Question 1: When did the Sumerian civilization emerge in Mesopotamia?

Answer: Circa 4500 BCE

Question 2: Who is traditionally credited with creating the first written code of laws?

Answer: Hammurabi

Question 3: Identify one key feature of Sumerian city-states.

Answer: Ziggurat

Question 4: Approximately when did the Akkadian Empire conquer Sumer?

Answer: Circa 2300 BCE

Question 5: Describe the significance of the invention of cuneiform writing.

Answer: Cuneiform allowed record-keeping, administration, and the transmission of literature, which helped unify and develop Mesopotamian civilization.

Question 1: Source: 'The Code of Hammurabi is inscribed on a stele and emphasizes justice and law.' What was the purpose of this stele, and who was its intended audience?

Answer: The purpose was to establish and communicate laws and justice. Its intended audience was the rulers, officials, and citizens of Babylon, to promote law and order.

Question 2: Evaluate the reliability of the source: What might be its limitations or biases?

Answer: As an official royal inscription, it likely emphasizes justice and the king's fairness, possibly overlooking injustices or biases. It reflects the state's perspective rather than a neutral account.

Question 3: How does this source help us understand Mesopotamian society?

Answer: It shows the importance of law, justice, and social order in Mesopotamian society, as well as the role of rulers in maintaining these principles.

Question 1: Explain why the development of writing was crucial for the administration of Mesopotamian city-states.

Answer: Writing allowed for detailed record-keeping, tax collection, legal documentation, and communication across city-states, which was essential for effective governance and the development of complex societies.

Question 2: Describe how the invention of the wheel impacted Mesopotamian trade and transportation.

Answer: The wheel revolutionized transportation by enabling the use of carts and chariots, which facilitated trade, movement of goods, and military mobility, contributing to economic growth and cultural exchange.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the ziggurat in Mesopotamian religion and society.

Answer: Ziggurats were religious temples that symbolized the connection between heaven and earth, serving as centers for worship and social gathering, and demonstrating the importance of religion in political and social life.

Question 1: To what extent did the invention of writing influence the development of complex societies in Mesopotamia? (8-12 marks)

Answer: Model answer should discuss how writing enabled record-keeping, legal codes, literature, and administration, which were essential for social complexity. It should also acknowledge limitations, such as the fact that other factors like agriculture and trade also contributed to societal development. A balanced argument considering multiple perspectives is expected.

Question 2: How far do you agree that the Akkadian Empire's conquest of Sumer was primarily driven by military ambition versus economic reasons? (8-12 marks)

Answer: Model answer should evaluate the motivations behind the conquest, considering military ambitions such as expanding territory and power, alongside economic factors like access to resources and trade routes. A nuanced view recognizing multiple influences and weighing their significance is expected.