ANCIENT HISTORY: YEAR-END ASSESSMENT STUDY GUIDE KEY

 

Directions: Please use your textbook to locate the answers to the questions below. The End-of-Year Assessment encompasses chapters 4-7. (Page numbers are in parentheses.)

 

SECTION 1: ROME

 

1. Describe how the Roman Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity took place. (236)

During the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine is said to have looked up into the sky and seen a cross. Above the cross was the message, “In hoc signo vinces.” This is translated as, “by this sign you shall conquer.” Constantine’s army crossed the Tiber River and won an overwhelming victory. Because Jesus had died on a cross, Constantine believed that he owed his victory to the Christian God. As a result, he became a Christian. 

 

2. Describe the role of Constantine in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. (239)

 

Under Constantine, The Roman Empire did not persecute Christians any longer, and Christianity became the empire’s official religion. Constantine worked to strengthen the Christian church.

 

3. Describe the role of the family in ancient Rome. (227)

 

The family was very important in ancient Rome. Many Romans had strong traditional values and valued family life. Roman writings are filled with stories of happy families and dedication and love.

 

4. Why is Roman law important to us today? (223)

Roman law developed ideas of justice that are the basis of the American legal system. For example, persons accused of crimes had the right to face their accusers. If there was any doubt about a person’s guilt, he or she would be judged innocent.

 

5. Describe how most people lived in ancient Rome. (226)

 

Most people in Rome lived in poorly built, rundown housing. Many lived in tall apartments with no running water, toilets, or kitchens. Rubbish and human waste was often dumped out the window, Because most homes were made of wood, fires were frequent and often fatal. 

 

6. How did Rome treat its conquered people? (219)

 

Roman rulers treated conquered peoples wisely. They took some slaves after a conquest, but most of the conquered peoples remained free. Generally the Romans did not force their way of life on conquered peoples. They allowed them to follow their own religions. Local rulers were allowed to run the daily affairs of government. As long as there was peace, Roman governors did not interfere in the conquered people’s lives. Rather, they kept watch over them. 

 

7.  What did Roman law specify should be done if two consuls disagreed on how to handle an emergency? (213)

 

Romans knew that their government might fail if the two consuls disagreed in an emergency. For that reason, Roman law allowed that a dictator could be appointed for six months to handle an emergency.

 

8. Why was Rome’s geographic setting important? (211)

 

Rome was built on seven hills. These hills made Rome easy to defend. The soil was fertile, and the area had a good source of water. From the mountains of central Italy, the Tiber River flowed through Rome before emptying into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome as also at the center of the long, narrow peninsula we now call Italy. Italy was at the center of the Mediterranean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea was at the center of the known western world. In short, Rome’s position was central to Italy and the known western world.   

 

9. Why did Roman emperors give free grain to the poor? (226)

 

The Roman emperors gave free grain to the poor to prevent riots when the harvest was poor.

 

 

10. On what concept was Roman law based? (223)

 

Roman law was based on the concept of fairness. The laws were supposed to apply equally to all.

 

11. What was the condition of most Roman citizens? (225)

 

Roman society was made up of a few rich people and many poor free people and slaves. A majority of poor Romans were either slaves or unemployed (without jobs). Most of the unemployed survived only with the support of the government.

 

12. The Greeks were most interested in ideas. In what were the Romans most interested? (222)

 

The Romans were most interested in using knowledge to build things. The Romans developed outstanding architecture and engineering skills. With these skills, they built their empire. The Greeks, on the other hand, sought to learn truths about the world through reason.

 

 

13. After what impressive victory was Julius Caesar able to gain control of Rome? (214)

Caesar was able to gain control of Rome after conquering Gaul (France). From 58 to 51 B.C., he had led his army to victory there. His strong leadership won him the loyalty of his troops. In 49 B.C., he led his army back to Rome. War broke out between Caesar and the Senate. Caesar won the war and became dictator if the Roman world in 48 B.C.

 

14. How many consuls ruled Rome? (212)

Two consuls ruled Rome. At first, both consuls were patricians (wealthy), but from 367 B.C. onward, the law said that at least one consul had to be a plebeian (common person).

 

15. How was power divided between the two consuls? (213)

Power was divided equally between the two consuls. Both had to agree before the government could take any action. If one consul said, “Veto,” (“I forbid it.”), the matter was dropped.

 

 

SECTION 2: ANCIENT GREECE 

 

16. What was the importance of the agora? (182)

The Agora was the center of public life in Athens. Men met there to talk of politics and philosophy. The streets were lined with shops and farmers and artisans sold their wares from stands set up under shady trees.

 

 

 

17. What was the importance of the acropolis? (182)

The Acropolis (city of a hill) was the center of religious life in Athens. Upon these fortified hills were built the temples to the gods.

 

18. How did the ending of the Peloponnesian War affect Athens’ position in the Greek world? (193)

Athens never recovered from the plague that struck it during the Peloponnesian War. In 405 B.C., the Spartans surrounded and closed the harbor through which Athens food shipments came. Starved and beaten, the Athenians surrendered in 404 B.C. Athens was never again a leader in the Greek world.

 

19. How did the leadership of Alexander the Great change Greece? (197)

 Under the leadership of Alexander the Great, Greece expanded its empire. Within eleven years of becoming king of Macdonia, Alexander had conquered an extensive area including Persia, Egypt, and lands beyond the Indus River to the east.

 

 

20. For what do we remember Solon? (173)

About 594 B.C., an Athenian leader named Solon won the power to reform the laws. He cancelled all debts and freed citizens who had been enslaved for having debts. Another law allowed any male citizen of Athens aged eighteen or older to debate important laws. These laws and others made Athens the leading democracy of the ancient world.

 

 

21. How did the Greeks perceive (view) their gods? (176)

Most of the Greeks believed their gods ruled different areas of human life. Zeus, for instance, was considered to be the rulers of the sky and storms, while Apollo was the god of poetry and music. The Greeks believed their gods were perfect in their human forms, had great power, and were immortal. There were twelve great gods led by Zeus.

 

22. Describe Athens’ achievements during the Golden Age. (175-180)

During the Golden Age, Athens grew rich from trade and silver mined by slaves in regions around the city. They also received tribute from both allies and conquered countries. This wealth, and the resulting leisure, led to great achievements in the arts, science, philosophy, and mathematics. In addition, democracy flourished.

 

 

 

24. Compare and contrast Athens and Sparta. (175 and 189)

In Sparta, the government concentrated all its resources on creating brave and skillful warriors. Young boys were taken from their homes at the age of seven and trained for military service for the next thirteen years. Life in Sparta was harsh and Spartans were tough, silent, and grim. Sparta was a city devoted to war, and it had one basic rule: Always put the city’s needs above your own.

Life in Athens was free and open. People loved beauty and were devoted to philosophy, democracy, and the arts and sciences.  

 

25. What occurred during the Dark Ages of Greece? (171)

During the Dark Ages of Greece (early 1100s B.C. to about 750 B.C.), civilization collapsed and poverty was everywhere. People no longer traded beyond Greece for food and other goods. They were so concerned with survival they even forgot the practice of writing.

 

26. How did the views of philosophers differ from those of the average Athenian? (177)

The early Greek philosophers did not believe that the gods were the source of everything. Instead, they believed that people could use the powers of the mind and reason to understand why natural events occurred.

 

 

SECTION 3: ANCIENT CHINA

 

27. Describe several important inventions that appeared during the Han dynasty. (161)

One of the most important inventions during the Han Dynasty was the invention of paper. Other inventions included: the iron plow, the rudder, seismoscope, compass, wheelbarrow, herbal remedies, acupuncture, jade  carving, silk weaving, and the discovery of the circulatory system.

 

28. Why did the influence of Confucianism grow during the Han dynasty? (160)

During the Han Dynasty, the influence of Confucianism grew because the rulers wanted to bring back a respect for tradition. Rulers required members of the civil service to be educated in Confucian teachings.

 

29. Why was Confucian philosophy important in ancient China? (149)

Confucian philosophy was important in ancient China because the teachings ruled many areas of Chinese life. Confucius’ goal was to bring order to society. He believed that if people could be taught to behave properly toward one another, order and peace would result. His teachings applied to rulers and the family.

 

30. What were the central ideas of Confucianism? (148-149)

The central ideas of Confucianism included the notion that one must show loyalty and respect within the family. Parents must set a good example for their children, and everyone must respect the people above and below them while treating others justly. “Do not do unto others what you would not want done to yourself.” 

 

31. How did Confucius believe that people in authority should act? (149)

People in authority should set a good example by behaving well. He believed that if a ruler was fair, his people would follow his example and treat others fairly too.

 

32. What were some of Shi Huangdi’s greatest achievements? (152-153)

Shi Huangdi sought to strengthen China through strong and harsh rule. He tried to protect the new empire from its enemies by constructing the Great Wall. It was the largest construction project in Chinese history. He also built new roads to enable his armies to rush to the scene of any uprisings. He divided China into districts to make it easier to rule. He declared that one type of currency be used throughout Chins, and he ordered the creation of common weights and measures, an improved system of writing, and a new law code. 

 

33. Why was the Silk Road important? (160)

The Silk Road was important because it was a trade route that connected China with the West. Chinese silk was brought to Europe where people were willing to pay high prices for it. And wealthy Chinese were willing to pay well for glass, horses, ivory, woolens, and linen cloth from Rome. However, more than goods traveled the road. New ideas did as well. Missionaries from India traveled to China along a section of the road and brought Buddhism with them.  

 

34. Describe the role of the family in early Chinese society. (142)

The family was the center of early Chinese society. It was considered to be of far more importance than the individual or the nation. A person’s first responsibility was to the family, and the family was each person’s source of well being.

 

35. Where did the first farming settlements in China develop? (141)

The first farming settlements in China developed along the rivers. Early settlements developed in the Huang Valley perhaps as early as 5000 B.C. These early farming settlements grew into civilizations.

 

36. Under Confucianism, who could hold government jobs? (150)

Under Confucianism, only males who could read and write could hold government jobs. This was, however, a change from earlier policy. Then government posts were usually given to the sons of powerful people. Afterward, any man could hold a government job based on merit. This meant that even men from poor families could rise to high government positions.   

 

37. How did Confucius believe that people should act within the family? (148)

Confucius believed that if people showed loyalty and respect within the family, the same values would spread to society at large. This would lead to order and peace, and society would prosper (do well).

 

 

SECTION 4: ANCIENT INDIA  

 

38. Why are monsoons important to India? (109)

India’s climate is dominated by monsoon. From October to May, the winter monsoon blows from the northeast, spreading dry air across the country. Then in the middle of June, the wind blows in from the Indian Ocean. This summer monsoon picks up moisture from the ocean. It carries rains that drench the plains and river valleys daily. It is because of these rains that farmers can grow crops.

 

39. What two important rivers start in the Himalaya Mountains? (110)

The Indus and Ganges rivers start in the Himalaya Mountains. The Indus River crosses the Himalayas and empties into the Arabian Sea. The Ganges flows from the Himalayas into the Bay of Bengal.

 

40. Name several important achievements of the Maurya Empire. (129)

Under the leadership of Chandragupta and Asoka, the Maurya Empire enjoyed great economic success. New irrigation systems brought water to farmers. Forests were cleared, and more food was produced. Government officials promoted crafts and mining. A vast network of roads made it easier for Maurya traders to exchange goods with foreign lands. Chandragupta and Asoka brought order and peace to the empire.  

 

41. Describe how Asoka viewed his people. (131)

Asoka was a kind ruler who thought of his people as his children. He was concerned for their welfare and even had hospitals built throughout his kingdom. He went so far as to have wells dug every mile beside the roads so that travelers and animals would not go thirsty. 

 

42. Describe what happened to the Maurya Empire after Asoka’s death. (132)

At the time of Asoka’s death, India was united as never before. After Asoka’s death, however, the Maurya Empire declined. Without his strong leadership, his territories became divided. Small states began fighting with one another. Several centuries of invasion and disorder followed. It took almost 600 years before India was united again.

 

43. Describe how India’s mountains and surrounding water influenced its development.  (109)

India’s mountains and surrounding water limited the contact people of the Indian subcontinent had with the rest of the world. The Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountain ranges separate India from the rest of Asia. The Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea limit contact with lands to the east and west.

 

44. How do archaeologists know that Mohenjo-Daro was carefully planned? (110)

The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro show how carefully the city was planned. To help protect it from floods, the city was built above ground level. Homes and workshops made up one side of the city. Public buildings stood on the other side. Streets separated these regular blocks of homes and buildings.

 

45. How does Hinduism differ from other religions? (117)

Hinduism is unlike other major world religions because it has no one single founder.

 

46. According to Hindu belief in reincarnation, what happens to faithful followers after death? (119)

One important idea in the Upanishads is reincarnation or rebirth of the soul. Hindus believe that when a person dies, the soul is reborn in the body of another living thing. Hindus believe that every living thing has a soul. According to Hindu belief, the actions of a person in this life affect his or her fate in the next. Good behavior is always rewarded, and bad behavior is always punished. Faithful followers of Hinduism will be reborn into a higher position.

 

47. According to Buddha, what is the cure for human suffering? (122)

 The Buddha believed that selfish desires for power, wealth, and pleasure cause human suffering. By giving up selfish desires, a person can become free from suffering. To overcome selfish desires, Buddhists must learn to be wise, to behave correctly, and to develop their minds.

 

 

48. What was Chandragupta’s philosophy of how one should rule an empire? (129)

Like the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Chandragupta believed in the absolute power of the ruler. In other words, he shared power with no one. According to a legend, one of his advisors gave him a book of advice called Arthasastra. The book urged kings to maintain control of their subjects and to establish an army of spies to inform on them.

 

49. Why is Asoka considered one of India’s greatest rulers? (131)

Asoka is considered one of India’s greatest rulers because he was a kind ruler who thought of his people as his children. He was concerned for their welfare and even had hospitals built throughout his kingdom. He went so far as to have wells dug every mile beside the roads so that travelers and animals would not go thirsty. 

 

50. In 6-8 sentences, discuss at least two features that were present in every location where settlements of people grew into major civilizations. What were these features, features that allowed them to settle down, grow into cities, develop new occupations (jobs) and prosper (become better off than they were before)? Please give examples. (These answers are found throughout the book.)

 All of the people in the civilizations that we studied settled in areas where there were abundant sources of clean water and very fertile soil. These two elements allowed people to settle in one place and eventually grow a surplus of food. Due to this surplus, families grew bigger, people stayed healthier longer, everyone no longer had to be a farmer, and individuals were able to perform a variety of jobs. Some became artisans, others merchants or metal workers, and perhaps even traders. As the population increased, governments were formed to keep order, manage public works and irrigation projects, and provide services. Social classes also developed. Kings were the most powerful, followed by the priests and nobles. Next were artisans, traders, merchants, and, finally, the common workers and farmers. Slaves were a small class of their own and ranked lower than the free people. 

 

51. What were Athens’ three main sources of wealth during its Golden

       Age?  (175)

 

Athens’ three main sources of wealth during its Golden Age were 

silver, trade and tribute.

 

52. Name three of the greatest of the Greek philosophers, men whose work

      had a lasting influence on modern learning and thinking. (178)

 

Three of the greatest of the Greek philosophers were Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.

 

Remember: If it is not on the study guide, it is not on the test.