Science, Technology, and Society

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic defined nomads in early civilizations?

They built permanent homes.

They remained in one location for extended periods.

They continuously moved in search of food. (correct)

They had a lifestyle focused on agricultural practices.

Which of the following was a significant development of Sumerian civilization?

The invention of the wheel.

The establishment of democracy.

Advanced agricultural techniques. (correct)

The creation of written laws.

What was the City of Uruk known for in the context of early civilization?

Having a population primarily composed of nomads.

Establishing the first known form of government.

Being considered the first true city in the world. (correct)

Being the first city to use metal tools extensively.

What materials primarily composed the houses in the City of Uruk?

Sun-baked bricks made from mud/clay. Signup and view all the answers

How did early nomads utilize stone tools?

To prepare foods and protect their territory. Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is credited with laying the foundation of human civilization in Mesopotamia?

Sumerian Civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did ziggurats serve in early Sumerian cities?

To serve as temples for high priests and worship. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following techniques did early civilizations like the Sumerians excel?

Architectural advancements including city planning. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is credited with establishing the concept of atomism?

Democritus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Aristotle's Theory of Four Causes?

Explanation of change and existence Signup and view all the answers

What architectural structure is known for having a seating capacity of 50,000?

Colosseum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements was NOT considered one of the four fundamental elements by Empedocles?

Ether Signup and view all the answers

What type of stone is primarily used in Roman architecture, particularly volcanic stone?

Tufa Signup and view all the answers

Which structure served as the main venue for the town council meetings in Roman cities?

Basilica Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher contributed notably to mathematics with the Pythagorean Theorem?

Pythagoras Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Arch of Septimius Severus?

Commemoration of military victories Signup and view all the answers

What was an important function of Roman aqueducts?

Providing water for various purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is considered the oldest in Asia?

Chinese Civilization Signup and view all the answers

Which Roman numeral represents the number 1000?

M Signup and view all the answers

What material was originally used for the cover of bound books in ancient Rome?

Wax Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the first Roman aqueduct, Aqua Appia?

To bring water from distant springs to Rome Signup and view all the answers

Which system did Romans adopt to facilitate high calculations required for trade?

Roman numerals Signup and view all the answers

What was an early form of media used in politics during the Roman era?

Newspaper Signup and view all the answers

What forms the basis for the production of silk?

Silkworms Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary materials used in the construction of the Great Wall of China?

Stone, bricks, wood, and tamped earth Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of gunpowder when it was developed by Chinese alchemists?

To achieve immortality Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take to complete the Great Wall of China?

200 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the major component percentage of saltpeter in gunpowder?

75% Signup and view all the answers

What is the height range of the Great Wall of China?

6 to 7 meters Signup and view all the answers

What was an early use of the compass during the Han Dynasty?

As an artificial magnetic device for orientation Signup and view all the answers

What structure is commonly attributed with protecting China from invaders?

The Great Wall of China Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about the Great Wall of China is accurate?

It spans approximately 21,196 km in length. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Great Ziggurat of Ur?

A temple dedicated to Nanna, the moon god Signup and view all the answers

What materials were used for the construction of the Ziggurat of Ur?

Sun-baked bricks for the inside and fired bricks for the outside Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural products were primarily cultivated by the Sumerians?

Wheat and barley Signup and view all the answers

What was the function of the levees in Sumerian irrigation systems?

To control the flow of water and prevent flooding Signup and view all the answers

What significant writing system did the Sumerians develop?

Cuneiform Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of using sailboats in Sumerian society?

For transporting goods and trading along rivers Signup and view all the answers

What type of number system did the Sumerians utilize?

Sexagesimal system with base 60 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary use of the first wheels invented by the Sumerians?

For farm work rather than transportation Signup and view all the answers

How did the plow benefit Sumerian agriculture?

Enabled faster soil digging for planting seeds Signup and view all the answers

What controlled the amount of water in Sumerian irrigation systems?

Gates on the ditches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evaluation and Development

Evaluation is used for making predictions, simplifying work, and fulfilling human needs.

Early Civilization

Nomads were people who moved continuously, seeking food and lacking permanent homes.
Basic needs for early humans included food, shelter, and clothing.
Nomadic groups relied on areas rich in resources and formed small tribes of hunter-gatherers.
Stone tools were essential for survival, aiding in hunting, food preparation, shelter construction, and territory protection.

Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia, named for its position between rivers, is recognized as the cradle of human civilization.
The Sumerians and Babylonians were key civilizations in this region.

Sumerian Civilization

The Sumerians were the first settlers in Mesopotamia, establishing a civilization through advancements in architecture, language, agriculture, and governance.
Cities were founded along rivers in South Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE, including notable cities like Eridu, Uruk, and Ur.

City of Uruk

Uruk is often considered the world's first true city, constructed without locally available building stones, using mud/clay and reeds for bricks.

Ziggurats

Ziggurats were large structures associated with cities, containing temples for high priests and dedicated to patron deities.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur, built as a temple for Nanna, the moon god, was approximately 170 feet tall and took 12 years to construct.

Agriculture

Sumerian agriculture included the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, grapes, and onions, as well as raising livestock like sheep and goats.
The irrigation system featured levees, canals, and ditches to control water supply and flooding for crop irrigation.

Cuneiform

Cuneiform was the first writing system, utilizing symbols carved on clay tablets with a reed stylus.
It served various functions, including trade, record-keeping, and storytelling.

Sumerian Innovations

The Sumerian number system was based on sixty (sexagesimal system).
Sailboats made from reeds facilitated trade along rivers.
The wheel, first developed for farming around 2000 BC, later became essential for transportation.
Plows increased agricultural efficiency by allowing faster soil preparation for planting.

Greek Philosophers

Key figures include Thales (water as a fundamental substance), Pythagoras (Pythagorean theorem), Empedocles (four fundamental elements), Democritus (atomism), and Archimedes (buoyancy laws).

Roman Civilization

Roman cities featured forums, temples, markets, and various public structures, integrating civic life with architecture.

Roman Architecture

Iconic structures include cathedrals, basilicas, coliseums, and aqueducts, showcasing engineering mastery.
The Pantheon was a temple for all Roman gods, while the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater with a seating capacity of 50,000.

Roman Aqueducts

Aqueducts transported water for public and private use, essential for fountains, baths, and agriculture.
The Aqua Appia, the first aqueduct, was constructed in 312 BC, and Rome had eleven aqueducts by the third century.

Roman Numerals

Developed to meet the needs of trade, symbols included I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, facilitating communication.

Other Discoveries

Innovations included bound books for record-keeping, initiated by Julius Caesar, and the early concept of newspapers for political communication.

Chinese Civilization

Recognized as the oldest civilization in Asia, it contributed significantly to cultural and technological advancements.

Silk and Tea Production

Silk was produced by silkworms; tea was processed and consumed in various forms, including dried teacakes.

Great Wall of China

Constructed to protect against invaders, extending over 21,196 km with an average height of 6-7 meters and built over 200 years.

Gunpowder and Compass

Initially developed for alchemical pursuits, gunpowder became used in fireworks and military applications; the compass, created from lodestone, was essential for navigation.

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