Western Civilization Pre-1600 Midterm Review

Which of the following was contained in the Code of Hammurabi? A. Punishment depended on the status of both the victim and perpetrator B. Government officials are exempt from punishment C. All of these D. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other

A. Punishment depended on the status of both the victim and perpetrator

The first Punic war began because A. Rome was concerned that Carthage would take Messenia in Sicily and interfere with Roman trade B. Rome and Carthage were both trying to conquer Greece C. Hannibal moved troops into Spain D. Carthage appeared weak and susceptible to Roman power

A. Rome was concerned that Carthage would take Messenia in Sicily and interfere with Roman trade

The first great conqueror and founder of an empire in the history of Mesopotamia was A. Sargon of Akkad B. Thutmose I C. Alexander the Great D. Cyrus

A. Sargon of Akkad

The Greek Polis known for its emphasis on military training was- A. Sparta B. Thebes C. Rome D. Athens

A. Sparta

Why do some historians believe that the Merovingians belong to the final phase of the ancient world? A. The Merovingians still operated within the contours of the decaying empire B. The Merovingians ushered in a revival of the empire C. The Merovingians had become thorougly Roman in culture D. The Merovingians converted to Arian Christianity

A. The Merovingians still operated within the contours of the decaying empire

Which of the following best describes Egyptian religion? A. Three of the most important features of Egyptian religion were polytheism,the belief in an afterlife,and an ethical code emphasizing truth and compassion B. In Egyptian religion the universe was alive with malevolent divinities C. Egyptian religion evolved and polytheism was replaced by monotheism D. Although it lacked an ethical code, religion dominated all aspects of Egyptian society

A. Three of the most important features of Egyptian religion were polytheism,the belief in an afterlife,and an ethical code emphasizing truth and compassion

Why did the agreements and shared interests of the Roman people breakdown in the late Roman Republic? A. What worked for a city- state worked less well for the governance of a vast territory B. The Gauls were invading Italy C. Political Corruption D. Class warfare between the patricians and plebeians

A. What worked for a city- state worked less well for the governance of a vast territory

According to the textbook, Hellenistic society was characterized by- A. a mingling of peoples and an interchange of culture B. a Hellenization of culture and disappearance of native tradition C. a decline in trade D. a decline in Greek culture

A. a mingling of peoples and an interchange of culture

The Peloponnesian War was A. a war between the Delian League and the Peloponessian League B. war between Macedonia and Greece C. The Persian invasion of Greece D. war between Thebes and Sparta

A. a war between the Delian League and the Peloponessian League

In his lifetime, Aristotle- A. all of the above B. studied under Plato C. founded his own school, the Lyceum D. tutored Alexander the Great

A. all of the above

In the days of the Five Good Emperors- A. all of the above B. They were long remembered in Rome because of the integrity and simplicity of their rule C. Some of the Emperors had to spend years away from Rome securing the frontiers D. Their successors were usually chosen by adoption

A. all of the above

During the Dark Age, Greek religion- A. consisted of a mixture of beliefs and cults inherited from the Mycenaens and older Indo-European traditions B. largely disappeared C. was challenged by a growing secular spirit D. developed a body of writings that systemized religious beliefs

A. consisted of a mixture of beliefs and cults inherited from the Mycenaens and older Indo-European traditions

Among the core virtues that guided Roman males were - A. industria, frugalitas, and fides B. fides, clientage, and gloria C. piety , glory, and avarice D. courage , gravitas, and introspection

A. industria, frugalitas, and fides

The impact of the Sea Raiders on early Mediterranean civilizations was to A. limit its immediate growth and economic prospects B. end the Minoan stranglehold on Mediterranean trade. C. destroy Mycenaean civilization D. drive the Hittites to attack Egypt

A. limit its immediate growth and economic prospects

Ideas were spread throughout the Mediterranean by Phoenician? A. merchants/traders B. priests C. soldiers D. philosophers

A. merchants/traders

Rome became a republic when- A. the patricians overthrew the Etruscan king B. Julius Caesar was assassinated C. the plebeians won the right to elect tribunes D. laws passed by the Tribal Assembly

A. the patricians overthrew the Etruscan king

The political world of the ancient Greeks A. usually consisted of independent, autonomous city-states B. was very similar to that of Egypt C. was a history of early, long-lasting centralized government D. stabilized after the conquest by Persia

A. usually consisted of independent, autonomous city-states

The term Pax Romano applies best to- A. what Romans called a "Time of Happiness" B. the stipulation that the father controlled the Roman household C. the reign of Augustus ending in A.D 14 D. Plague brought Rome

A. what Romans called a "Time of Happiness"

Alexander's legacy includes A. The idea of a single great empire of many people ruled by one king B. All of the above C. The blending of Greek and Asian culture we call Hellenistic D. an ideal of heroic military genius emulated by many subsequent rulers

B. All of the above

In its earliest history, Rome- A. consisted of a group of peasant villages among several hills B. All of the above C. was limited to an area near the tiber river in central Italy D. was strongly influenced by the Etruscans, its neighbor to the north and Greek cities in Italy

B. All of the above

Alexander's love of Greek culture,literature, and science seems to have come from his tutor- A. Zeno B. Aristotle C. Plato D. Socrates

B. Aristotle

From the western edge of the Antogonid kingdom to the eastern edge of the Seleucid kingdom, the Hellenistic world spanned nearly 2000 miles. Which statement below best describes the Hellenistic Age? A. A unified cultural zone dominated by Persian customs and traditions B. Broad cultural cohesion across different regions and kingdoms C. Many antagonistic states that clashed frequently D. A single Greek empire divided into many smaller administrative units

B. Broad cultural cohesion across different regions and kingdoms

Why was the development of coinage among the the Greeks by 500 BCE so significant? A. It marked the end of the reign of Tyrants B. It marked the re-entrance of Greece as a trading presence in the Mediterranean C. Evidence of the Greek's growing agricultural surplus D. It marked a growing rivalry among Greeks that would lead to the Peloponnesian War

B. It marked the re-entrance of Greece as a trading presence in the Mediterranean

Why should Athenian democracy always be qualified as Athenian democracy? A. It was the root of all democracy in the modern world. B. It was complex and quite different from democracy today. C. It closely resembled the complex and multi-ethnic democracy of modern society D. It was very different from democracy in Sparta or elsewhere in the Greek world

B. It was complex and quite different from democracy today.

All of the following aspects of the Roman Empire facilitated the spread of Christianity EXCEPT A. the transportation infrastructure permitted easy spread of the gospel B. a common language enabled easy transmission of ideas C. the active persecution of Christianity from the very beginning by the Roman state gave the faith an added quality of nobility D. the universalism of the Roman Empire paved the way for the universalism of Christianity

C. the active persecution of Christianity from the very beginning by the Roman state gave the faith an added quality of nobility

The greatest achievment of the Greeks was: A. their military B. the principle of women's rights C. the rational outlook that becomes a distinctive feature of the West D. the creation of a lasting world empire

C. the rational outlook that becomes a distinctive feature of the West

Greek plays dealt with the following theme(s) A. Just relationships between rulers and their subjects B. The consequences of hubris, or arrogance and pride C. Relationship of men to the gods D. All of the above

D. All of the above

Which of the following apply to Pericles, the architect of Athens' Golden Age? A. Provided the leadership for the building of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon B. He was elected chief strategos, or general, from 443 to 429 B.C. C. Advocated the supremacy of Athens over members of the Delian League D. All of the above

D. All of the above

How has the Jewish tradition influenced the West? A. As part of Christianity, many Jewish ideals became a part of the Western tradition B. Hebrew Scripture has been an inspiration for Western religious thinkers C. Monotheism encouraged the concept of the will and a conscience answerable to God D. All of these

D. All of these

The Neolithic Revolution - A. resulted in more organized and complex societies B. included the domestication of animals and development of polished stone tools C. included the invention of agriculture, which resulted in a more reliable food supply D. All of these

D. All of these

- City-states depended on goods exchanged directly with Mediterranean peoples - Political loyalty centered on the city-state - A common enemy, Persia Which title best completes the partial outline, above ? A. Attributes of Indus Valley Civilizations B. Features of Gupta Empire C. Traits of Ancient China D. Characteristics of Ancient Greece

D. Characteristics of Ancient Greece

The first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity was A. Diocletian B. Valerian C. Licinus D. Constantine

D. Constantine

Which of the following was Socrates' preferred method of acquiring knowledge? A. lecturing B. extensive reading C. civil service exams D. Dialogue with others or oneself

D. Dialogue with others or oneself

Why was Egypt more politically stable, confident, and self-sufficient than Mesopotamia? A. Egyptian society was much less hierarchical than that of Mesopotamia B. Egypt possessed an older and more sophisticated law code than that of Mesopotamia C. Egypt was poorer than Mesopotamia and thus was a less tempting target for invaders D. Egypt's geography left it isolated and protected from frequent turmoil.

D. Egypt's geography left it isolated and protected from frequent turmoil.

What statement best explains the presence of Greek architectural styles throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean? A. The Persian conquest of the Greek city-states allowed for Greek culture to spread into its empire. B. The decline of pre-Classical civilizations made Greek culture the most attractive to people living in these regions. C. The decline of pre-Classical civilizations made Greek culture the most attractive to people living in these regions. D. Greek trading empires and the conquests of Alexander the Great spread Hellenic culture across these areas.

D. Greek trading empires and the conquests of Alexander the Great spread Hellenic culture across these areas.

Why was Herodotus been called the "father of history"? A. He lived in the age of Pericles B. He called himself an historian C. He was a liar D. He authored the first great narrative history

D. He authored the first great narrative history

According to the author, which features of the Hellenistic Age most facilitated the later rise of Christianity? A. The spread of Judaism B. Divine monarchy C. Scientific inquiry and the blending of Greek and Near eastern technologies D. Hellenistic philosophies and the individual search for happiness and salvation

D. Hellenistic philosophies and the individual search for happiness and salvation

Which best describes events in the two decades following Caesars death? A. A long period of peace occurred B. The Senate regained control of the empire C. The Senate named Marc Anthony dictator for life D. The Roman Republic ended

D. The Roman Republic ended

Which of the following dynamics developed in the Roman Empire as a result of the Council of Nicaea? A. The Roman government began persecution of Christians due to this decree B. religious orders such as the Jesuits were begun to start missionary work C. This council declared the Emperor Constantine a God D. The Roman government officially accepted Christianity and began to get involved with management of the Church

D. The Roman government officially accepted Christianity and began to get involved with management of the Church

The Greek invention of philosophy, or the search for knowledge, involved the idea that A. People could hasten the acquisition of knowledge by increasing religious sacrifices B. The gods would reveal all knowledge according to their own plan C. All could be learned by studying the texts of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia D. The cosmos was orderly, accessible to human reason, and based on natural laws

D. The cosmos was orderly, accessible to human reason, and based on natural laws

What role did the Assyrians and the Phoenicians play in the development of Greece after the end of the Dark Age? A. They annexed most of Greece and taught the Greeks their seafaring ways B. They attacked and defeated Persia, which created a "breathing space" for Greece to develop without the threat of Persian aggression. C. Their constant aggression toward Greece forced the Greek poleis to band together as they had against Persia D. Their commercial and cultural contacts provided Greece with the opportunity to break out of its depressed economic state

D. Their commercial and cultural contacts provided Greece with the opportunity to break out of its depressed economic state

What are historians trying to do when they study the development of religions? A. Show that certain religions are better or worse than others B. Prove whether a religion is objectively true C. show that certain religions exist for many reasons D. Understand the contextual factors that shaped a religion

D. Understand the contextual factors that shaped a religion

Mycenaean Civilization A. Was depicted many years later in the Homeric epics B. Was centered around palaces and warrior kings C. Was centered around maritime trade D. all of the above

D. all of the above

Each of the following is true about civilization EXCEPT A. civilization is tied to urban life B. the first civilizations appeared along Near Eastern river valleys C. a system of writing is characteristic of a civilization D. civilization first arose with the creation of humankind five thousand years ago

D. civilization first arose with the creation of humankind five thousand years ago

The Hellenistic culture, associated with the rule of Alexander the Great, developed as a result of A. direct democracy B. embargo's C. ethnocentrism D. cultural diffusion

D. cultural diffusion

Ancient Egypt: A. had vast desert lands that contained nothing of value B. was strongly shaped by the unpredictability of the Nile River as it flooded C. drew on the vast hinterlands in the Sinai peninsula to support its population D. formed a highly coherent culture stretched out along the Nile River

D. formed a highly coherent culture stretched out along the Nile River

The theory that explains the spread of early humans as shown in the map above is called A. Migration Theory B. Out of Europe theory C. Out of Asia theory D. out of Africa theory

D. out of Africa theory

This Greek military formation was know as - A. marines B. legion C. cavalry D. phalanx

D. phalanx

The Second Punic War resulted in or contributed to- A. both Carthage and Rome were left in a weakened state B. a Roman obsession with peace C. the rise of Carthage to dominance in the Mediterean D. the rise of Roman imperialism fueled by strategic and political considerations

D. the rise of Roman imperialism fueled by strategic and political considerations

Compared to the people of the civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, the Hebrews- A. possessed the same view of nature as their neighbors B. excelled in political stability C. were peaceful and refused to use violence D. were a minor people with a major impact on the West

D. were a minor people with a major impact on the West

Using this passage, which of the following statements would support the author's point of view on the Neolithic Revolution A. A women in an agricultural community gained more rights as her workload increased, B. The Neolithic Revolution was detrimental to society as it created gender inequality and social classes C. The Neolithic Revolution perpetuated gender inequalities left over from hunter-gatherer societies D. Nomadic societies required men to work more then did agricultural societies

B. The Neolithic Revolution was detrimental to society as it created gender inequality and social classes

What made the Near East a hotbed of historical development? A. Its rich agricultural surplus B. The contact and competition among peoples C. The writing systems its peoples created D. The invention of iron and the war chariot.

B. The contact and competition among peoples

The Behistun Inscription above best illustrates which historical continuity between empires? A. They tried to maintain the loyalty of elites B. They tried to politically unify diverse populations C. They tried to religiously unify diverse populations D. They tried to create and enforce social hierarchies

B. They tried to politically unify diverse populations

Among the Hebrew beliefs that have had an important impact on Western Civilization was A. That history was a purposeful, morally significant event B. all of the above C. The creation of the world at a specific time D. The concept of ethical monotheism

B. all of the above

During the Hellenistic World A. Kings ruled large kingdoms rather than citizens ruling independent city-states B. all of the above C. Ancient Middle Eastern and Greek civilizations joined in a manner that changed them both D. The Eastern Mediterranean was dominated by Greek language and culture

B. all of the above

Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great A. Participated in several Greek wars after the Peloponnesian War B. all of the above C. Reformed the Macedonian army, especially the phalanx, to make it more formidable D. Hoped to unite the Greek city-states under his leadership

B. all of the above

The patron-client relationship that existed between patrician and plebeian in early Rome involved A. supplying the client with food B. all of the above C. supplying the client with protection D. providing the patron with military and political support

B. all of the above

Which of the following statements is true of the Hittite Empire? A. The empire came to control Asia Minor, Syria, and the trade routes along the Euphrates leading to Syria. B. all of these C. The empire blended the culture of Indo-Europeans, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor D. The Hittites were the first to develop a substantial iron industry

B. all of these

Which of the following best characterizes Golden Age sculpture? A. true-to-life portrayals of individuals, scars and all B. mathematical precision of the human body in motion C. amorphous human forms D. disproportional characterization of the human body

B. mathematical precision of the human body in motion

State power in Egypt flowed to officials from the - A. law code of Hammurabi B. pharaoh and through him from the gods C. tablet of Namer D. Ma'at

B. pharaoh and through him from the gods

In this passage, Thucydides emphasizes his use of what kind of source? A. foreign B. primary C. secondary D.principled

B. primary

The most important contribution of the Phoenicians to Western Civilization was A. The development of monotheism B. the alphabet C. the development of irrigated agriculture D. The art of building great stone monuments

B. the alphabet

Cuneiform refers to A. the first stage of planning for a ziggurat B. the earliest system of writing- symbol writing on clay tablets C. astronomical calculations D. the instrument used for writing

B. the earliest system of writing- symbol writing on clay tablets

Prehistory is normally thought of as that period before the invention of A. war B. writing C. medicine D. government

B. writing

Which of the following groups built an empire based on an all consuming concern for war and the use of terror? A. Persians B. Medes C. Assyrians D. Chaldeans

C. Assyrians

In the Punic Wars, Rome fought against and conquered- A. Iberia B. Greece C. Carthage D. Etruia

C. Carthage

During the half century following the Peloponnesian war A. The Persians conquered Greece and made it into a province B. The Greeks united into a single state under the leadership of Sparta C. Constant warfare between the poleis weakened Greece politically and culturally D. The major poleis recovered their original power and cultural vitality

C. Constant warfare between the poleis weakened Greece politically and culturally

Alexander's empire stretched from___________ to _____________ A. Asia Minor to the Scandinavian peninsular B. Italy to Greece C. Greece to India D. Greece to England

C. Greece to India

The period of ancient Greek history that followed Alexander the Great is called A. Medieval B. Paleolithic C. Hellenistic D. Renaissance

C. Hellenistic

According to the author, which features of the Hellenistic Age most facilitated the later rise of Christianity? A. Scientific inquiry and the blending of Greek and Near eastern technologies B. Divine monarchy C. Hellenistic philosophies and the individual search for happiness and salvation D. The spread of Judaism

C. Hellenistic philosophies and the individual search for happiness and salvation

Why was Mesopotamia always susceptible to invasion? A. The Mesopotamians had not yet developed sophisticated bronze weapons. B. It was politically weak and fragmented. C. It lacked natural barriers to keep outsiders out D. Mesopotamian society was sharply divided between nobles and commoners

C. It lacked natural barriers to keep outsiders out

Why did almost a third of the poleis decide not to resist the second Persian invasion? A. Many smaller poleis believed that incorporation into the Persian Empire would enrich them at the expense of larger poleis such as Athens and Sparta B. Many of them lacked the funds to contribute to the powerful navy Themistocles was building for the protection of Greece C. Many smaller poleis realized that they had as much to fear from Sparta, Athens, and hostile neighboring poleis as they did from Persia. D. Many of them already belonged to the Peloponnesian League, headed by Sparta, which had made a separate peace with Persia already

C. Many smaller poleis realized that they had as much to fear from Sparta, Athens, and hostile neighboring poleis as they did from Persia.

The "land between the rivers" refers to A. ancient irrigation systems B. Lower and Upper Egypt C. Mesopotamia D. Persia

C. Mesopotamia

According to the authors one of the first and finest work of literature was- A. Illiad B. Pentatuch C. The Epic of Gilgamesh D. Hamlet

C. The Epic of Gilgamesh

Homer's major epic poems were- A. Lysistrata and the Frogs B. Antigone & The Bacchas C. The Illiad and the Odyssey D. Illiad & Peloponnesian

C. The Illiad and the Odyssey

. . . From Cyrus the Great's Decree of Return for the Jews, 539 BCE The events described in this passage can be best understood in which of the following contexts? A. The Assyrian conquest of Israel B. The conquest of Jerusalem by the Romans C. The captivity of Jews in the Babylonian Empire D. The abolition of religious freedom in Persia

C. The captivity of Jews in the Babylonian Empire

The historian who wrote about the Peloponnesian War was- A. Plato B. Aristotle C. Thucydides D. Homer

C. Thucydides

Rome's rise to great power status followed which sequence of events? A. Defeat of Carthage, unification of the Italian peninsula, defeat of Gaul B. Conquest of Gaul,subjugation of the Hellenic states, seizure of Egypt C. Unification of the Italian peninsular, the defeat of Carthage, subjugation of the Hellenic states D. Unification of the Italian peninsula, defeat of Gaul, seizure of Egypt

C. Unification of the Italian peninsular, the defeat of Carthage, subjugation of the Hellenic states

Following Alexander's death his empire A. Disintegrated as the native people rose in revolt B. survived intact for a century under one successors C. Was divided by his generals into three main successor kingdoms D. was destroyed by an invasion of Indo-European peoples

C. Was divided by his generals into three main successor kingdoms

During its Dark Age, Greece experienced- A. insecurity, warfare,poverty,and isolation B. a complete collapse of the palace system of the Minoans C. all of the above D. extensive migrations of Greek tribes from the mountains to the plains and Asia Minor

C. all of the above

Julius Caesar's assassins viewed themselves as- A. protectors of the plebeian class B. opponents of the Senate C. defenders of republican tradition D. opponents of Roman imperialism

C. defenders of republican tradition

The Gracchi brothers central demand for which they were killed - was the A. limitation of the powers of dictators such as Sulla and Caesar B. extension of citizenship to all free Italians C. distribution to the poor of government land D. inclusion of the Tribunes in the Senate

C. distribution to the poor of government land

The new metal that transformed ancient warfare after 1200 B.C. was A. copper B. steel C. iron D. bronze

C. iron

The pictures above are examples of A. warfare among classical empires B. social stratification within agrarian civilizations C. new weapons and modes of transportation developed by pastoralists D. new techniques of administration of empires and states

C. new weapons and modes of transportation developed by pastoralists

The Hellenistic school of philosophy, called Skepticism, held that- A. all theory is worthless B. the Cynics were right to renounce all possessions and the role of reason in human life C. nothing can be known for certain D. The Stoics were right about the Logos

C. nothing can be known for certain

In ancient Egypt, the king: A. did not need to establish a military since Egypt was protected by the deserts B. depicted himself as a ferocious lion C. organized labor and public works under an elaborate bureaucracy D. had the primary responsibility to ensure religious beliefs were upheld

C. organized labor and public works under an elaborate bureaucracy

Which of the following was MOST important in giving ancient Egypt the capacity to build monuments such as the Pyramid of Giza A. construction technology B. aliens C. organized religion and government D. availability of building materials

C. organized religion and government

The term hieroglyphics refers to A. wedge shaped writing B. any written inscription C. sacred writing of Egypt D. an early alphabet

C. sacred writing of Egypt

Although the Phoencians established a small nation , they are recognized for- A. All of these B. establishing cities along the Mediterranean from what is now Lebanon to Spain C. inventing the alphabet D. being the greatest sea traders in the ancient world

A. All of these

Why did Peloponnesian cities led by Sparta fight Athens in the Peloponnesian War? A. Athenian imperialism threatened the city-state system of Greece B. Athenian imperialism undermined the peace with Persia C. Athens destroyed Greek trade in the Mediterranean D. Sparta sought to unite Greece into a Spartan empire

A. Athenian imperialism threatened the city-state system of Greece

During the half century following the Peloponnesian war A. Constant warfare between the poleis weakened Greece politically and culturally B. The Greeks united into a single state under the leadership of Sparta C. The Persians conquered Greece and made it into a province D. The major poleis recovered their original power and cultural vitality

A. Constant warfare between the poleis weakened Greece politically and culturally

This is an example of what type of early form of writing? A. Cuneiform B. Hieroglyphics C. Pictograms D. Sanskrit

A. Cuneiform

Based on this map and your knowledge of history, which of the following was NOT a reason for the fall of the Roman Empire? A. In order to appease the angry masses , the Roman emperors stopped taxing Roman citizens and thus ran out of money B. It became increasingly difficult to recruit soldiers to defend the borders of the Empire C. The vast amount of territory in the Roman empire made it difficult to rule D. Politicians grew corrupt and greedy as the central government in Rome became weaker

A. In order to appease the angry masses , the Roman emperors stopped taxing Roman citizens and thus ran out of money

Historically and culturally, Carthage was most tied to A. Phoencia B. Mesopotamia C. Greece D. Egypt

A. Phoencia