AcDec Social Science 26-32, Art 23-25, and Music 26-30

According to climatologists, when did the Holocene era begin?

• 11,700 years ago

• 2,000 years ago

• 4,250 years ago

• 1950 CE

• 2.6 million years ago

Answer explanation

The Holocene era began approximately 11,700 years ago, marking the end of the last Ice Age and the start of significant human development and climate stability.

When did agrarian societies first emerge in modern-day Syria and Israel?

• 3500 BCE

• 7000 BCE

• 5000 BCE

• Before 9000 BCE

• 1350 CE

Answer explanation

Agrarian societies in modern-day Syria and Israel began to emerge before 9000 BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings indicating early farming practices in the region.

Which of the following civilizations did NOT develop in Mesopotamia?

• Sumerians

• Akkadians

• Babylonians

• Assyrians

• Mayans

Answer explanation

The Mayans did NOT develop in Mesopotamia; they were an ancient civilization in Mesoamerica. In contrast, the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians all originated in the Mesopotamian region.

When was the Akkadian Empire established?

• 3600 BCE

• 2600 BCE

• 2334 BCE

• 2218 BCE

• 1900 BCE

Answer explanation

The Akkadian Empire was established in 2334 BCE by Sargon of Akkad, marking the beginning of one of the world's first empires. This date is significant in ancient history, distinguishing it from other periods.

What was a primary water source for the Mesopotamian region?

• Nile River

• Indus River

• Tigris River

• Amazon River

• Yellow River

Answer explanation

The Tigris River was a primary water source for the Mesopotamian region, providing essential irrigation and supporting agriculture, which was crucial for the development of early civilizations in that area.

When did the Late Holocene era begin according to the Western calendar?

• 4250 CE

• 2250 BCE

• 1950 CE

• 0 CE

• 9000 BCE

Answer explanation

The Late Holocene era began around 2250 BCE, marking a significant period in human history characterized by the development of agriculture and complex societies.

What concept in Chinese history linked favorable weather to the worthiness of rulers?

• Mandate of Heaven

• Dynastic Cycle

• Confucianism

• Taoism

• Legalism

Answer explanation

The Mandate of Heaven is a key concept in Chinese history that linked the legitimacy of rulers to their ability to govern well, including maintaining favorable weather. Poor weather was seen as a sign of a ruler's failure.

According to some scholars, what caused the decline of Egypt's Old Kingdom around 2250 BCE?

• Foreign invasion

• Political upheaval

• Severe droughts

• Technological advancements

• Religious conflicts

Answer explanation

Scholars suggest that severe droughts led to food shortages and weakened the central authority, contributing to the decline of Egypt's Old Kingdom around 2250 BCE, rather than foreign invasions or political upheaval.

Which empire's territory extended to the African and European boundaries of the Mediterranean Sea by 117 CE?

• Greek

• Persian

• Egyptian

• Roman

• Ottoman

Answer explanation

The Roman Empire's territory by 117 CE encompassed vast regions, including the entire Mediterranean coastline in both Africa and Europe, making it the correct answer. The other empires did not have such extensive control over these areas.

Which artistic style often featured rich colors, heightened emotion, and dramatic imagery?

• Renaissance

• Baroque

• Neoclassicism

• Rococo

• Impressionism

Answer explanation

The Baroque style is characterized by rich colors, heightened emotion, and dramatic imagery, making it distinct from the more restrained styles like Neoclassicism and Rococo.