Multiple Choice 1. 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. Answer: b. 10,000 years ago. 2. In 2010, the percentage of the world’s population living in cities was a. 19%. b. 33%. c. 47%. d. 52%. Answer: d. 52%. 3. According to archeologists, populations began to settle in fertile places a. because of increased population density. b. because of slavery. c. during the 5th century B.C.E. d. in Europe first. Answer: a. because of increased population density. 4. 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. Answer: a. a relatively complex division of labor. 5. Jericho a. is thought to be the oldest city. b. showed imposing fortifications, including a surrounding wall and a tower. c. was first built about 10,000 years ago. d. All of the above Answer: d. All of the above 6. City-states a. were first created by the Greeks. b. were found in Mesopotamia. c. characterized the Middle-age. d. typically lacked political and military structure. Answer: b. were found in Mesopotamia. 7. The study of early urban settlements reveals a. the continuous development over the millennia. b. discontinuity and change in developmental patterns. c. that cities always grow in population over time. d. None of the above Answer: b. discontinuity and change in developmental patterns. 8. Mesopotamia was characterized by a. theocratic political regimes. b. political stability. c. a diversity of cultures. d. Both b and c Answer: a. theocratic political regimes. 9. The archeological record of Egyptian cities is less detailed due to a. earthquakes. b. building materials. c. wars. d. None of the above Answer: b. building materials. 10. Egyptian cities were symbols of a. simplicity. b. democracy. c. the pharaohs’ power. d. military wealth. Answer: c. the pharaohs’ power. 11. The ancient city of Moenjo-Daro a. shows a gridiron system of street layout. b. reveals the existence of a large, prosperous middle class. c. had a well-established city sanitation system. d. All of the above Answer: d. All of the above 12. 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 Answer: b. is more diffused than in other areas. 13. In Mesoamerica, a. cities were farming centers. b. at the beginning, only few people resided permanently in the cities. c. cities were political rather than religious centers. d. cities never supported populations larger than 20,000. Answer: b. at the beginning, only few people resided permanently in the cities. 14. Greek cities a. were more egalitarian than earlier cities in the Near East. b. had commercial ties across Southern Europe. c. experienced a destructive war among themselves. d. All of the above Answer: d. All of the above 15. 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. Answer: b. based on the expression of militaristic power. 16. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, cities in Europe a. experienced a new rapid growth. b. became smaller or disappeared. c. grew steadily. d. began to trade more regularly. Answer: b. became smaller or disappeared. 17. The revival of cities during the 11th century is explained by a. the Crusades. b. the emergence of a class of merchants. c. the increase in trade and specialization. d. All of the above Answer: d. All of the above 18. Renaissance humanists saw cities as a. ideal places for human development. b. dangerous and unhealthy. c. necessary but problematic. d. centers of religious life. Answer: a. ideal places for human development. 19. 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 Answer: a. gridiron streets 20. 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. None of the above Answer: b. killed at least one-fourth of the European population. 21. 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. Answer: c. the fact that birth rates remained high while death rates decreased dramatically. 22. London emerged as a. a Greek city-state. b. a Roman outpost. c. the political center of Great Britain. d. a ship-building center. Answer: b. a Roman outpost. 23. London became a world city during the 16th 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 Answer: d. its infrastructure True/False 24. Cities have always been a part of human history. Answer: False 25. The emergence of the first cities occurred some 10,000 years ago. Answer: True 26. The first permanent settlements promoted specialization of tasks. Answer: True 27. The idea of the city took hold around 7,000 B.C.E. Answer: False 28. The first city-states emerged in Mesopotamia. Answer: True 29. In Catal Hüyük, house entrances were on the roof to protect the household from floods and wild animals. Answer: True 30. In Mesopotamia, all early cities were ruled by a military ruler. Answer: False 31. The Egyptians encircled their cities with high protective walls. Answer: False 32. Egyptian cities are characterized by social inequality. Answer: True 33. Tensions between pharaohs divided Egypt into many independent areas. Answer: False 34. Cities in the Indus region reveal a more egalitarian lifestyle than Egyptian cities. Answer: True 35. Moenjo-Daro was built on a gridiron pattern. Answer: True 36. Central American cities emerged as ceremonial centers. Answer: True 37. Both Roman and Greek cities magnified military power at the expense of their other citizens. Answer: False 38. At its height, the Roman Empire included almost half of the world’s population. Answer: True 39. During the Middle Ages, many people gathered to cities to seek protection from barbarians. Answer: False 40. The Church was a central component of social life during medieval times. Answer: True 41. The Renaissance movement first emerged in Italian city-states such as Florence, Venice, Palermo, and Milan. Answer: True 42. In the pre-industrial era, life expectancy was typically under 40 years. Answer: True 43. The spread of activities to British colonies decreased the economic importance of London. Answer: False Essay/Discussion 44. What are the factors that facilitate the growth of cities over time? Think about the physical, social, economic, political, and other possible factors. Answer: The growth of cities over time is facilitated by a variety of factors, including: • Physical factors: Geographic features such as fertile land, access to waterways, and natural resources can attract people to settle in a particular area and contribute to the growth of a city. • Social factors: Factors such as population growth, migration, and social networks can influence the growth of cities. Cities often attract people seeking economic opportunities, social connections, and cultural experiences. • Economic factors: Economic opportunities, such as employment in industries or access to markets for goods and services, can drive urban growth. Cities often serve as hubs of economic activity and innovation. • Political factors: Government policies, governance structures, and political stability can affect urban growth. Effective governance can lead to infrastructure development, public services, and a conducive business environment that attract people to cities. • Technological factors: Technological advancements, such as transportation infrastructure, communication networks, and innovations in agriculture and industry, can facilitate urban growth by improving connectivity and efficiency. • Cultural factors: Cultural amenities, arts, entertainment, and educational institutions can contribute to the growth of cities by enhancing their appeal and quality of life. These factors interact in complex ways to facilitate the growth of cities over time, leading to the development of diverse and dynamic urban environments. 45. Compare and contrast life in an early city with life in a modern city. Answer: Life in an early city, such as ancient Mesopotamian cities like Ur or Babylon, was vastly different from life in a modern city. In early cities, life was characterized by: • Limited infrastructure: Early cities had basic infrastructure compared to modern cities, with rudimentary roads, buildings, and sanitation systems. • Agricultural economy: Early cities were typically agrarian societies, with agriculture forming the basis of the economy and social structure. • Simple social organization: Social organization in early cities was often hierarchical, with rulers and priests holding significant power and influence. • Limited technology: Early cities had limited technological advancements, relying on manual labor and simple tools for construction and production. In contrast, life in a modern city is characterized by: • Advanced infrastructure: Modern cities have advanced infrastructure, including transportation networks, communication systems, and utilities. • Diverse economies: Modern cities have diverse economies, with a range of industries and services contributing to economic growth. • Complex social organization: Modern cities have complex social structures, with diverse populations and institutions that shape social interactions and relationships. • Technological advancements: Modern cities benefit from technological advancements in areas such as transportation, communication, and healthcare, which improve quality of life and productivity. While both early and modern cities are centers of human civilization, the differences in infrastructure, economy, social organization, and technology highlight the significant changes that have occurred in urban life over time. 46. Using an early city as an example, discuss the validity of conceptualizing history as "progress." Answer: The concept of history as "progress" is often challenged when considering early cities, such as those in ancient Mesopotamia. While these cities were centers of innovation and cultural development, with achievements in areas like architecture, writing, and governance, they also had aspects that may not align with modern notions of progress. For example, early cities often had hierarchical social structures that marginalized certain groups, such as slaves or lower classes. They also faced challenges related to sanitation, disease, and warfare that impacted the quality of life for many residents. From a modern perspective, these aspects of early cities may be seen as regressions or failures rather than progress. However, it is important to consider the context of early cities and the advancements they represented in their historical context. For example, the development of writing in ancient Mesopotamia was a significant advancement that enabled the recording of laws, literature, and administrative records, laying the foundation for future civilizations. The validity of conceptualizing history as "progress" depends on the criteria used to define progress and the perspective from which history is viewed. While early cities may not align with modern standards of progress in all aspects, they nonetheless represent important milestones in human development and civilization. Test Bank for Cities and Urban Life Plus John J. Macionis, Vincent N. Parrillo 9780205902583, 9780205206377,9780133869804
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