Download FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE HISTORY v. 2.0

Ancient Hebrews, Greeks & China Study Guide
Vocabulary for Chapter 6
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Judaism
Monotheism
Torah
Ten Commandments
Covenant
Plague
Exodus
Territory
Proverb
Prophet
Exile
Synagogue
Diaspora
Canonize
Theocracy
Tower of Babel, pgs. 202-203
Students should be able to retell what happened in the story as well as what we can learn from it as we
discussed in class in great depth. Remind them that the story explains why people speak different languages.
It also suggest that being prideful and arrogant are not good qualities, and that people should be humble and
good.
This is part of Greek culture, to always care for the lowly traveler or the beggar in the street…it was done in
good favor of the Gods.
1) What problems do you think pride creates in the world today?
2) The story offers an explanation for why people speak different languages. Why do you think so many
languages are spoken around the world today? (Inference)
3) How might being too proud weaken a person or group of people?
Chapter 6, Lesson 1: Beginnings of the Hebrew People, pg. 204
Discuss the significance of Judaism as the first monotheistic religion. (pg. 205)
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Judaism was the first religion based on monotheism, the concept of one God, who set down laws for
humanity. These laws provide rules to help people live good lives.
The story of the ancient Hebrews is told in the Torah – the oldest religious writings of the Jewish people. Both
the Torah and Old Testament of the Bible share the same text which only confirms that the differences
between them are minor, however, the Jews believe that “G-d” has not returned yet (Christians believe that
Jesus is the son of G-d).
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Abraham begins as a man who worships one god while in Mesopotamia, a land of people who
worship many deities. He was chosen because of his beliefs and loyalty to his beliefs.
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G-d made a covenant with Abraham. In this agreement, G-d promised that Canaan would always
belong to Abraham and his descendants. For his part of the covenant, Abraham agreed to worship Gd alone, later a belief that all Hebrews would hold.
What event and idea led to the Israelites to Egypt? (Page. 206)
 Famine in Canaan, they traveled in search of food
Later life in Egypt changed from pleasant to sour as later pharaohs feared that the Israelites might gain power
in Egypt due to their growing population.
 As a result, the pharaoh enslaved the Israelites.
The Bible tells how the Israelites obtained freedom from Egypt. It describes how Moses guided the Israelites
during the Exodus and how he received the Ten Commandments from G-d. (pg. 207)
Why was Moses placed in a basket and sent down the Nile by his mother? What did she fear? (Pg. 207)
 Describe some of the many plagues suffered by Egyptians at the hands of the Hebrew G-d.
 What impact do you think this had on the Egyptian people? Their feelings towards the pharaoh?
 Why are the Ten Commandment so important to the Hebrew/Christian people and western society in
general? It becomes the basis for the laws of Judaism, tells people how to worship G-d and how to
behave responsibly.
Freedom and the Rule of Law, pg. 210
Analyze the significance of freedom and the rule of law, using examples from the ancient Hebrew’s
experiences in Egypt and from the present-day United States. In what ways are the democratic process
different than the absolutism shown in the ancient cultures of the past?
 Would the ancient rulers of Greece, China, Egypt, Rome, etc., would their methods work in today’s
political process? (Inference)
 For example, many Egyptian laws were passed down from generation to generation. However,
pharaohs had complete authority to change old laws or to make new ones. Would that level of power
and influence work today?
 Why is it important for a country to have laws to protect the freedom of its citizens? (pg. 211, see
paragraph 2)
Chapter 6, Lesson 2: The Kingdom of Israel
How long did the Israelites wander in the desert looking for Canaan after their Exodus of Egypt (pg. 213, 40
yrs.)
Without unity, the Israelites (who were surrounded by the Philistines) had trouble fighting off their attackers.
The Bible states that, “To survive, the Israelites decided that they needed to unite under a single king.
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Saul became the first ruler of the kingdom of Israel around 1020 B.C.
(bottom of pg. 213)
Explain the story of David and Goliath
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Which tribe was Goliath from? (Philistines)
What job did David have? What instrument did he once play for Saul? (shepherd, lyre)
How did David kill Goliath?
How do you think Saul felt after a little shepherd boy killed the enemies greatest warrior so easily?
David becomes the king of Israel?
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After Saul disobeyed G-od, he fell out of favor and soon died. David became King of Israel as a result
around 1,000 B.C. (all 12 tribes had to agree first)
Under his rule, the kingdom of Israel stretched from Egypt to Mesopotamia.
o Jerusalem became the capital city and grew as the center of government and religious life in
Israel.
How would the fact that Jerusalem did not belong to any single Israelite tribe make it a good choice for Israel’s
capital?
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Because no single Israelite tribe had control over Jerusalem, this may have reduced political struggles
among the tribes. (pg. 214)
David’s son, Solomon, became the next King of Israel (pg. 215)
He began the major construction project of the age, the building of the first Holy Temple that was meant to
honor God as well as hold safely the Ark of the Covenant.
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What was in the Ark? (the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments)
Solomon also built many other structures aimed at revitalizing the economy of Israel. To pay for this he
placed heavy taxes on his people and forced thousands of them to work as builders. How would it
make you feel if someone had that much control over how you live your life?
What caused Israel to have a strong economy under King Solomon’s rule? (pg. 215)
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King Solomon established trade agreements with Phoenicia and Egypt. He created a large army to
protect trade routes. Please use the information from the last 2 paragraphs on pg. 215 as it features
more details about this question that I would expect to see in your final exam answers.
How did the ancient Hebrew use the Proverbs?
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To teach their children how to become responsible adults (pg. 216)
You should be able to recite at least 1 of Solomon’s Proverbs on pg. 216 (there are 3). Pick the one that
means the most to you.
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Is there a Chinese counterpart to Solomon that we have just learned about? (Confucius, how are their
brief comments on life important for the daily lives of their citizens/what impact do you think their
words have?
What were some of the jobs that Ancient Hebrews held? (pg. 216)
Men- farmer, metalworker, carpenter, weaver, government official, soldiers
Women- ran the household, cared for children, cooked, cleaned, collected water, and made clothing for their
families. Some women, like Deborah, had jobs outside the home. She was given the job of judge and adviser
and rose to a position of power. .(read more of her story on pg. 225)
Unlike English, Hebrew writing is read from _______________ to _________________. (right to left, pg. 217)
Make an Economic Choice, pgs. 218-219
Trade-off- the giving up of one thing to get another. When Solomon used his resources to build a temple, he
gave up the ability to use them to build ships.
Cost-benefit analysis- what is given up in favor of something else; Building the temple may have cost Solomon
the opportunity to strengthen Israel’s military, maybe even changing the cost of history. (This might be a
similar but open-ended question so be ready!)
Interest- is extra money that a bank pays you to let it use your funds until you need them (this is how people
get loans).
Long Form Question from same section, pg. 219
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Write a journal entry titled “The Best Economic Choice I Ever Made.” What choice did you make? What
was the trade-off? What was the opportunity cost? Why do you think that you made the right
economic choice?
Maybe use the workbook pg. 218? Or something similar?
Chapter 6, Lesson 3: Changes for Israel
Prophets- people who are believed to receive messages from G-d, warned the people of Israel that they were
losing their way and not following the word of G-d. (pg. 222)
Chapter 6 Review, pgs. 228-229
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Questions #6-7 (timeline)
Make a Thoughtful Decision, #8 (long-form question)
#9s and 10 as well as #s 12 and 13 (multiple choice)
Chapter 7, Changes for the Jewish People
Masada: The Last Stand, pg. 232
The story of the Jewish defense of Masada is an example of the Jewish people’s commitment to their freedom
and the survival of their way of life. What are some of the traditions important to the Jewish people?
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How do you think the Romans will wage their attack on the mountain fort? (ramps, siege towers,
ladders, etc.
How did the siege end? What did the Jewish fights do to save themselves from Roman punishment?
Because the Temple of Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians because the Hebrew king did not do as
commanded, Jewish places of worship became known as synagogues. This name was given to them by the
Greeks! The word itself means, ‘assembly.’
The Jewish Diaspora, pg. 237
Why did Cyrus allow the Jews to reclaim Canaan and rebuild the temple?
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Cyrus believed that the Jews should be allowed to worship as they wished, as long as they accepted his
rule (the same happened under Roman control).
How was Ezra involved in Jews renewing their faith after another exile? In about 450 B.C., a Jewish
scribe named Ezra restored Judaism in Jerusalem. He gave public readings of the Torah and wrote its
laws onto a scroll. ( more details on pg. 238)
Diaspora- the scattering of Jews outside their homeland. Since this time, Jews have settled all over the world,
sometimes by choice, others because of governmental demands. (pg. 237)
Canonized- made an official part of (Ezra’s first writings that would become the Torah, for example)
Theocracy- a state ruled by religious law (Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
Practice Using a Cultural Map, pgs. 240-241
A worksheet such as this along w/ a different map or graph will likely appear on the exam so be prepared! 
STOPPED AT PG. 243
STUDY GUIDE PART 2
What is the name of the last remaining section of the second Jewish temple built by Herod? Why do you think
this site is such an important destination for the Jewish people (your opinion, make draw an inference)? The
Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall.
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Extra points if you can tell me which ruler built the first temple, ;-)
How did the Hebrews’ belief in monotheism separate them from other people of the time? Hebrew believed in
monotheism or the belief in one god. Other cultures believed in many gods.
What is the name of the land that G-d promised to Abraham and that the Jews sought after their Exodus from
Egypt? Canaan
Why do you think the pharaoh allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt? He set them free after the tenth plague.
In this plague, G-d had killed all Egyptian firstborn sons, including the pharaoh’s.
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If you can think of any of the other plagues you will be eligible for some extra credit!
CHAPTER 8, ANCIENT GREECE
Chapter 8, Lesson 1, Land and Seas
Vocabulary
Isthmus
Peninsula
Harbor
Legends
Epic
Bard
Cultural borrowing
Polis
Acropolis
Agora
Oligarchy
Tyrant
Democracy
Reforms
Fables
Know the names and gifts of the 12 Gods & Goddesses from our Quiz!
Pg. 266, Tales from the Odyssey
 Explain the significance of Greek mythology to people in the region and how Greek literature permeates our
literature and language today. (People are paralleling Muhammad Ali’s life to that of Odysseus…Nike is the
name of a Greek Goddess who had winged sandals...Hermes heled a staff called a caduceus which is seen in
the medical field today, games called God of War, athletes called Hercules, etc.
Which major historical war did Odysseus fight in because of glory but also because Agamemnon called for him? The
Trojan War.
What is the name of the greatest Greek Warrior who killed the best Trojan soldier, Hector? Achilles
How did he get that name? How did he die?
What was one of the primary reasons for the Trojan War in the first place? Trojan prince Paris fell in love with Helen,
the wife of the king Menelaus and brother Agamemnon.
How did the Greeks ultimately end the war? They developed the Trojan Horse as a gift.
What is the name of the famed blind poet that wrote the epic poem the Iliad as well as the Odyssey? Homer
How did geography influence the development of early civilizations in Greece? The Greeks who settled in isolated
mountain valleys had little contact with each other. Along the coasts, the ancient Greeks developed a seafaring
culture thanks to an abundance of natural harbors. They used the coasts for sea and travel exchanging ideas and
religious beliefs. Coastal communities stayed in contact while more inland it was difficult to do so. As a result, we see
the rise of city-states such as Sparta and Athens.
Even though the soil was rocky and not good for agriculture, farming surpluses of olives, grains, and grapes allowed
the early people of Greece to trade (import and export) for resources they did not have. Food surpluses and
improved farming techniques led to new kinds of jobs.
Chapter 8, Lesson 2, pg. 278
The Minoan culture developed on the island of Crete which at the time was more powerful than Athens (Athens actually
paid Crete a tribute/tax to Crete).
 The Minoans developed a rich culture. They were expert sailors and traded w/ other cultures around the
Mediterranean. Minoan culture ended around 900 B.C.
How do artifacts such as paintings and clay tablets help us understand Minoan culture? The paintings show that the
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Minoans enjoyed dancing, music, and sports and that they were expert sailors and sea traders. The clay
tablets are evidence of an early form of writing.
Page 281, The Mycenaean civilization developed on the Peloponnesus. The Mycenaeans adopted many customs from
the Minoans and made them their own. The warlike Mycenaeans controlled Crete and much of the Peloponnesus until
about 1100 B.C.
How was Mycenaean culture shaped by cultural borrowing?
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The Mycenaeans learned how to sail from the Minoans and became a great seafaring culture. They adopted
the Minoan writing system and borrowed Minoan art and pottery styles.
Page 282, The Greeks developed a tradition of storytelling. Greek myths and legends were passed down through
generations and were important to everyday life. The legend of the Trojan War comes from the bard Homer’s two
epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey.
How do we know that at least some events in Homer’s epic about the Trojan War are probably true? Archaeologists
have found evidence that suggests that Troy was in fact attacked and burned.
Why were Greek gods important to the Greeks’ daily lives? The Greeks believed that each god or goddess controlled a
specific part of daily life.
What was the job/role of the women that were called the Oracles of Delphi? How did they receive their ‘visions’ and
why were the Greeks so interested in hearing what they had to say? Intoxicating fumes released from seismic crack in
the Earth led to hallucinations and visions. People sought out oracles for advice from the god Apollo.
Chapter 8, Lesson 3, pg. 288
By 750 B.C., large settlements had grown into independent city-states. The city-states developed in similar ways,
most starting at the base of an acropolis.
How did natural barriers shape the development of the city-states?
 Natural barriers kept the city-states from uniting and led to their growing independently of each other.
What was Greek society like under an oligarchy? Members of the oligarchy controlled most aspects of Greek society.
However, they did nothing to improve the lives of the poor.
What happened to unpopular tyrants in some city-states? They were overthrown by the people.
Page 290, Compare our ideas of citizenship with those of the ancient Greeks. Also, how did the Greeks vote?
Citizenship is an important cornerstone of democracy as people need to be united behind a cause. Greeks voted using
white and black stones that they placed in separate containers. While on men were allowed to vote, that was also
the same in the United States as well until the early 1900s.
 There are tons of ways you can answer this question. Be specific and explain yourself!
Page 291, While the ancient Greeks identified with their own city-states, they also felt a strong connection with all
Greeks due to their common language and shared culture.
 Besides having a common language, they also had a shared culture including history, writing, religion, and
athletics. Once they developed their own writing system in the 700s B.C., this helped bring the city-states
closer together.
What are the names of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet? Alpha and Beta. The combination of these letters
gives us our modern word ‘alphabet’.
How did the Olympic Games unite the Greek city-states? Every four years they sent their best athletes to Olympia to
compete in the games, even if they were wat war with one another. This led to cooperation and fair and peaceful
competition.
Greek city-states often fought over land and resources. What was the name of a Greek soldier and describe the special
formation in which the hoplite soldiers fought. Why was this fighting so effective in battle? Greek soldiers were called
Hoplites and they fought/marched in long rows, fighting shoulder to shoulder with their shields nearly touching. They
marched forward like a thick, moving wall that was well-trained, equipped, and organized.
Chapter 8, Lesson 4: Sparta & Athens, pg. 296
Spartans were taught to be strong and disciplined. They had little contact with outsiders. Men served in the military.
Women had many responsibilities and were respected. Sparta was a war-like society starting at birth. Kids were
trained to be independent and soldiers at a young age (pg. 299).
Citizens were rarely allowed to travel beyond Sparta nad trade with outsiders was discouraged because they feared that
new ideas would bring unwanted change to their society. They followed a strict way of life, dressed and lived plainly.
Today the word ‘spartan’ implies a minimal way of life. Their philosophy of economics and government are the
complete opposite to that of Athens.
Life in Athens, however, was completely different. Athens’s coastal location helped it become wealthy through trade.
Draco wrote Athens’s first laws, but they were harsh. Solon put in place reforms to help ordinary people.
How did Solon’s reforms help ordinary people? He canceled debts and freed Athenians who had sold themselves into
slavery. He replaced harsh laws w/ fairer ones. Solon also instituted ‘majority rule’. Every member had a voice and
the idea that received the most votes passed. Solon’s legacy is that he made a way for average citizens to get
involved in government.
 Solon’s reforms became the basis for Athenian democracy. Solon established a system that based political
rights on wealth, not on birth. He also formed a council of citizens to support the assembly.