1. Which of the following is a distinctive Christian belief that early Christians did NOT share with Jews?
A. Acceptance of the important role of the prophets
B. Belief in a messiah
C. Belief in monotheism
D. The obligation to be charitable toward widows and the poor
E. Belief in a triune God, or trinity Correct
Explanation
Early Christians and Jews shared many beliefs, including monotheism, the importance of prophets, a messiah, and charity. The concept of the Trinity (God as three persons in one) is a distinctly Christian doctrine not found in Judaism.
2. City-states in early Mesopotamia were ruled by which of the following?
A. An assembly of citizens
B. A cohort of military leaders
C. Scribes
D. Priest-kings Correct
E. Merchants
Explanation
Early Mesopotamian city-states, such as those in Sumer, were typically theocracies ruled by priest-kings (ensi or lugal) who held both religious and political authority.
3. The theme of *The Epic of Gilgamesh*, considered the finest work of Mesopotamian literature, describes the
A. story of the creation of men and women
B. fears of Mesopotamians concerning the destruction of the world
C. search for immortality Correct
D. goal of returning to a heavenly paradise following death
E. idea of a benevolent god
Explanation
The central theme of *The Epic of Gilgamesh* is the titular hero's quest for eternal life following the death of his friend Enkidu, reflecting on human mortality.
4. According to many historians, which of the following was an important factor that encouraged the development of the first cities in ancient Sumer?
A. The need to establish centralized control of irrigation and flood management Correct
B. The ready availability of wild game
C. The presence of a detailed and extensive written law code
D. The preexistence of a highly bureaucratic society ruled by a god-king
E. The desire to establish a more egalitarian government
Explanation
The development of large-scale agriculture in the fertile crescent required complex irrigation systems. Managing these systems and protecting against floods necessitated centralized coordination and leadership, which fostered the growth of the first cities.
5. Neolithic society is best characterized by the development of which of the following?
A. Systems of writing and education
B. Kingship and bureaucracy
C. Agriculture and the domestication of animals Correct
D. Nomadic hunting and gathering
E. Priesthood and temple worship
Explanation
The Neolithic Revolution (c. 10,000 BCE) is defined by the shift from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities, which included the domestication of plants and animals.