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Questions and Answers
What were the Tigris and Euphrates rivers primarily essential for in ancient Mesopotamia?
Which of the following was a significant achievement of Mesopotamia?
What was the role of Moses in the history of the Hebrews?
What does the term 'theocracy' refer to in the context of Hebrew governance?
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Which of the following statements about Abraham is accurate?
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What was the Epic of Gilgamesh primarily known as?
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What impact did the Ten Commandments have on Judaism?
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Where was the Land of Canaan located in relation to key geographical features?
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What role did the Nile River play in Egyptian civilization?
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What was a significant achievement of the ancient Egyptians in terms of writing?
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How was the Pharaoh viewed in ancient Egyptian society?
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In the context of Egyptian civilization, which best describes their economy?
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Which of the following social structures characterized ancient Egyptian society?
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What was the religious belief system of ancient Egyptians?
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Which technological advancement is credited to ancient Egyptians that aided agriculture?
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What was a primary method used by ancient Egyptians to ensure the afterlife was accessible for Pharaohs?
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What does Harriet Tubman's nickname 'Moses' signify in relation to her life and actions?
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Which of the following best describes the geographic characteristics of the Phoenicians?
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What was a significant achievement of the Phoenicians?
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How did written language contribute to society as mentioned in the content?
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What social structure was prevalent in early civilizations as described?
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What does the term 'pictographs' refer to in the context of written languages?
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Which of the following statements about women's rights in Phoenicia is accurate?
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What was the primary focus of the Phoenician economy?
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Study Notes
River Valley Civilizations
- During the New Stone Age, permanent settlements arose along river valleys and around the Fertile Crescent.
Geography & Impact of Egypt
- Located in the fertile Nile River Valley
- Nile River floods once a year, predictably.
- Flooding is destructive but leaves silt for farming.
- Borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea
- Natural protection from deserts to the east and west
Religion in Egypt
- Polytheistic religion
- Pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs
Achievements of Egypt
- The Pyramids
- Hieroglyphics and Papyrus
- Canal Irrigation
- Egyptian Calendar
Politics in Egypt
- Hereditary Dynasty
- Pharaoh - Title of the ruler, considered part man/part god
Economy/Infrastructure of Egypt
- Traded linens, papyrus, and grain for resources from Africa and the Middle East.
Social Hierarchy in Egypt
- Pharaoh at the top of the social hierarchy
Geography of Mesopotamia
- Located in the fertile crescent (modern-day Iraq)
- Tigris and Euphrates rivers
- Key city: Babylon
Achievements of Mesopotamia
- Cuneiform (writing system)
- Ziggurats (similar to pyramids)
- Code of Hammurabi - first written law code
- Epic of Gilgamesh - possibly the oldest written story
Geography of the Hebrews
- Originally nomadic
- Land of Canaan (“promised land”) -> Israel
- Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River
- Main city: Jerusalem
Religion of the Hebrews
- Judaism
- Abraham - Father of Judaism and the Hebrews
- Monotheistic
- 10 Commandments - moral and religious code of laws
Politics of the Hebrews
- Theocracy
- Moses -> Judges -> Kings -> Exile/ruled by other empires
Geography of Phoenicia
- Never united into a powerful country
- Modern-day Lebanon
- Limited arable land -> Colonized along the Mediterranean Sea -> established Carthage in North Africa
Achievements of Phoenicia
- First alphabet
- Purple dye made from shells
- Remarkable shipbuilders and sailors -> helped with trade and colonization
Economy and Social Structure of Phoenicia
- Focused on TRADE by sea
- Carried technology, ideas, and items into Europe and North Africa
- Women had more rights in Phoenicia than in other early civilizations
- Could divorce their husbands, own property, and pass property to kids
Development of Written Language
- No more prehistory, we write stuff now!
- Reasons for developing written language:
- Keep records - good for leadership and trade
- Make sure laws are applied equally and everyone knows them
- Spread or standardize religion
Writing Systems
- Pictographs - pictures used to represent a word or phrase
- Often literal
- EARLIEST writing system
- Eventually, more complex writing systems developed
Early Civs: Political Patterns
- Hereditary rulers - a political leader who is born into their role or inherits it
- Dynasties of kings, pharaohs, etc.
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Description
Explore the rich history and impact of River Valley Civilizations, focusing on the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economy, and social structure of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Understand how these early societies evolved along the fertile banks of the Nile and in the Fertile Crescent.
