History of Western Civilization: Exam Preparation #1
Prepare to write essays on the following topics. The professor will select 3 of them to appear on
the exam from which you will choose 1 upon which to write. However, be prepared to write on
all since you do not know which ones will appear on the exam.
In your essays, the professor expects you to incorporate the following material related to the topic:
first and foremost, the classroom lectures, followed by readings from the documents (the Sources
readings),and videos both conventional and from YouTube. Basically, this means the professor
expects to see all of the above materials in the form of expanded explanations and the usage of
proper names of places, persons, events, ideas, and objects pertinent to the topic of the essay.
1. The first civilizations in the world developed in the area of the Middle East known as
Mesopotamia. First discuss the eight elements which were crucial for the development of
these civilizations. Next discuss the political development of these civilizations from
temple community to kingship along with the development and impact of warfare among
these peoples. Finally, discuss the position of women in these societies
2. The first civilizations in the world developed in the area of the Middle East known as
Mesopotamia. First discuss the eight elements which were crucial for the development of
these civilizations. Next discuss the religious beliefs of these societies making sure to
include a discussion of the role of the Seers/Gazers in interpreting omens. Finally, discuss
the legal systems of these societies with special attention to the Code of Hammurabi.
3. The next great civilization in the world developed in Egypt. First discuss how the
geography of the area significantly impacted the development of that civilization. Next,
discuss the political development and structure of the government. Finally, thoroughly
discuss the role of women, including royal women in this society.
4. The next great civilization in the world developed in Egypt. First discuss the religion of
the Egyptians PRIOR to Akhenaton along with the attempted religious revolution enacted
by Akhenaton. Next, discuss the development of the Egyptian army and the importance
of a professional military force for the Egyptian empire.
5. The Hebrew people developed in ways markedly different from the peoples, such as the
Mesopotamians and Egyptians, around them. Discuss, in detail, the development of the
Hebrew nation from its earliest beginnings up to the Babylonian Captivity.
6. The Hebrew people developed in ways markedly different from the peoples, such as the
Mesopotamians and Egyptians, around them. Discuss, in detail, the concept of God and
His relationship to humanity as understood by these exceptional people.
7. Sparta and Athens represent opposite poles of the social and political development of the
Greek city-state. Carefully and completely, discuss the social and political evolution of
Sparta.
8. Sparta and Athens represent opposite poles of the social and political development of the
Greek city-state. First, carefully and completely, discuss the political, and military
evolution of Sparta. Next, examine the Battle of Thermopylae. What does this battle tell
us about the Army that Spartan society produced?
9. Sparta and Athens represent opposite poles of the social and political development of the
Greek city-state. Carefully and completely discuss the political evolution of Athens
10. Describe and discuss the evolution of Greek philosophy from the Ionian philosophers, to
the Sophists, to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
11. Discuss the mythology of the Greeks. Why were these beliefs so important to the Greek
peoples and why did they not tolerate people such as Socrates who questioned the
existence of the gods?
12. Discuss the life, career, and legacy of Alexander the Great.
Short Answer: In several sentences, identify and give the historical significance of each of the
following terms, events, and people. Ten will be included on the exam from which you will choose
5 to identify. The Short Answers are primarily focused on information to be found in the
textbook, but may also include information from the Sources book and from classroom lectures.
1. Epic of Gilgamesh
3. Darius & Xerxes
5.Socrates
7. Plato’s Republic
9. Solomon
11. cult of Isis
13. Epicureans
15. Code of Hammurabi
17. Homer
19. Cincinnatus
2. Akhenaton
4. Peloponnesian War
6. Lycurgus
8. Solon
10. Thucydides
12. Ahuramazda
14.Hanukkah
16. Cyrus the Great
18. Stoicism
20. Paul of Tarsus