Review Questions – G10

Which of the following belief systems developed in Persia and influenced later Abrahamic faiths?

• Hinduism

• Daoism

• Zoroastrianism

• Confucianism

Answer explanation

Zoroastrianism, developed in ancient Persia, introduced concepts like monotheism and the struggle between good and evil, which significantly influenced later Abrahamic faiths such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Which belief systems that you studied did not focus on worshiping a deity?

• Confucianism and Daoism

• Hinduism and Zoroastrianism

• Judaism and Buddhism

• Daoism and Judaism

Answer explanation

Confucianism and Daoism do not center around the worship of a deity. Instead, they focus on ethical living, social harmony, and the natural order, distinguishing them from the other belief systems listed.

All of the following belief systems developed during or around the Classical Era (600 BCE – 600 CE) except:

• Confucianism

• Daoism

• Christianity

• Animism

Answer explanation

Animism is an ancient belief system that predates the Classical Era, while Confucianism, Daoism, and Christianity all developed during or around this period.

Confucianism emphasized which of the following as the foundation of a stable society?

• Withdrawal from politics and society

• Individual enlightenment above family roles

• Respect for authority and filial piety

• Monotheistic devotion to a supreme deity

Answer explanation

Confucianism emphasizes respect for authority and filial piety as essential for a stable society. These values promote harmony and social order, highlighting the importance of family and hierarchical relationships.

In the past, people often believed gods were tied to certain places (animism). Later, many started believing in gods that weren’t tied to one location and could be worshipped anywhere. What belief system came from this change?

• Ritualism

• Polytheism

• Monotheism

• Ancestor worship

Answer explanation

The shift from gods tied to specific places to a belief in a singular, omnipresent deity reflects the emergence of monotheism, where one god can be worshipped anywhere, contrasting with earlier animistic beliefs.

What is one way Christianity and Buddhism are similar?

• They only accepted people from one region

• They both focused only on rich people

• They were universalizing religions that spread widely

• They had many gods

Answer explanation

Christianity and Buddhism are both universalizing religions, meaning they aimed to spread their teachings beyond their regions of origin, attracting followers from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Which of the following religions are considered Abrahamic religions, meaning they all trace their origins to the prophet Abraham?

• Buddhism, Judaism, Islam

• Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism

• Judaism, Christianity, Islam

• Hinduism, Islam, Christianity

Answer explanation

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all considered Abrahamic religions as they trace their origins to the prophet Abraham. Buddhism and Hinduism do not share this lineage.

Which feature was common to most of the earliest civilizations?

• They were located in deserts with little water

• They developed around river valleys with fertile land

• They avoided trade and contact with other cultures

• They were ruled by democratically elected leaders

Answer explanation

Most early civilizations developed around river valleys with fertile land, as these areas provided essential resources for agriculture, enabling population growth and the establishment of complex societies.

Why is Sumer important in World History?

• It had the largest empire in ancient times

• It was the first civilization to use iron tools

• It developed the first known written language

• It introduced monotheism to the region

Answer explanation

Sumer is crucial in World History as it developed the first known written language, cuneiform, which laid the foundation for record-keeping, literature, and communication, influencing future civilizations.

What is one way early civilizations in the Americas (like the Olmec & Chavin) were different from others?

• They developed in river valleys

• They were not complex societies

• They developed away from river valleys

• They used cuneiform writing

Answer explanation

Early civilizations like the Olmec and Chavin developed away from river valleys, unlike many other civilizations that relied on river systems for agriculture and trade. This distinction highlights their unique geographical and cultural development.