Question 1:
Why do we say that it was not natural fertility and high levels of food production that were the causes of early urbanization?
Answer:
Contrary to popular belief, natural fertility and high levels of food production were not the primary causes of early urbanization. Instead, several factors contributed to the growth of cities during that time:
- The encouragement of settled life and agricultural production by natural fertility.
- The emergence of animal husbandry as a result of favorable conditions.
- The availability of fertile soil that facilitated the development of new occupations.
- The flourishing trade and commerce networks that drove urbanization.
- The critical role played by the development of writing and administration in urban development.
Question 2:
Which of the following were necessary conditions and which were the causes of early urbanization, and which would you say were the outcome of the growth of cities?
(a) highly productive agriculture
(b) water transport
(c) the lack of metal and stone
(d) the division of labor
(e) the use of seals
(f) the military power of kings that made labor compulsory?
Answer:
The necessary conditions for early urbanization were:
- Highly productive agriculture.
- Water transport.
- The division of labor.
The causes of early urbanization were:
- The lack of metal and stone.
- The use of seals.
- The military power of kings that made labor compulsory.
The outcomes of the growth of cities were:
- The development of an efficient transport system.
- The establishment and growth of trade and services.
Question 3:
Why were mobile animal herders not necessarily a threat to town life?
Answer:
Mobile animal herders were not necessarily a threat to town life because they played an important role in the exchange of goods such as ghee, metal tools, and grains. Their presence and activities contributed to the economic and social dynamics of town life, rather than posing a threat.
Question 4:
Why would the early temple have been much like a house?
Answer:
The early temple would have been much like a house because, in its initial stages, it was a small shrine constructed with unbaked bricks. These early temples resembled houses in terms of their size and layout. They typically had an open courtyard surrounded by rooms. Temples served as the dwelling places of various gods, and their architectural design included features such as outer walls with regular intervals, distinguishing them from ordinary buildings.
Question 5:
Of the new institutions that came into being once city life had begun, which would have depended on the initiative of the king?
Answer:
Among the new institutions that emerged with the onset of city life, several depended on the initiative of the king. These included the establishment and regulation of temples, the facilitation of trade networks, the development of seal-making practices, the promotion of sculpture as an art form, and the introduction and promotion of writing as a means of communication and record-keeping. The king played a significant role in fostering these institutions and ensuring their successful implementation.
Question 6:
What do ancient stories tell us about the civilization of Mesopotamia?
Answer:
Ancient stories provide valuable insights into the civilization of Mesopotamia. According to these stories, Mesopotamia was situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was an advanced civilization divided into three classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the lower class. The upper class enjoyed a life of luxury and special privileges. Agriculture was the main occupation, and the society was generally prosperous. Religion held great importance, with worship of multiple gods and goddesses, including the sun god Shamas. Sumerian temples, known as ziggurats, were significant structures in their religious practices. Additionally, stories from the Bible and Mesopotamian tradition recount events such as the Great Flood, symbolizing the beginning of a new life on Earth.
Question 1:
Where is Mesopotamia located?
Answer:
Mesopotamia is located in the Republic of Iraq. It is situated between the two renowned rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris. The ancient Mesopotamian civilization also thrived in this region.
Question 2:
What is the significance of the Mesopotamian river?
Answer:
The Mesopotamian river is well known for its contributions to the development of city life, rich literature, and advancements in mathematics.
Question 3:
When and where did archaeological work begin in Mesopotamia?
Answer:
Archaeological work in Mesopotamia first began in 1840 at the sites of Uruk and Mari.
Question 4:
What does the word 'Mesopotamia' mean?
Answer:
The word 'Mesopotamia' is derived from two Greek words, 'Mesos' meaning 'middle' and 'Potamos' meaning 'river.' Therefore, Mesopotamia refers to the land located between the two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates.
Question 5:
What does the Bible depict about floods?
Answer:
According to the Bible, floods were meant to destroy all forms of life on Earth. However, God chose Noah as a survivor to ensure that life could continue after the flood.
Question 6:
Where was city life first developed in the world? Name some of the earliest cities.
Answer:
City life first developed in Mesopotamia, and some of the earliest cities in the region were Ur, Uruk, and Kish.
Question 7:
What types of cities came into prominence in Mesopotamian civilization?
Answer:
The types of cities that came into prominence in Mesopotamian civilization were religious towns, trading towns, and imperial towns.
Question 8:
Which major crops were produced during the Roman civilization?
Answer:
During the Roman civilization, major crops grown included wheat, peas, lentils, and barley.
Question 9:
What were the reasons behind the development of urbanization in Mesopotamia?
Answer:
The development of urbanization in Mesopotamia can be attributed to several factors, including the growth of agriculture, flourishing trade, the use of seals, and the military strength of rulers who made labor compulsory.
Question 10:
When did ancient towns begin to flourish in Mesopotamia?
Answer:
Ancient towns began to flourish in Mesopotamia during the Bronze Age, around 3000 BCE.
Question 11:
Which was an ancient town in Mesopotamia? What was its capital?
Answer:
Uruk was an ancient town in Mesopotamia, and its capital was Baghdad. It was one of the magnificent cities of that time.
Question 12:
(a) Name two rulers of Uruk.
(b) Who excavated the city of Uruk and in which year?
Answer:
(a) Two rulers of Uruk were Enmerkar and Gilgamesh.
(b) The city of Uruk was excavated by Julius Jordan in 1913.
Question 13:
Who founded the city of Ur and when?
Answer:
Ur was founded by Mesanepada in 2670 BCE. It became a renowned trading town.
Question 14:
List some essential items for urban development.
Answer:
Essential items for urban development include an efficient transport network, trade, crafts, and services.
Question 15:
Name the archaeologists who carried out excavation work at Ur.
Answer:
The archaeologists who carried out excavation work at Ur were J.E. Taylor, Sir Leonard Woolley, R.C. Thompson, and H.R. Hall.
Question 16:
What do you know about the city of Mari?
Answer:
Mari was a famous city in Mesopotamia that flourished between 2900 BCE to 1759 BCE. It was destroyed by the Akkadian ruler Sargon in 2350 BCE but regained its prominence after 2000 BCE when it became the capital of the Amorite Empire.
Question 17:
Who was the famous ruler of Mari?
Answer:
The famous ruler of Mari was Zimrilim, who constructed a beautiful palace spread over 204 hectares and consisting of 260 rooms.
Question 18:
Where is Nimrod located? What is it also known as, and when was it excavated?
Answer:
Nimrod is situated on the southern bank of the Tigris River in Mesopotamia. It is also known as Kalhu. The city was first excavated by Sir Henry Austen Layard in 1845.
Question 19:
Who founded Nimrod, and where was it founded?
Answer:
Nimrod was founded by Shalmaneser I in 1295 BCE. Later, it was made the capital of the empire by another ruler, Ashurnasirpal, in 880 BCE.
Question 20:
What did the Mesopotamian tablets contain, and when were they written?
Answer:
The Mesopotamian tablets contained symbols and numbers. They were written around 3200 BCE and used signs/symbols to represent objects like fish, bread, and leaves.
Question 21:
What do you know about the script used by the Mesopotamians?
Answer:
The script used by the Mesopotamians was pictographic, consisting of signs, symbols, and pictures to represent objects. Around 2600 BCE, cuneiform writing, characterized by wedge-shaped symbols, was developed.
Question 23:
What is the meaning of the word 'Cuneiform'?
Answer:
The word 'Cuneiform' is derived from two Latin words, 'Cuneus' meaning 'wedge' and 'forma' meaning 'shape.' It refers to the wedge-shaped symbols used in the writing system of Mesopotamia.
Question 24:
How was Mesopotamian society divided?
Answer:
Mesopotamian society was divided into three classes: the upper class consisting of priests, kings, and officials; the middle class including traders, merchants, and landlords; and the lower class comprising peasants, laborers, and slaves.
Question 25:
What was the status of women during the early states?
Answer:
During the early states, women had a favorable status. They could participate in social and religious festivals without restrictions and hold desirable positions based on their abilities. They were free from social limitations.
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