1.6 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
Between the rivers
Mesopotamia is derived from Greek, meaning ‘between rivers,’ referring specifically to the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
What were the three centers of early civilization in Asia?
China, India, Mesopotamia
These regions are often recognized as the cradles of civilization due to their early development of urban societies.
What is the Tower of Babel likely to have been?
A ziggurat
Ziggurats were massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, often serving as temples.
What are Mesopotamia’s two major rivers?
Tigris and Euphrates
These rivers were crucial for agriculture and the development of Mesopotamian civilizations.
Who wrote about Mesopotamia’s tall millet and sesame stalks?
Herodotus
Herodotus, known as the ‘Father of History,’ provided detailed accounts of various cultures, including Mesopotamia.
What was the Fertile Crescent also called?
Mesopotamia
The Fertile Crescent is often synonymous with Mesopotamia due to its rich agricultural land.
What did ziggurats symbolize in Mesopotamia?
Connection between heavens and earth
Ziggurats served both religious and political purposes, representing a link between the divine and the mortal realms.
What chapter in the Bible is called the Table of Nations?
Genesis 10
This chapter lists the descendants of Noah’s sons and the nations that arose from them.
What was Uruk known as in Mesopotamia?
City of books
Uruk was one of the most important cities in ancient Mesopotamia and is often associated with early literacy.
What did palm trees provide in Mesopotamia?
Wood and foods like wine, dates
Palm trees were vital for both construction and sustenance in Mesopotamian life.
What did God do at the Tower of Babel?
Confused the languages
This biblical story explains the origin of different languages and the scattering of people.
What was the Chaldean form of writing called?
Cuneiform
Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians and later used by the Chaldeans.
Who ruled Babylon between the 23rd and 17th centuries B.C.?
Hammurabi
Hammurabi is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.
What did the Chaldeans calculate about the solar year?
365 and one-quarter days
This calculation was significant for the development of calendars.
What did Uruk’s library contain written on bricks?
Magic texts, grammars, astronomy
The library of Uruk is a testament to the intellectual achievements of the ancient Mesopotamians.
What did the Chaldeans use to write their language?
Bricks
Writing was often inscribed on clay tablets, which were made from bricks.
What did the Chaldeans create that ancient peoples adopted?
The cubit or ell unit of length
These units of measure were essential for trade and construction.
What did the Chaldean religion believe about Ilu?
He created lesser gods
Ilu was a principal god in the Chaldean pantheon, responsible for the creation of other deities.
What did the Chaldeans do first in astronomy?
Recorded star travels, distinguished planets
The Chaldeans made significant contributions to astronomy, including identifying celestial bodies.
What did groups do after God confused their languages?
Moved to new places with same language
This narrative illustrates the spread of different cultures and languages across the earth.
