Study Guide
Mesopotamia
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Which two rivers were Mesopotamian civilizations located by?
Why did they settle by these rivers?
Explain irrigation and how did this development help early farmers?
Were the Mesopotamians polytheistic or monotheistic? Give evidence to support your answer.
Describe the role of these inventions in the Ancient Mesopotamian Economy:
 Writing
 Wheel
 Metal Plow
Draw and label the social pyramid in Ancient Mesopotamia.
What was the role of the King in Ancient Mesopotamia?
Explain how Hammurabi’s law code impacted Babylonian society.
Explain what a city-state is.
Explain what an empire is.
Explain division of labor and why this occurred in River valley civilizations.
Egypt
1. Which river was the life blood of Egypt?
2. How did the ancient Egyptians control the Niles floods?
3. What are the two major geographical barriers that kept Egypt from being invaded for most of its
early history?
4. Explain the role of silt in Egyptian farming.
5. Were the Egyptians polytheistic or monotheistic? Give evidence to support your answer.
6. Did the Egyptians believe in life after death?
7. How did the ancient Egyptians prepare for the afterlife?
8. What were the two main industries of the ancient Egyptian economy?
9. Draw and label the social pyramid in Ancient Egypt.
10. What were the differences between a farmer and a slave?
11. What was the role of the King in ancient Egypt?
12. Who was Akhenaten and why was he so revolutionary in Egyptian history?