In 1–2 sentences, compare the methods used and the reasons behind how Egyptians and Mesopotamians changed their environments to suit their needs.(2 points)
Both Egyptians and Mesopotamians changed their environments by building irrigation systems, but while Egyptians did so to control the flooding of the Nile River and ensure agricultural productivity, Mesopotamians did so to mitigate the erratic water flow of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers for the same purpose.
In 3–5 sentences, compare and contrast the social organization of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Both ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia had hierarchical social structures, but there were notable differences. In Egypt, the pharaoh was the central authority and considered a god-like figure, while in Mesopotamia, kings ruled as political and military leaders. Egypt had a well-defined class system, with priests and nobles occupying the highest positions, followed by merchants, artisans, and farmers. In contrast, Mesopotamia had a more fluid social organization, with semiprofessional priests and a smaller noble class, and a significant portion of the population working as common farmers and laborers without distinct social ranks. Additionally, women in ancient Egypt enjoyed more rights and privileges compared to women in Mesopotamia, where they held a subordinate position in society.
In 1–2 sentences, analyze the use of Legalism by the Qin dynasty to unify China. What were two Legalist policies that helped the Qin gain power?(2 points)
The use of Legalism by the Qin dynasty helped unify China by implementing centralized control and strict discipline in governance, with two key policies being the centralized bureaucracy and the philosophy of "strict laws and harsh punishments" to maintain order and suppress dissent.
Arab traders in the Middle East refused to share where they harvested their spices. They sometimes told fantastic stories, saying that their spices came from mystical lakes guarded by winged animals. According to Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher and politician, "All these tales…have been evidently invented for the purpose of enhancing the price of these commodities.” In 3–5 sentences, analyze how this statement would later impact European political beliefs.(4 points)
Pliny the Elder's statement highlights the disbelief and skepticism towards the fantastic accounts given by Arab traders about the origins of spices. This skepticism would later influence European political beliefs by fostering a critical mindset and questioning the credibility of extraordinary claims made for economic gains. It would encourage European politicians and intellectuals to prioritize evidence-based information and consequently promote the development of logical reasoning and scientific inquiry. This intellectual shift would eventually lead to the questioning of traditional authority and the emergence of a more empirical and rational mindset, shaping the foundation of modern European political and scientific thought.
In 1–2 sentences, how did female Confucian scholars such as Ban Zhao and the Song sisters influence gender roles in early China?(2 points)
Female Confucian scholars such as Ban Zhao and the Song sisters influenced gender roles in early China by challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for women's education, empowerment, and active participation in society, thereby contributing to a broader acceptance of women's intellectual pursuits and expanded opportunities for women in Chinese society.
To compare the methods used by Egyptians and Mesopotamians in changing their environments to suit their needs, we can examine their agricultural practices. The Egyptians focused on harnessing the flooding of the Nile River to create fertile soil and irrigation systems, while the Mesopotamians developed sophisticated irrigation techniques to thrive in the arid region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
