Sumerian Civilization Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following was NOT a responsibility of Sumerian priests?

  • Control irrigation
  • Lead military campaigns (correct)
  • Collect taxes in the form of goods
  • Make sacrifices to the gods
  • Sumerian homes were typically made of stone and had many windows.

    False (B)

    What was the primary purpose of a ziggurat in Sumerian cities?

    A temple for the gods

    The Sumerians believed their purpose on Earth was to serve the __________.

    <p>gods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following gods with their attributes:

    <p>Enki = God of water and knowledge Innana = Goddess of love and war Utu = God of the sun Ninurta = God of farming and hunting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What social class was at the top of the Sumerian social pyramid?

    <p>Rulers and priests (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sumerian streets were designed to accommodate large carts easily.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What special role did priests play in Sumerian society?

    <p>Intermediaries between humans and gods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What writing system did the Sumerians develop from pictographs?

    <p>Cuneiform (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the bullae in trade?

    <p>To store tokens of trade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    King Sargon of Akkad is known as the first ruler to create a _____ in Mesopotamia.

    <p>empire</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following historical figures with their contributions:

    <p>Sargon of Akkad = Created the first empire Hammurabi = Developed a code of laws Gilgamesh = Mythical king in the first legend Enkidu = Wild man created by the gods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant theme is explored in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

    <p>The search for immortality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hammurabi's Code included lenient and flexible laws.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was primarily used for writing cuneiform?

    <p>Clay tablets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the principle behind Hammurabi's Code?

    <p>Eye for an eye (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hammurabi's Code was the first set of laws ever recorded.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many laws are etched on the stele of Hammurabi's Code?

    <p>282</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hammurabi was the king of __________.

    <p>righteousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match Hammurabi's situations with their corresponding actions:

    <p>Carpenter building a house = Punishment fitting the consequence Wife belittling husband = Possible fines or retaliation Adopted son returning to birth parents = Legal discussion on rights Wild bull gore incident = Liability for damages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which deity is depicted presenting Hammurabi with the law?

    <p>Shamash (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The stele containing Hammurabi's Code is currently located in the Louvre Museum.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the consequences of the carpenter building a faulty house according to Hammurabi's Code?

    <p>The carpenter would face punishment for negligence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the punishment for a builder whose house collapses and causes the owner's death?

    <p>Death (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A woman who neglects her duties and belittles her husband will be thrown into the water.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a nun who enters a wine shop for a drink?

    <p>She shall be burned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a son adopts a young boy and rears him, the birth-parents cannot bring a claim for that adopted ______.

    <p>son</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the actions to their consequences:

    <p>Builder's house collapses = Death of the builder Wife belittles husband = Thrown into water Son strikes father = Hand cut off Wine seller fails to act = Death of the wine seller</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen to a person who is in debt and unable to pay?

    <p>Sell family members (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a son strikes his father, he faces a fine.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the guilt of a man accused of a crime?

    <p>Jumping into the river.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Mesopotamia often referred to due to its agricultural significance?

    <p>Fertile Crescent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are predictable and do not flood unexpectedly.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major invention did the Sumerians develop to control water flow?

    <p>Irrigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mesopotamia is known as the '___ of Civilization' because of its historical significance.

    <p>Cradle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which important invention contributed to the agricultural surplus in Sumer?

    <p>The plow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Irrigation = System for controlling water flow Ziggurats = Temple structures in city-states City-states = Independent political entities Sumerians = People who developed in Mesopotamia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    City-states in Mesopotamia operated under a single government.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What geographical features define Mesopotamia?

    <p>Tigris and Euphrates Rivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Mesopotamia

    A region in the Middle East located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known for its fertile soil and early civilizations.

    Irrigation

    A system of canals and ditches built to control and distribute water from rivers for irrigation.

    Mesopotamian Inventions

    The invention of the plow, wheel, and irrigation systems helped Sumerians overcome the challenges of their climate and produce surplus food

    Mesopotamian Trade

    The surplus food produced by the Sumerians allowed them to trade with other civilizations.

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    City-States in Mesopotamia

    Independent cities with their own governments, gods, and leaders.

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    Ziggurat

    A towering temple dedicated to a city-state's patron god.

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    Sumerian Civilization

    The Sumerian civilization is considered to be the 'cradle of civilization' due to its significant contributions in areas like writing, agriculture, and city-building.

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    Mesopotamian Climate

    A dry, hot desert-like climate with unpredictable floods that left fertile silt behind.

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    Sumerian purpose on Earth

    The Sumerian civilization believed that their purpose on Earth was to serve the gods.

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    Sumerian Religion

    The Sumerian civilization was polytheistic, believing in many gods, including those of nature, who were seen as unpredictable and powerful.

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    Sumerian Priests: Roles

    Sumerian priests were responsible for controlling irrigation, settling disputes, storing and distributing surplus goods, and making sacrifices to appease the gods.

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    Sumerian Homes

    Sumerian houses were windowless and made of sun-dried mud bricks due to the lack of wood and stone. The flat roofs were often used as living spaces.

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    Sumerian City Streets

    Sumerian city streets were extremely narrow, making it difficult to navigate even a cart.

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    Sumerian Social Structure

    Sumerian society was organized into social classes based on wealth and education, with priests, rulers, and the wealthy at the top, and slaves and peasants at the bottom.

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    Sumerian City Layout

    A Sumerian city was organized around a central courtyard where families gathered, while narrow streets connected homes facing away from the busy streets.

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    Ziggurat at Ur

    The Sumerian city of Ur was known for its ziggurat, a temple dedicated to the city's patron god, which was surrounded by courtyards for trade and only priests could enter.

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    Cuneiform Writing

    The use of wedge-shaped symbols pressed into soft clay tablets, marking a major advance in communication and record-keeping.

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    Bullae

    A clay container used by Mesopotamian merchants to store tokens representing goods traded, later evolving into a form of early writing by marking the outside of the container.

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    Epic of Gilgamesh

    The first known epic poem, telling the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. It explores themes of friendship, loss, and mortality.

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    Code of Hammurabi

    A system of written laws created by King Hammurabi of Babylon, known for its strict and harsh punishments. It serves as a crucial example of early legal codes.

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    Sargon of Akkad

    The first empire in Mesopotamia, established by King Sargon of Akkad, who conquered and united various city-states. This marked a shift from independent city-states to a unified empire.

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    Deciphering Cuneiform

    The process of deciphering ancient cuneiform writing to understand its meaning and glean knowledge from Mesopotamian culture and history.

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    Constant Conflicts in Mesopotamia

    A period in Mesopotamian history marked by constant battles between city-states, leading to the development of assemblies, temporary leaders, and eventually the co-sharing of power between priests and kings.

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    Irrigation in Mesopotamia

    The process of applying water to land to promote plant growth, a key innovation in Mesopotamia that allowed for increased agricultural production.

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    What is Hammurabi's Code?

    A legal code engraved on a stone pillar, containing 282 laws that regulated Babylonian society.

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    What is the "eye for an eye" principle?

    The principle of justice where punishment directly corresponds to the crime committed. A common example is 'an eye for an eye.'

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    What is the "government's responsibility" principle in Hammurabi's Code?

    The idea that the government has responsibility for what happens in its society and must uphold justice and order.

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    Case #1: What happens to the carpenter who builds a house that collapses and kills the owner?

    One of the scenarios Hammurabi faced where a carpenter builds a house that collapses and kills the owner.

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    Case #2: What happens to a wife who disrespects her husband?

    One of the scenarios Hammurabi faced where a wife disrespects her husband.

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    Case #3: What happens to a "sister of God" (nun) who enters a wine shop?

    One of the scenarios Hammurabi faced where a nun enters a wine shop for a drink.

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    Case #4: What happens when adopted children's birth parents want them back?

    One of the scenarios Hammurabi faced where a son is adopted and his biological parents want him back.

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    Case #5: What happens to a man who can't pay his debts?

    One of the scenarios Hammurabi faced where a man cannot pay his debts.

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    Builder's Responsibility

    A builder who constructs a house that collapses and causes the owner's death is to be executed.

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    Wife's Duties

    A wife who neglects her household duties and disrespects her husband can be punished by being thrown into a body of water.

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    Nun's Conduct

    A nun who engages in wine-selling or drinking can be burned to death.

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    Adoption Rules

    An adopted son cannot be reclaimed by his birth parents.

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    Debt Slavery

    If a man is unable to repay his debts, he can sell his wife, son, or daughter into servitude for three years.

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    Father's Punishment

    A son who strikes his father will have his hand cut off.

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    Wine Seller's Duty

    A wine seller who fails to report bad characters gathered at her shop is to be executed.

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    River Ordeal

    A person accused of a crime can prove their innocence by undergoing a river ordeal: sinking means guilt, while surviving means innocence.

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    Study Notes

    Sumerian Civilization

    • Sumerian civilization flourished along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Mesopotamia.
    • Mesopotamia is known as the Fertile Crescent due to its crescent shape and fertile soil, ideal for planting.
    • It was also called the Cradle of Civilization.

    Mesopotamian Land Between Two Rivers

    • The land experienced unpredictable spring floods from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, depositing fertile silt.
    • Sumerians needed to control the rivers to ensure successful farming.

    Irrigation Systems

    • Sumerians developed irrigation systems to control water flow and direction.
    • Canals and irrigation ditches were built to redirect water to agricultural fields.
    • These advancements fostered crop growth and led to food surpluses.

    Development of Agriculture

    • Inventions like the plow, wheel/carts and improved irrigation systems aided successful farming in challenging climates.
    • Agricultural surpluses fueled trade systems.
    • Sumerian trade networks spanned wide distances.

    Mesopotamian City-States

    • Mesopotamia had multiple, independent city-states, each with its own gods, government, and leaders.
    • City-states frequently engaged in conflicts and wars.

    Ziggurats

    • Ziggurats were pyramid-shaped structures located in the center of city-states.
    • Ziggurats were temples used to worship the city's patron god or gods.
    • Only priests were allowed inside the ziggurats.

    Sumerian Homes

    • Homes, made from mud bricks, were usually windowless.
    • Flat roofs served as additional living spaces, used for cooking and sleeping.

    Sumerian City Layout

    • Sumerian houses faced away from busy streets toward courtyards where families lived and children played.
    • Streets were narrow, making it difficult to traverse them with carts.

    Social Classes and Division of Labor

    • Sumerian society had specialized roles (farmers, craftsmen, priests, merchants, soldiers, scribes, rulers and slaves).
    • Social standing was tied to wealth and education.
    • Rulers and priests held higher positions in the social hierarchy.

    Sumerian Schools

    • Priests primarily educated affluent boys to become scribes.
    • Scribes were valued for their administrative and record-keeping skills.
    • The education process involved rigorous schedules and strict discipline.

    Bullae

    • Bullae were clay containers used by merchants to safeguard and keep track of traded goods represented by tokens.
    • Marks were placed on the outside of the bulla depicting the goods inside.

    Sumerian Scribes

    • Pictographs, early forms of writing, were transformed into wedge-shaped cuneiform.
    • Writing on clay tablets allowed for recording of historical events, ideas, laws, treaties and myths.

    Cuneiform Writing

    • Writing started with pictographs that were rotated and changed into wedge shaped, symbolic forms known as cuneiform.
    • Cuneiform was used for recording different types of information in the region.

    Deciphering Cuneiform

    • Cuneiform was vital in comprehending and preserving Mesopotamian culture, history and traditions.

    Gilgamesh

    • The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian story, served as the first written legend.
    • The epic involved a real king and a mythological tale of a search for immortality.
    • The story has flood elements akin to the Noah's Ark story.

    Later Mesopotamia

    • Constant wars between city-states resulted in temporary kings.
    • Priests and kings shared power.

    Sargon of Akkad

    • King Sargon, the ruler of Akkad, unified Mesopotamia and established the first empire.
    • Sargon was a harsh ruler. Subjugated city-states were forced into alliance.

    Hammurabi the Judge

    • King Hammurabi developed a comprehensive set of laws called the Code of Hammurabi.
    • Codes, strict in nature, governed many aspects of society.

    Hammurabi's Code

    • The Code of Hammurabi's laws were etched on stone pillars.
    • Laws ensured fairness to all citizens.

    Mesopotamian Contributions

    • Mesopotomia developed a 12 month calendar and irrigation systems, as well as legal systems, mathematics, metalworking, the sailboat and writing.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of Sumerian civilization, including its priests, architecture, literature, and social hierarchy. This quiz covers key aspects such as the ziggurats, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and important historical figures. Ideal for students studying ancient Mesopotamia.

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