of gold and salt trade.
  • The ancient African kingdom of Aksum was located in modern-day Ethiopia.
  • Griots served as oral historians and storytellers in early African societies.
  • Lake Victoria is significant because it is the largest lake in Africa.
  • The Kalahari Desert is different from the Sahara Desert because it receives more rainfall.
  • The Songhai Empire's decline was influenced by the introduction of firearms.
  • Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca was unique because of his immense wealth and entourage.
  • Overpopulation and deforestation contributed to the decline of Great Zimbabwe.
  • Shintoism is primarily characterized by the worship of spirits and ancestors.
  • Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation and intuition.
  • The Songhai Empire's decline was influenced by the introduction of firearms.

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