Ancient Civilizations Review

Comprehensive flashcards covering social structures, contributions, and cultural milestones of Sumerian, Indus, and Egyptian civilizations.

What percentage of the total population did Nobles and Slaves make up in Sumerian social structure?

Less than $10\%$

In Sumerian society, which group made up approximately $90\%$ of the population?

Commoners (Farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and fishermen)

What are the five levels of the Indian social hierarchy (Varna) mentioned in the notes?

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Outcasts (Harijan/Untouchables)

List the Egyptian social hierarchy from top to bottom based on the provided diagram.

Pharaoh, Vizier, Nobles, Priests, Soldiers, Scribes, Craftsmen, Farmers, and Slaves

What was the purpose of a ziggurat in Mesopotamia?

It was a structure to honor and worship the god or patron of a city and served as the center of the community.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Considered the first literary work in the world, it tells the story of King Galgamesh of Uruk in Sumeria during the third century B.C.E.

Which biblical story is similar to a chapter in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

The Great Flood

How many laws are contained in the Code of Hammurabi?

282 laws

What is the first systematic writing system in the world, developed in Sumer?

Cuneiform

What are some minor contributions from Mesopotamia listed in the text?

Water clock, the first map, sexagesimal system (counting based on 60), and astronomy

What notable urban planning feature was used in the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa?

A grid pattern for roads

What is the Arthasastra?

The first treatise regarding government and economy, written by Kautilya, an advisor to Chandragupta Maurya.

Which Indian epic tells the story of Prince Rama and the rescue of Princess Sita?

Ramayana

What does the term Ayurveda mean and what is its focus?

It means "science of life" and focuses on maintaining health and protection from diseases.

What specific mathematical value is credited to ancient India in the notes?

The value of pi ($3.1416$)

What are the four religions that originated in India according to the text?

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism

What is hieroglyphics?

The Egyptian system of writing where pictures symbolize ideas, written on paper, carved into buildings, or painted on wood.

From what plant did the Egyptians create paper scrolls (pergamino)?

Papyrus

What was the religious significance of the Egyptian pyramids?

They served as tombs for the pharaoh, symbolizing the power of the leader and the belief in life after death.

What is mummification?

A preservation process where the Egyptians used chemicals to dry a corpse, which was then painted, wrapped in linen, and decorated with jewelry.

How many days were in the ancient Egyptian calendar?

365 days