Questions and Answers
The arts developed in Sumerian city-states largely as
celebrations of the priest-kings' powers.
The Mesopotamian ziggurat, with its crowning temple, might have symbolized
a bridge between heaven and earth.
The Mesopotamian viewed human society as
part of a larger society governed by the gods.
The convention of hieratic scale can be seen in
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for endowing the Gods and the forces of nature that they represent with humanlike traits, a characteristic of Mesopotamian religion?
Signup and view all the answers
The story of Gilgamesh is considered an epic because it
Signup and view all the answers
What classic struggle do Gilgamesh and Enkidu represent?
Signup and view all the answers
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh and Enkidu because Gilgamesh
Signup and view all the answers
The Mesopotamian ruler's role in religion was to
Signup and view all the answers
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the first known literary work to
Signup and view all the answers
The Hebrews differ from other Near Eastern cultures in their
Signup and view all the answers
According to tradition, Abraham led his people out of their Mesopotamian homeland to Canaan in order to
Signup and view all the answers
The Hebrews believed their status as 'chosen people' meant that they were to
Signup and view all the answers
Why were the Hebrews supposed to neither speak or write their God's name?
Signup and view all the answers
How do the Ten Commandments differ from Hammurabi's Code?
Signup and view all the answers
Which structure in Neo-Babylonia do many believe was the legendary Tower of Babel described in Genesis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which city served as the capital of the Persian Empire?
Signup and view all the answers
King Darius incorporated multiple architectural styles in his great palace to
Signup and view all the answers
Zoroaster's greatest contribution to religious thought is the
Signup and view all the answers
Which god helps Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill Humbaba the Terrible, guardian of the Cedar Forest?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Sumerian Arts and Religion
- Arts in Sumer emphasized the priest-kings' divine authority through celebrations.
- Ziggurats symbolized a connection between the celestial and earthly realms.
Mesopotamian Cosmology
- Human society was perceived as a segment of a divine order presided over by gods.
Hieratic Scale and Literature
- The Royal Standard of Ur exemplified the use of hieratic scale to denote importance.
- The Epic of Gilgamesh is recognized as an epic that reflects a collective cultural identity and confronts mortality.
Characters and Themes in Gilgamesh
- Gilgamesh and Enkidu illustrate the conflict between nature and civilization.
- Ishtar retaliated against Gilgamesh by sending the Bull of Heaven due to his rejection of her proposal.
Religious Roles and Beliefs
- Rulers acted as intermediaries between humans and deities.
- The Hebrews distinguished themselves through monotheism, worshipping a single god and holding the title of "chosen people."
Abraham and Ethical Teachings
- Abraham led the Hebrews from Mesopotamia to Canaan to escape conflicts with Akkadians and Babylonians.
- The Ten Commandments function as an ethical framework, differing from Hammurabi's Code, which served as a legal code.
Babylonian Structures and Cultural Legacy
- The ziggurat of Marduk is widely regarded as the inspiration for the biblical Tower of Babel.
- Persepolis served as the capital of the Persian Empire, showcasing architectural diversity under King Darius.
Zoroastrian Contributions
- Zoroaster introduced the concept of free will as a significant element of religious thought.
Deities and Mythology
- Shamash, the sun god, aided Gilgamesh and Enkidu in their quest to defeat Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 2 of your history study. Learn about Sumerian culture, the significance of ziggurats, and the Mesopotamian view of society. Perfect for revising essential themes and definitions in ancient history.
