Ancient Civilizations Flashcards

What script is used to write English today derived from?

The alphabet of the Phoenicians

Who led the Hebrews out of Egypt according to the Bible?

Moses

What two characteristics lifted Cyrus the Great above other warrior-kings?

His concept of empire and enlightened imperial governance

How did the Assyrians carve out their extensive empire?

They remained almost constantly at war, fighting and conquering opponents in every direction.

What does Passover mark according to Hebrew tradition?

Yahweh sparing the first-born sons from Hebrew homes in Egypt.

How did Persia seek to strengthen its empire?

By respecting conquered peoples and permitting them to practice their native customs and religions.

What was the key to the Assyrians' success in conquering and controlling their empire?

Brutality

What is true of iron compared to copper and tin?

It must be smelted at a higher temperature than copper and tin.

Which ruler's success was attributed to Yahweh in the Hebrew Bible?

Cyrus

What was the Phoenicians' greatest cultural achievement?

Creation of an alphabet

What was true of the Hebrew migration into Egypt?

They were seeking food in a time of famine.

What goal is Mahseiah attempting to accomplish in his contract?

To provide economic security for his daughter and grandchildren

What Near Eastern people were identified by the Greek word meaning 'Purple People'?

Phoenicians

What did Zoroaster teach?

It was the individual's responsibility to choose between good and evil.

Which two cities were located within the Assyrian homeland?

Nineveh and Calah

How did the Assyrians organize the different parts of their empire?

Lands close to Assyria became provinces governed by Assyrian officials, while those farther removed were made dependent states.

What concept in Zoroastrianism is identified as dualism?

The concept of opposition and struggle.

What does the reply of the Phoenician trader suggest about Egypt's wealth and status?

Egyptian wealth and power had declined.

What best characterizes Egypt's Third Intermediate Period?

It was a time of political upheaval and economic decline.

What does the Covenant imply in the Jewish religion?

An agreement between the Hebrews and their god.

How were wives viewed within Hebrew society?

They were considered to be the pillar of the family, and their work and wisdom were respected and treasured.

Why did the Assyrians forcibly relocate some of the people they conquered?

To reduce the chances of rebellion.

What led to strife and unrest among the Hebrew people under Solomon's rule?

The high cost in resources and labor of his building program.

How did the Chaldeans seek to legitimize their rule?

By reviving an image of Babylonian greatness and the days of Hammurabi.

How did the arrival of the Sea People affect Egypt?

Long wars against the invaders weakened and impoverished Egypt.

How did Iran's geography affect its development?

The uncrossable salt deserts forced traffic east and west across Iran.

What happened to the Hebrew kingdom after Solomon's death?

It split into two separate kingdoms.

How did women's role in religion change as Jewish society developed settled agriculture?

Women found their religious roles increasingly centered on the home.

What is the name of the Phoenician colonial trade city established on the North African Coast?

Carthage

How did Solomon transform the kingdom of Israel?

By dividing it territorially and launching a widespread building program.

What text covers the first five books of the Hebrew Bible?

The Torah

How did the Hebrew attitude toward sex best be described?

Sex was basically good because it was part of Yahweh's creation.

How did the Assyrians and Jews interpret the fall of Jerusalem differently?

The Assyrians viewed it as blessings of the gods, while the Jews saw it as a consequence of poor military planning.

What was a consequence of Cyrus the Great's conquest of the Medes?

The Medes and the Persians were united as a single people.

Why did the Assyrians develop a fierce warrior society?

They lived in an open, exposed land subjected to frequent attacks.

Who were the Magi?

A priestly class among the Medes who officiated at sacrifices.

The Persians were descended from what groups of horseback-riding people?

Nomadic Indo-Europeans.