Who was the ruler of the Akkadian Empire around 2334 BCE?

Sargon

What significant action did Sargon take regarding northern cities and Sumer?

He conquered them and placed them under unified central rule.

What became the capital of the Akkadian Empire?

Akkad

What was replaced by Akkadian traditions in the Akkadian Empire?

Sumerian traditions

What defines an empire in terms of political and military control?

Political and military hegemony over a large territory from a single central location.

What is a characteristic of empires regarding laws and culture?

Widespread dissemination of a single set of laws, language, and currency.

What is a common way empires promote their rulers?

Proliferation of images of the ruler on coins, buildings, artwork, etc.

What does the title 'King of the Four Quarters' signify?

Aspirations towards or claims of global dominance.

What is the Victory Stele of Sargon dated to?

ca. 2300 BCE

What is the significance of the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin?

It represents the artistic shift towards individual representation in art, dated to ca. 2500 BCE.

When did the Akkadian Empire collapse?

ca. 2154 BCE

What was the time period of the Old Babylonian Empire?

1894 - 1595 BCE

What were the capitals of the Assyrian Empire?

Ashur, Nimrud, Nineveh

What was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire?

Babylon

What happened to the city of Babylon after the Old Babylonian Empire collapsed?

It returned to being a vassal city-state within larger states.

When did Babylon regain independence and re-establish an imperial presence?

ca. 600 BCE

What is the 'Ishtar Gate' and when was it constructed?

It is a monumental gate constructed ca. 569 BCE.

What does the Jerwan aqueduct inscription by Sennacherib describe?

It describes the construction of a watercourse directed to Nineveh.

What was the purpose of the lamassu statues in Assyrian architecture?

To serve as protective deities at entrances to palaces and cities.

What does Sennacherib's inscription reveal about his reign?

It highlights his achievements in expanding and fortifying Nineveh.

What does the term 'lamassu' refer to?

A mythical creature with a human head, body of a bull or lion, and wings.

What was the significance of the carvings on the walls of Nineveh's palaces?

They depicted scenes of the king's power and military victories.

What does the Babylonian map of the world, ca. 600 BCE, represent?

It reflects the geographical understanding and worldview of the Babylonians.

What was a major architectural feature of Babylon around 1700 BCE?

The Procession street.

What is the significance of the 'Lion of Babylon' statue?

It represents the artistic achievements and cultural significance of Babylon.

What does the phrase 'king of the four quarters of the world' imply about Assyrian kings?

It suggests their claim to authority over all known territories.

What did Sennacherib claim to have accomplished for Nineveh?

He directed abundant water flow to the city, enhancing its agricultural productivity.

When did the first human settlements occur at Jericho?

Around 10,000 BCE

What significant development occurred at Jericho around 9,500 BCE?

The establishment of the first permanent settlement

What environmental changes contributed to agriculture in Jericho?

Warming temperatures and increasing rainfall

What types of practices did the inhabitants of Jericho engage in?

Agriculture and hunting

What is significant about the human remains found in Jericho?

They were buried under house floors

What architectural features were present in early Jericho?

Small round houses built with mud bricks and a mud brick wall for defense

What was the height of the circular stone tower built in Jericho?

28 feet tall (approximately 3 stories)

When was Çatalhöyük settled?

Starting around 7,500 BCE

What was unique about the layout of houses in Çatalhöyük?

People moved around via rooftops and entered houses using ladders

What type of remains were found under the floors of Çatalhöyük houses?

Human remains

What were the primary activities of the inhabitants of Çatalhöyük?

Farming, hunting, and early animal domestication

What is the significance of the ziggurats found in Eridu and Uruk?

They represent early monumental architecture in Mesopotamia

What period does the Marriage of Martu tablet date to?

Around 2,000 BCE during the Neo-Sumerian Empire

What does the Marriage of Martu tablet reveal about social customs?

It discusses marriage customs and social hierarchies in ancient cities

What was Martu's concern regarding his social status?

He felt disadvantaged compared to his friends who were married with children

What did Martu seek from his mother?

Advice on finding a wife

What festival is mentioned in the context of Martu's story?

A festival in the city of Inab

What did Martu prioritize over material wealth offered to him?

Marrying Adjar-kidug, the daughter of the god Numucda

What criticisms did Adjar-kidug's friend express about Martu?

She described him as destructive, unrefined, and lacking reverence for the gods

What type of houses did inhabitants of Jericho build?

Mud brick houses, some partly subterranean

What was the purpose of the mud brick wall surrounding Jericho?

For defense and to prevent flooding and soil erosion

What kind of decoration was found in Çatalhöyük?

Geometric patterned wall murals and decorative features using aurochs skulls

What does the term 'Çatalhöyük' refer to?

An early Neolithic settlement in present-day Turkey

What role did agriculture play in the development of early cities like Jericho and Çatalhöyük?

It allowed for permanent settlements and population growth

How did the inhabitants of Çatalhöyük enter their homes?

Via ladders from the rooftops

What does the circular stone tower in Jericho suggest about its society?

It indicates a need for defense and possibly social organization

What is the significance of the 'ancestor statue' found in Jericho?

It reflects early human practices related to death and memory