Archaeology of Early Civilizations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What action did Titus take in response to being treated poorly?

He resigned from the Senate.

He spoke up and contributed ideas. (correct)

He withdrew from political life.

He joined forces with other Patricians.

Which event is characterized by Caesar crossing the Rubicon?

The formation of the First Triumvirate.

A peace treaty with the Senate.

A declaration of war against Pompey. (correct)

His rise to emperor.

What title earned Julius Caesar after winning the civil war?

Dictator for life. (correct)

Emperor of Rome.

Consul.

Pontifex Maximus.

What significant title did Augustus earn after defeating the Senate assassins?

Emperor of Rome. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Caesar's assassination on March 15th?

The start of a new civil war. Signup and view all the answers

Which class in the Vedic texts is known as the lowest ranked varna?

Shudras Signup and view all the answers

Who founded Taoism, which emphasizes balance and harmony in relation to the universe?

Lao Tzu Signup and view all the answers

In the Vedic caste system, which group was traditionally considered the untouchables?

Dalit Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant emphasis of Confucianism as founded by Kong Fuzi?

The morality of individuals and governments Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Jati' refer to in the context of the Vedic texts?

The birth category one is born into Signup and view all the answers

What action did Alexander take against Philotas after discovering he knew about the assassination attempt?

He executed him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant event that occurred in 587 BCE related to King Solomon?

The destruction of Solomon's Temple. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the conflict between Rome and Carthage in the Punic Wars?

Control over trade and land resources. Signup and view all the answers

What tactic did Hannibal famously use during his campaign against Rome?

Crossing the Alps. Signup and view all the answers

Which group in Roman society was specifically recognized as Patricians?

Upper-class citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Plebeian Tribunate in Roman society?

To advocate for Plebeians' rights. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happened to Cleitus, the general who saved Alexander's life?

He was executed by Alexander. Signup and view all the answers

How many Punic Wars did Rome win against Carthage?

Three. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ziggurats in ancient Mesopotamia?

They functioned as sacred enclosures around temples. Signup and view all the answers

Which ruler is known for creating the first known law code that addressed compensation for victims?

Urukagina Signup and view all the answers

What concept in Dharmic religions signifies the cycle of death and rebirth?

Samsara Signup and view all the answers

Which city is referred to as the 'First City' in Sumer, with a peak population of 74,500?

Uruk Signup and view all the answers

How did the Code of Hammurabi change the legal system in ancient Babylon?

It designated punishment for specific crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What does moksha represent in the context of Dharmic religions?

The moment of enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

What position did Inanna hold in ancient Sumerian society?

She was the goddess of war and love. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Dharmic religions' refer to?

Religions originating from the Indian subcontinent. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Qin Shi Huang's desire for immortality?

He died from mercury poisoning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the hierarchy system presented?

It outlines specific duties and expectations between different roles. Signup and view all the answers

What method was primarily used to fund the public construction projects during the Qin Dynasty?

Heavy taxation of citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the eunuchs play during Qin Shi Huang's succession crisis?

They forged documents to manipulate the succession. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'polis' in the context of Classical Greece?

A city or city-state in Greek society. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major construction project highlighted during Qin Shi Huang's reign?

The Great Wall of China. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in China during Qin Shi Huang's rule?

China was consolidated under a centralized government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'Agora' in Classical Greece?

The market area of a Greek city. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant external conflict faced by the Roman Empire?

Barbarian invasions from the north and east Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Tetrarchy established by Diocletian?

To split administrative control and military authority Signup and view all the answers

Who was Alaric and what role did he play in the Roman Empire's decline?

A chief of the Visigoths who invaded Italy Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Attila the Hun take against the Roman Empire?

He failed to take Rome and retreated Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Agora' refer to in ancient Greek contexts?

A marketplace Signup and view all the answers

Which group in the caste system is considered the labor class?

Shudras Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary consequence of the civil wars within the Roman Empire?

Disruption of trade and unsafe travel Signup and view all the answers

What are the three orders of Greek column styles in architecture?

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Archaeology

Sumer, Mesopotamia had cuneiform writing (wedged writing)

Early Civilizations to Cities

Çatalhöyük: Located in South Central Turkey; had houses and communal spaces; population grew from low hundreds to thousands.
Uruk: Considered the "first city" (~5000 BCE to 70CE); existed by 4000 BCE; had a population reaching 74,500; a significant city according to archaeologists.
Sumerian King List: Included information like Gilgamesh and other deities (e.g., Anu, Inanna).
Ziggurats and Temenos: Ziggurats had a pyramid structure with steps, leading to a housing for a god; Temenos was a sacred enclosure surrounding a temple; this separated the holy space from the outside world, similar to a torii gate.

Kingdoms to Empires

Urukagina of Lagash: A Sumerian king who ruled Lagash; created the first known law code (Reforms).
1st Known Law Code (Reforms): Urukagina's code; aimed at compensating victims, combating corruption (limiting the power of big landowners and priests), and exempting widows and orphans from taxes.
Hammurabi (~1792 - 1750 BCE): Promulgated a law code, known as the Code of Hammurabi; considered one of human history's oldest law codes.
Code of Hammurabi: Outlined punishments (physical or monetary) for specific crimes; introduced the concept of "innocent until proven guilty."

Moksha: The realization that leads to the escape of Samsara (rebirth); implications include whether or not rebirth is possible and joining the universe.
Dharma: Universal truth; shared belief in Dharmic religions.
Samsara: Cycle of death and rebirth; features the spirit of individuality (alam), the universal spirit (Brahman), and the temporal effects of karma on rebirth; the moment of enlightenment (moksha).
Varna Caste System: A system of social classes based on type, order, color, or class; categories include Brahmin (highest), Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Dalit (lowest).

Classical China

Taoism/Daoism: Founded by Lao Tzu; focused on balance and harmony between humans and animals.
Confucianism: Founded by Kong Fuzi/Confucius; emphasized personal and governmental morality, relationships, and sincerity; included the "Five Constant Relationships."
Qin Dynasty: Founded by Qin Shi Huang; had large-scale construction projects using forced labor (citizens, criminals, and slaves); led to the construction of the Great Wall.
Qin Shi Huang's Death: Death was hidden for 2 months, associated with scandals about succession and a forged will.

Classical Greece

Polis, Agora, Acropolis: Terms used in Greek society; polis is a city, agora is the market, and acropolis is the highest point of a city.
Greek Leagues: Greek cities and their colonies formed military or political alliances
Greco-Persian Wars: Greece vs. Persia
Peloponnesian Wars: Greek city-states (e.g. Sparta and Athens) conflicted
Alexander the Great: Son of Philip II of Macedon; taught by Aristotle; had an interest in philosophy, medicine, and scientific investigation; conquered much of the known world. (Battle of Granicus River)

The End of the Alexander the Great Period

Darius III left wives and daughter after fleeing from Alexander
Bessus became king, but Alexander killed him.
Persepolis: Captured city, resistance was met with burning and pillaging of the religious capital.

Later Period: Roman Republic/Empire

Punic Wars: Wars between Rome and Carthage; Rome won all three wars.
Patrician: Upper-class citizens of the Roman Empire; held significant power.
Plebeian: Lower-class citizens of the Roman Empire; had less power and influence.
Julius Caesar (100 BCE-44 BCE): Developed military power, part of the First Triumvirate; declared dictator for life; assassinated, causing civil war.
Second Triumvirate: Political alliance between Augustus, Anthony, and Lepidus; Augustus won and became the first emperor.
Pax Romana: Period of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire.

Fall of the Roman Empire

Barbarian Invasions: Invasions from northern and eastern Europe, along with constant civil wars, led to the disruption of trade and unsafe travel.
Diocletian (284-311 CE): Divided the empire in half to better manage it.
Tetrarchy: Divided ruling power between two senior and two junior emperors.
Fall of the Western Roman Empire: Triggered by internal conflicts and external pressures; events like Alaric the Visigoth sacking Rome and Attila the Hun's invasions were key factors.

Additional Information

Vedas: Oral tradition of stories, myths, and history passed down by speakers; no written text.
Confucianism: Adaptable order.
Testing Notes: Specific terms and information helpful for tests. (e.g. Agora, Punic Wars being a series of wars, not battles.)

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of early civilizations such as Sumer and Çatalhöyük. This quiz covers key developments like cuneiform writing, the rise of significant cities, and the establishment of the first known law code. Test your knowledge on the influential cultures that laid the groundwork for future societies.