Deck 2: Evolution of the Worlds Cities

Question 1

In 2010, the percentage of the world's population living in cities was

A) 19%.
B) 33%.
C) 47%.
D) 52%.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The archeological record of Egyptian cities is less detailed due to

A) earthquakes.
B) building materials.
C) wars.
D) fires.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

In Mesoamerica,

A) cities were farming centers.
B) only few people resided permanently in the cities at the beginning.
C) cities were political rather than religious centers.
D) cities never supported populations larger than 20,000.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Medieval cities, circa 1350, include all but which one of the following?

A) Gridiron streets
B) Defensive walls
C) The fortress of the local lord
D) A market plaza

Question 5

Cities that controlled the neighboring regions and villages are called

A) city-states.
B) Meso-states.
C) middle-states.
D) political-states.

Question 6

The Roman civilization was

A) based on Christianity.
B) based on the expression of militaristic power.
C) based on principles of moderation.
D) based on the democratic principle of human participation.

Question 7

According to archeologists, populations began to settle in fertile places

A) because of increased population density.
B) because of slavery.
C) during the 5^th century B.C.E.
D) in Europe first.

Question 8

Mesopotamia was characterized by

A) theocratic political regimes.
B) political stability.
C) a diversity of cultures.
D) matriarchal rule.

Question 9

The oldest city known to archeologists emerged in human history

A) 50,000 years ago.
B) 10,000 years ago.
C) in 3500 B.C.E.
D) in 350 B.C.E.

Question 10

This country's cities were characterized by the number of commercial ties across Southern Europe, a level of egalitarianism, and destructive war.

A) Italy
B) China
C) America
D) Greece

Question 11

A gridiron street layout with a well-established city sanitation system are characteristics of

A) Mesopotamia.
B) Jericho.
C) Liangzhu.
D) Moenjo-Daro.

Question 12

The study of early urban settlements reveals

A) continuous development over the millennia.
B) a continuity in developmental patterns.
C) that cities do not grow in population over time.
D) that cities will grow without financial security.

Question 13

The early settlements were characterized by

A) a relatively complex division of labor.
B) a relatively egalitarian division of tasks.
C) a population of hunters and gatherers.
D) a lack of political structure.

Question 14

Renaissance humanists saw cities as

A) ideal places for human development.
B) dangerous and unhealthy.
C) necessary but problematic.
D) centers of religious life.

Question 15

Egyptian cities were symbols of

A) simplicity.
B) democracy.
C) the pharaohs' power.
D) military wealth.

Question 16

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, cities in Europe

A) experienced new, rapid growth.
B) became smaller or disappeared.
C) grew steadily.
D) began to trade more regularly.

Question 17

The oldest city, which showed imposing fortifications including a surrounding wall and tower, was

A) Rome.
B) Jericho.
C) Athens.
D) Budapest.

Question 18

The Black Plague

A) began in 1253.
B) killed at least one-fourth of the European population.
C) had a more devastating effect in rural areas.
D) lasted less than a year.

Question 19

The revival of cities during the 11^th century is explained by

A) the Crusades.
B) the emergence of a ruling government.
C) the decrease in trade and specialization.
D) the growth of military.

Question 20

The pattern of Chinese cities

A) is very similar to that of Egyptian cities.
B) is more diffused than in other areas.
C) reveals the concentration of priests, rulers, craftpeople and traders within the city walls.
D) All of the above.

Question 21

The emergence of the first cities occurred some 10,000 years ago.

Question 22

A demographic transition refers to

A) the fact that women began to have more children.
B) the fact that families became smaller.
C) the fact that birth rates remained high while death rates decreased dramatically.
D) a rapid decline in birth rates combined with urban migration.

Question 23

During the Middle Ages, many people gathered to cities to seek protection from barbarians.

Question 24

Both Roman and Greek cities magnified military power at the expense of their other citizens.

Question 25

London became a world city during the 16^th century because of all but which of the following?

A) The discovery of the Americas
B) Its efficient sailing fleet
C) Its wool production
D) Its infrastructure

Question 26

The first permanent settlements promoted specialization of tasks.

Question 27

Egyptian cities are characterized by social inequality.

Question 28

At its height, the Roman Empire included almost half of the world's population.

Question 29

Cities have always been a part of human history.

Question 30

Tensions between pharaohs divided Egypt into many independent areas.

Question 31

The Church was a central component of social life during medieval times.

Question 32

The beginning of city life took hold around 7,000 B.C.E.

Question 33

Central American cities emerged as ceremonial centers.

Question 34

The Egyptians encircled their cities with high protective walls.

Question 35

The first city-states emerged in Mesopotamia.

Question 36

London emerged as

A) a Greek city-state.
B) a Roman outpost.
C) the political center of Great Britain.
D) a shipbuilding center.

Question 37

Moenjo-Daro was built in a gridiron pattern.

Question 38

In Mesopotamia, all early cities were ruled by a military ruler.

Question 39

In Catal Hüyük, house entrances were on the roof to protect the household from floods and wild animals.

Question 40

Cities in the Indus region did not have a single leader in comparison to other Egyptian cities.

Question 41

Using an early city from the text as an example, discuss the validity of conceptualizing history as "progress."

Question 42

What are some combining factors that facilitate the growth of cities over time? Think about the physical, social, economic, political, and other possible factors.

Question 43

Consider life in contemporary society. How is modern city life different that historical life? How are they the same?

Question 44

The spread of activities to British colonies decreased the economic importance of London.

Question 45

In the pre-industrial era, life expectancy was typically under 40 years.

Question 46

The Renaissance movement first emerged in Italian city-states such as Florence, Venice, Palermo, and Milan.