History Alive! Grade 6: Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the word Mesopotamia mean?

land between rivers

Which two rivers are the largest in Southwest Asia?

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

What were some of the problems faced by Mesopotamian settlers? (Select all that apply)

Uncontrolled water supply (correct)

Food shortages (correct)

Attacks from neighboring communities (correct)

Building & maintaining water systems (correct)

Where did the first cities in Mesopotamia appear?

Sumer Signup and view all the answers

What is irrigation?

A means of supplying land with water Signup and view all the answers

What are levees?

A wall of earth built to prevent a river from flooding its banks Signup and view all the answers

What is silt?

Fine particles of rock that would clog up canals in the irrigation system Signup and view all the answers

What is a city-state?

An early city often walled in that was like a small, independent country with its own laws and government Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mesopotamia

Derived from a Greek term meaning "land between rivers."
Encompasses the area known today as modern-day Iraq.

Tigris & Euphrates Rivers

The two major rivers in Southwest Asia.
Originates from the mountains of Turkey, flowing into the Persian Gulf.

Challenges for Mesopotamian Settlers

Faced food shortages due to agricultural limitations.
Encountered issues with uncontrolled water supply affecting crops.
Required the construction and upkeep of complex irrigation systems.
Lived under the threat of attacks from neighboring communities.

Sumer

A region located in southern Mesopotamia recognized for the emergence of the first cities.

Irrigation

A crucial technique for supplying water to agricultural land.
Ensured stable food production in an otherwise challenging environment.

Levees

Earthen structures built to prevent rivers from overflowing.
Played an essential role in flood management and protecting settlements.

Silt

Fine rock particles that accumulated in irrigation canals.
Could obstruct water flow and disrupt farming practices.

City-State

Defined as an early city, often enclosed by walls.
Functioned as a small, independent entity with its own governing laws and systems.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 4 of 'History Alive! The Ancient World' with these flashcards. Dive into key terms related to the rise of Sumerian city-states and learn about Mesopotamia's significance in history.