What have you learned about the world's first cities? There are some key points that you need to know before you move on to the next lesson. Use the questions below to make sure you're ready for the quiz. (Look back at your Comparing Ancient Civilizations worksheet if you need some hints.)
After you read each question, write down or think of an answer. Then, click the question to see how well you remembered that key point. Keep quizzing yourself until you can answer all of the questions correctly.
| Question | Answer |
| Where did the world's first cities emerge? | in the area known as Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates, in the Sumerian civilization |
| What did the people of Sumer's earliest cities invent? | the wheel, the plow, and the first system of writing (cuneiform) |
| Who ruled the first cities? | people who controlled important resources, like water or the crop surplus; these were often kings and priests |
| What civilization grew up along the banks of the Nile River? | Egypt |
| How did the Nile River help ancient Egyptians build a civilization? | It flooded its banks once a year, leaving behind fertile soil. It also provided transportation between Upper and Lower Egypt and helped irrigate crops. |
| What made obsidian a good form of currency? | It was desirable and portable, and could carry symbolic meaning. |
| How was the Olmec civilization different from those in the Middle and Far East? | They got their fresh water from rainfall, not a river. |
| What river helped found the first civilization in what is now China? | the Yellow River |
| What did ancient Chinese civilizations invent that became a major source of trade? | silk |
| Which river supported the development of the first Indian civilization? | the Indus River |
| What are some examples of the sophistication of ancient Indian Civilization? | There was a sewage system, and houses had indoor plumbing for baths. |
| How did the spiritual beliefs of ancient Chinese and Indian civilizations differ? | Chinese civilizations worshiped their ancestors while ancient Indian civilizations seemed to worship a goddess figure primarily. |
| What role did agriculture play in building the first cities? | Agriculture (farming) allowed groups of people to produce surplus food, which freed up some people to do other things besides farm. This change led to a class of city dwellers who did not grow their own food. |
| What role did trade play in building civilizations? | Trade brought desirable goods to a civilization; it also brought prestige and wealth when a civilization's goods were sought-after. |
