Humanities

1. What are six characteristics of civilized societies and civilizations mentioned in the textbook?

According to Cunningham, Reich, & Fichner-Rathus, (2014, p.10) in textbook the following are characteristics that civilized societies possess:

• some form of urban life involving the construction of permanent settlements—cities, in short

• a system of government that regulates political relations

• the development of distinct social classes, distinguished from one another by the two related factors of wealth and occupation

• tools and specialized skills for the production of goods, leading to the rise of manufacturing and trade

• some form of written communication, making it possible to share and preserve information

• a shared system of religious belief, whose officials or priests often play a significant role in community affairs

2. How was national unity maintained in ancient Egypt despite the differences between the regions of Upper and Lower Nile?

Even though there were differences in the different regions of the Upper and Lower Nile a system of national unity was still maintained in ancient Egypt. This system of “national unity was maintained by a strong central government firmly controlled by a single ruler, the pharaoh who had absolute power over all matters.” (Cunningham, Reich, & Fichner-Rathus, 2014, p.19)

3. What are three universal themes touched upon in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Three universal themes touched upon in the Epic of Gilgamesh are: “the elevation of some human beings over others; the disregard for nature and the natural order of things; and the virtues and rewards of the simple life and the pleasures of love, companionship, food, and drink.” (Cunningham, Reich, & Fichner-Rathus, 2014, p.15)

4. How did the focus of Mycenaean art and architecture differ from that of the Minoans?

There were numerous similarities and differences between the Mycenaean and Minoans art and architecture. “The Mycenaeans constructed great palace...