Humanities Essay Exam 1
Questions & Answers
Where and how did the birth of civilization occur? - ANSWERSAlthough the Earth is almost six
billion years old, civilization did not really start to occur until about 5,000 years ago. To be
considered civilization, towns or cities must exist, food production must occur, and there must
be administration of a centralized bureaucracy capable of running a state. This all occurred in
around 3100 BC. The two earliest civilizations were those of Mesopotamia and Egypt. These two
areas thrived due to their location - both near major rivers. Hunter-gatherers became more
interested in agriculture at the beginning of the Neolithic Period. Humans started migrating to
these areas as rivers provided water to irrigate crops and a method of transport. Several other
civilizations, including the Indus, Aegean, and China, began to pop up as well and the birth of
civilization occurred from there.
Contrast the religious views of the ancient Egyptians with those of the ancient Mesopotamians.
- ANSWERSBoth ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions were polytheistic, meaning they
recognized many gods. In both religions, the gods and goddesses were often personified by
elements of nature. However, there was a major difference between the two. The
Mesopotamian gods' forces of nature were more chaotic and likely to cause catastrophes and
the gods were seen as unpredictable beings of extraordinary power. Therefore, the
Mesopotamians were at the mercy of the gods and needed to carry out their wills to make
them happy. The Egyptian gods were less destructive and they were generally seen as kind,
generous, and well disposed toward humanity. The Egyptians believed their gods created Egypt
as a sort of refuge of good and order in a world filled with chaos and disorder. The other minor
difference between these two religions was that the Egyptians had pharaohs, who were
considered living gods and were the vital links between humanity and the rest of the gods.
Distinguish Hebrew religion from other religions of the ancient Near East. - ANSWERSThe main
difference between Hebrew religion and other religions of the ancient Near East is that Hebrew
religion believed there was only one God while many other Near East religions believed in many
gods. The Hebrew religion practiced several different rituals then most religions as well,
including human and animal sacrifice and other rules to follow the covenant between God and
His followers.
Questions & Answers
Where and how did the birth of civilization occur? - ANSWERSAlthough the Earth is almost six
billion years old, civilization did not really start to occur until about 5,000 years ago. To be
considered civilization, towns or cities must exist, food production must occur, and there must
be administration of a centralized bureaucracy capable of running a state. This all occurred in
around 3100 BC. The two earliest civilizations were those of Mesopotamia and Egypt. These two
areas thrived due to their location - both near major rivers. Hunter-gatherers became more
interested in agriculture at the beginning of the Neolithic Period. Humans started migrating to
these areas as rivers provided water to irrigate crops and a method of transport. Several other
civilizations, including the Indus, Aegean, and China, began to pop up as well and the birth of
civilization occurred from there.
Contrast the religious views of the ancient Egyptians with those of the ancient Mesopotamians.
- ANSWERSBoth ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religions were polytheistic, meaning they
recognized many gods. In both religions, the gods and goddesses were often personified by
elements of nature. However, there was a major difference between the two. The
Mesopotamian gods' forces of nature were more chaotic and likely to cause catastrophes and
the gods were seen as unpredictable beings of extraordinary power. Therefore, the
Mesopotamians were at the mercy of the gods and needed to carry out their wills to make
them happy. The Egyptian gods were less destructive and they were generally seen as kind,
generous, and well disposed toward humanity. The Egyptians believed their gods created Egypt
as a sort of refuge of good and order in a world filled with chaos and disorder. The other minor
difference between these two religions was that the Egyptians had pharaohs, who were
considered living gods and were the vital links between humanity and the rest of the gods.
Distinguish Hebrew religion from other religions of the ancient Near East. - ANSWERSThe main
difference between Hebrew religion and other religions of the ancient Near East is that Hebrew
religion believed there was only one God while many other Near East religions believed in many
gods. The Hebrew religion practiced several different rituals then most religions as well,
including human and animal sacrifice and other rules to follow the covenant between God and
His followers.
