Download Possible Short-Answer Questions for Mesopotamia

Possible Short-Answer Questions for Mesopotamia
1. What factors may account for the fact that the earliest civilization developed in southern
Mesopotamia (Sumeria) rather than northern Mesopotamia, which had more rainfall and other
resources? [10 lines]
2. What key (primary) traits distinguish true civilizations from less complex systems such as
chiefdoms? [5 lines]
3. Discuss the role of the temple and temple administrators in Mesopotamian civilization. [8 lines]
4. How did the environment and agricultural system in ancient Sumeria lead to differential access to
resources, disparity in wealth among individuals, and an economy based on occupational
specialization? [8 lines]
5. What were some of the factors that curbed the growth of Mesopotamian city states (negative
feedback elements)? What may account for the abandonment of some areas altogether? [8 lines]
6. What key innovations and advances are associated with places such as Uruk at around 3500-3400
B.C.?