The Mesopotamian Civilization Question and Answer | ICSE Class 6

CHAPTER 3

A: Answer the following questions:

Question 1: Name the three major civilizations that rose and fell in the Mesopotamian Valley.
Ans:The three major civilizations that rose and fell in the Mesopotamian Valley are:

1. Sumerian Civilization
2. Akkadian Civilization
3. Babylonian Civilization

Question 2: Explain briefly the three-tier social structure of Mesopotamia.
Ans: THe Mesopotamian civilization were divided into three classes:

The upper class consisted of the members of the royal family, priests and high officials.The middle class consisted of farmers, artisans and traders.The majority of the people were farmers.The lower class consisted of slaves.

Question 3: Which crop was first cultivated by the Mesopotamians? Name three crops cultivated by them.
Ans: The prime occupation of the Mesopotamians was agriculture. They are believed to be the first to cultivate wheat. They also grew  barley, pulses and fruits.

Question 4: Name three important specialized skills of the Mesopotamians.
Ans: The Mesopotamians increased their food production that provided them ample time to develop other skills such as pottery, weaving and metalwork.

Question 5: How do we know that the Mesopotamians had trade links with the people of the Indus Valley?
Ans: Mesopotamians didn’t limit themselves to agriculture. THey also participated in trade and commerce. Seals found in the Indus  Valley Civilization show that they also had trade relations with India.

Question 6: Name the greatest contributions of the Mesopotamians in the field of architecture.
Ans: The Mesopotamians introduced architectural forms such as arches, domes , columns and vaults in the construction of buildings. This is considered to be one of the greatest contributions of Mesopotamia in the field of architecture.The temple towers or ziggurats is unique to the Mesopotamians that looked like man made mountains soaring high above the Earth.

Question 7: How do we know that the Mesopotamians believed in life after death?
Ans: The Mesopotamians may have believed in life after death. Drinking vessels, ornaments, weapons and so on have been found in graves that prove their belief.

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Question 8: Write short notes on the following:

Family Life:
Family life in Mesopotamia was patriarchal, with the father as the head of the household. Women had some rights but were generally subordinate to men. Families were usually nuclear, though extended family bonds were also important. Children were expected to respect their elders, and marriages were often arranged.

Religion:
Religion played a central role in Mesopotamian society. People worshipped many gods (polytheism), each associated with natural forces and aspects of life. Temples were built to honor deities, and priests held significant power. Religious beliefs influenced laws, governance, and daily life.

Mathematical Skills:
The Mesopotamians developed a sophisticated number system based on 60, which led to advancements in arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy. They created multiplication and division tables, used fractions, and developed early algebraic concepts. Their mathematical knowledge was crucial for architecture, trade, and administration.

Script:
The Mesopotamians developed cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems. It was initially pictographic and later evolved into wedge-shaped symbols inscribed on clay tablets using a reed stylus. Cuneiform was used for record-keeping, literature, laws, and communication.

Ziggurat:
A ziggurat was a massive, terraced temple structure built in Mesopotamian cities, dedicated to gods and goddesses. These step-like temples were the center of religious and civic life, often serving as places of worship, administration, and grain storage.

Question 9: What was Hammurabi’s contribution to the legal systems of Mesopotamia and the world?

Ans: Hammurabi, the Babylonian king, is best known for his Code of Laws, one of the earliest written legal codes. The Code of Hammurabi consisted of 282 laws covering various aspects of life, such as trade, marriage, crime, and property. The laws followed the principle of “an eye for an eye” (lex talionis) but varied based on social class. His legal system influenced later legal traditions, including Greek, Roman, and modern laws, by emphasizing justice, accountability, and the role of the state in enforcing laws.

Question 10: What led to the decline of the Mesopotamian Civilization?

Several factors contributed to the decline of Mesopotamian civilization:

1. Environmental Degradation: Overuse of land and irrigation led to soil salinization, reducing agricultural productivity.
2. Invasions and Wars: Mesopotamia faced frequent invasions from groups like the Hittites, Kassites, and later the Persians, weakening their cities.
3. Political Instability: The region lacked strong central control, leading to internal conflicts and weakening city-states.
4. Economic Decline: Trade disruptions and economic struggles due to warfare and poor agricultural yields contributed to the decline.
5. Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, and climate changes further affected food production and settlement stability.

B: Fill in the blanks:

1. The two rivers associated with the Mesopotamian Civilization were the Euphrates and the Tigris.
2. Mesopotamia is called the cradle and grave of many civilizations.
3. To ensure a steady supply of water throughout the year, the Mesopotamians built an irrigation system. They also built dikes to control floods.
4. The Mesopotamians kept a record of the business accounts on clay tablets.
5. The Mesopotamians invented a system of writing called cuneiform.
6. The Babylonian king Hammurabi compiled a code of law.

C: Match the following:

1. Zigurrats- Temple Towers
2.  Hanging Gardens of Babylon-one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
3. Cuneiform- Mesopotamian script.
4. Stylus- sharp read pen
5. Hammurabi -code of law

D : State whether the following are true or false.

1. Natural barriers surrounded Mesopotamia. → False (Mesopotamia had few natural barriers, making it vulnerable to invasions.)
2. The girls in Mesopotamia were sent to school to learn to read and write. → False (Education was mainly for boys, especially from wealthy families, while most girls were taught household skills.)
3. The king was regarded as the representative of God on Earth. → True
4. The Mesopotamians used the figure of 50 for measuring time. → False (They used a base-60 system, which influenced the way we measure time today.)
5. The cuneiform script was written from left to right. → False (It was written from right to left.)