Ancient Civilizations Unit

World History Test Review

Unit Question

What role has religion played in the development of ancient cultures?

Summary

The Fertile Crescent gave birth to many different civilizations. Joined by commonalities like proximity to fresh water rivers (such as the Tigris and Euphrates) and social hierarchies, but separated by differences in language, writing and religion, these cultures show us the foundations of Western Civilization. The Egyptian civilization, developed around the Nile River and isolated by geography, is perhaps the most memorable of the ancient civilizations. Ancient China, located a half a world away near the Yellow River, was united under one man who created a civilization that still thrives today.

Terms

Theocracy

Cuneiform

Polytheistic

B.C.

A.D.

Rosetta Stone

Questions

1. What religion did the Israelites follow?

2. Who created an alphabet that consisted of 22 signs that represented the sounds of their speech?

3. What civilization made use of iron weapons?

4. What is the Code of Hammurabi?

5. During which kingdom were the Egyptian pyramids built?

6. What was the Agricultural Revolution, and why is it so important?

7. Which civilization had a leader named Moses?

8. When did Menes united the Upper and Lower kingdoms of Egypt?

9. Who invented cuneiform?

10. What are the three major periods in Egyptian history?

11. What is the importance of the Phoenician alphabet?

12. In what way was Judaism different from any other religion at the time?

13. Which king ruled ancient Israel at the height of its power?

14. What was the result of farming in ancient Mesopotamia?

15. Which ancient civilization formed the first empire?

16. Which leader of the Persian Empire extended it to become the largest empire the world had yet seen?

17. What did Sargon, leader of the Akkadians, do?

18. Which ancient civilization was especially cruel, and committed atrocities on its captives?

19. Who were the Immortals?

20. What are the five fresh water rivers that allowed ancient civilizations to develop?

21. The seventh century would be what years?

22. What were the Phoenicians famous for?

23. Who was Cyrus the Great?

24. Where was the first library located?

25. Who was at the top of the social hierarchy pyramid in Egypt?

26. Who were the Hyksos?

27. What did Shi Huangdi do?

28. Why did the Qin Dynasty fall after Shi Huangdi’s death?

29. What are the four waves of history?