Download Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of Ancient

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• There are four short-answer questions on the exam.
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Short Answer Questions
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• A – answer the question [this is the
assertion or claim]
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Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics
of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• First needed to answer this question is the
definition of culture as used in AP World
History
• Religions
• Belief systems, philosophies and ideologies
• Science and technology
• The arts and architecture
• Study your SPICE chart handout
Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of
Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• A good response would explain two similarities in cultural
characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient
Egypt (1 point each). Some possible similarities might
include:
• Both had sophisticated writing systems (cuneiform and
hieroglyphics).
• Hammurabi’s Code written in cuneiform written on
steles
• Hieroglyphics found on Egyptian halls and preserved
papyrus
• Both societies were polytheistic with deities associated
with agriculture.
• Amon-Re – Egyptian God of Sun
• Adad – Mesopotamian God of rain and storm
Explain two similarities in cultural characteristics of
Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• Religion played a strong role in shaping both
societies.
• Epic of Gilgamesh
• Book of Dead
• Pyramids and Ziggurats similar architecture
designed as part of the religious beliefs
• People in both societies believed that gods
intervened in human affairs.
• Egyptian God Isis: Goddess of magic, marriage,
healing, and protection
• Epic of Gilgamesh story involving humans and
gods; life and death
Explain one difference in cultural characteristics
between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• A good response would explain one difference in
cultural characteristics of Ancient Mesopotamia and
Ancient Egypt (1 point). Some possible differences
include
• Mesopotamians tended to believe that they had little
control over their destinies and gods were
unforgiving; Egyptians appear to have more
confidence in control over their destinies, with views
of gods as more supportive in human endeavors
• Difference in predictability of the Nile flooding and
the unpredictability of the Tigris and Euphrates
Explain one difference in cultural characteristics
between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• Egyptians had impressive art and artifacts, whereas
Mesopotamian achievements in mathematics and
astrology were far more advanced than those of
Egyptians
Mesopotamian mathematics
was developed
for both practical purposes
and to create a professional
distinctions between those
who could and those who
could not solve advanced
problems.
In Egypt only a very small
group of professional
scribes could read and write.
Explain one difference in cultural characteristics
between Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt
• Whereas both societies were concerned with the
afterlife, Egyptians put greater emphasis on
preparation for afterlife and the need to control it.
• Literary skill of Ancient Mesopotamians much greater
than that of Egyptians. No comparison to Epic of
Gilgamesh.