1. How did the Phoenicians make a living? What products did the Phoenicians trade? What is the Phoenicians’ contribution to civilization? 2. How did the Assyrians treat the people they conquered? How did the ASsyrians rule their empire? What are the Assyrians’ contributions to civilization? 3. What were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Why were these gardens considered special? 4. How did the Chaldean astronomers contribute to the science of astronomy? 5. How did the Persians treat the people that they conquered? Why was King Cyrus called Cyrus the Great? How did the Persians govern their empire? 6. Describe the Persians’ religious beliefs. What were the Persian contributions to civilization?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Here is an explanation addressing all the questions:
1. Phoenicians:
- Livelihood and Trade: The Phoenicians were expert sailors and traders who lived along the Mediterranean coast. They built their economy on maritime trade, exporting goods like purple dye, glassware, timber, and finely crafted goods. Their trade network extended across the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Greece, and beyond.
- Contribution to Civilization: Their most significant contribution was the development of the phonetic alphabet, which formed the basis for Greek and Latin alphabets.
2. Assyrians:
- Treatment of Conquered Peoples: The Assyrians were known for their harshness. They used terror to maintain control, often deporting populations and executing rebels.
- Rule of Empire: They ruled through a centralized bureaucracy and a well-organized military.
- Contributions to Civilization: The Assyrians built impressive cities like Nineveh and left behind libraries that preserved Mesopotamian knowledge.
3. Hanging Gardens of Babylon:
- Description: The Hanging Gardens were an ancient wonder, possibly built by King Nebuchadnezzar II, featuring terraced gardens.
- Significance: They were considered special due to their engineering, lush greenery in a desert climate, and irrigation systems.
4. Chaldean Astronomers:
- Contributions: Chaldean astronomers developed accurate calendars, mapped constellations, and made significant observations, forming a foundation for later astronomical studies.
5. Persians:
- Treatment of Conquered Peoples: The Persians were tolerant, allowing conquered peoples to retain customs and religions.
- King Cyrus: Cyrus the Great earned his title for his fairness and effective governance.
- Governance: The Persians ruled through a system of satrapies (provinces) with local governors, overseen by royal inspectors.
6. Persian Religion and Contributions:
- Religious Beliefs: Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion, emphasized good vs. evil.
- Contributions: The Persians developed efficient road systems (e.g., Royal Road), coinage, and administrative systems, influencing later empires.
This summary highlights the contributions and practices of these ancient civilizations, showcasing their lasting impact on history.