Chapter 1-8 River Valley Civilizations - Practice Flashcards

Thirty Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on river valley civilizations, writing, religion, and social structure.

What is the largest chunk of time in prehistory, often described as hunter-gatherers or foragers?

About 300,000 years; the long era before agriculture.

Why is the Agricultural Revolution considered a game changer in human history?

It led to civilizations, specialization of labor, and development of surpluses.

What term describes the landowning elite in early civilizations?

Nobles or aristocrats.

Why is Mesopotamia described as a good location for early civilizations?

It sits at a central crossroads of trade across regions.

What does 'yield' mean in agricultural terms?

The amount of produce returned from a given input; crop yield.

What writing system did Mesopotamia develop?

Cuneiform, wedge-shaped writing on clay.

What was the primary benefit of irrigation in river valley societies?

Increases usable land and crop surpluses.

In RAP (Mesopotamian religion), what does R stand for?

Ritual—the sacred rites and ceremonies.

In RAP, what does A stand for?

Anthropomorphic—the gods take human-like form.

In RAP, what does P stand for?

Polytheistic—the belief in many gods.

What is a key characteristic of the Nile in Egypt that affected farming?

The Nile floods are predictable and gradual, enabling stable agriculture.

What is the pharaoh?

The king of Egypt, considered divine and human; a ruling title.

How did Egyptian rulers differ from Mesopotamian rulers regarding divinity?

Egyptian pharaohs were considered gods/part divine; Mesopotamian rulers were not divine themselves.

What is social mobility?

The potential for individuals to move between social classes; historically rare.

Approximately what share of early civilizations' elites did nobles, priests, and rulers consist of?

About 1-2% for each group.

What does “mix” refer to in Mesopotamian agriculture?

The combination of crops, livestock, and climate that yields success.

What are the two sides of Mesopotamia's geography in terms of trade and defense?

Central crossroads for trade (advantage) but lacking strong natural barriers (vulnerability to invasion).

What is cuneiform?

The wedge-shaped system of writing used by Mesopotamia, inscribed on clay tablets.

What does “surplus” enable in early societies?

It allows specialization, trade, and storage for hard times.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?

An ancient Mesopotamian epic about the hero Gilgamesh facing gods, monsters, and a great flood.

How did trade influence cultures beyond goods?

It spread ideas, technology, culture, and even private information.

Why are river valleys crucial for early civilizations?

They provide fertile land and irrigation for stable food production.

How is Egypt's safety from invasion described?

Semi-isolated due to deserts around it reducing invasions.

Which four civilizations are identified as the first major ones?

Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River Valley, and China.

What was the role of artisans in early civilizations?

Skilled craftspeople who produce goods like cloth, metalwork, baskets.

What is a major function of writing in ancient societies?

Record-keeping, inventories, ration lists; underpinning bureaucracies.

By around 1500 CE, what was the typical occupation distribution?

Most people were agricultural laborers; elites remained small.

Why is the term “bureaucracy” relevant to ancient Egypt?

Wealth enabled large-scale public works and organized administration.

What is a typical early form of Mesopotamian writing initially?

Inventory-like records, such as ration lists on clay tablets.

What is a common misconception about pyramids' construction?

They were likely not built by slaves; labor came from the broader population during public works.