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Chapter 3 Nomadic Societies Multiple-Choice Questions 1) Compared to civilizations, nomadic societies A) produced accomplished warriors. B) had a greater life expectancy. C) experienced more problems with obesity. D) had higher birth rates. Answer: A Rationale: Nomadic societies often prioritized military prowess due to their reliance on hunting, herding, and warfare for survival. The lifestyle of constant movement and adaptation in diverse environments cultivated skilled warriors adept at combat and survival strategies. 2) Civilizations were superior to nomads in which of the following? A) horsemanship B) writing C) weaponry D) herding Answer: B Rationale: Civilizations typically developed writing systems, which allowed for the recording of knowledge, communication, and administrative functions. Writing facilitated the transmission of culture, the organization of society, and the accumulation of knowledge, giving civilizations an advantage over nomadic societies in terms of intellectual and bureaucratic development. 3) Nomadic societies could influence civilizations in which of the following ways? A) trade, warfare, and technological innovations B) warfare, scientific research, and technological innovations C) scientific research, technological innovations, and trade D) technological innovations, scientific research, and childrearing Answer: A Rationale: Nomadic societies often engaged in trade and warfare with civilizations, exchanging goods, ideas, and technologies. They introduced innovations such as horseback riding, metalworking techniques, and military tactics, which had significant impacts on the development of civilizations, particularly in areas of transportation, warfare, and cultural exchange. 4) Nomadic societies were particularly important in which of the following areas? A) Mesopotamia B) Egypt C) central Asia D) east Asia Answer: C Rationale: Central Asia was historically inhabited by nomadic tribes such as the Scythians, Mongols, and Huns, who played significant roles in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the region. Their mobility, military prowess, and trade networks made them formidable forces that influenced the development of civilizations along the Silk Road and in neighboring regions. 5) People in civilizations often accused nomads of A) elitism. B) cowardice. C) cruelty. D) excessive hygiene. Answer: C Rationale: Nomadic societies were often perceived as aggressive and ruthless by civilizations due to their reliance on raiding, plundering, and conquest for survival. The nomadic lifestyle, characterized by mobility and scarcity, sometimes led to conflicts with settled societies, resulting in accusations of cruelty and brutality. 6) Nomads often criticized civilizations for A) poverty. B) cruelty toward women. C) softness. D) illiteracy. Answer: C Rationale: Nomadic societies viewed civilizations as soft or decadent due to their reliance on sedentary lifestyles, urban comforts, and bureaucratic systems. Nomads often perceived settled societies as lacking the resilience, adaptability, and self-sufficiency required for survival in harsh environments, leading to criticisms of softness or weakness. 7) When did nomadic societies most likely develop? A) 1500 B.C.E. B) Before the first civilizations emerged. C) After the first civilizations emerged. D) 1700 B.C.E. Answer: B Rationale: Nomadic societies likely developed before the first civilizations emerged, as human populations initially lived as hunter-gatherers and pastoralists, moving in search of food, water, and shelter. The transition to sedentary agricultural lifestyles and the emergence of civilizations occurred later in human history. 8) Nomadic regions generally are characterized by rainfalls sufficient for ________ but less adequate for ________. A) desert formation; oasis formation B) rainforest creation; settled agriculture C) developing grasslands; desert migration D) developing grasslands; settled agriculture Answer: D Rationale: Nomadic regions typically receive enough rainfall to support the growth of grasslands or steppe environments suitable for grazing livestock. However, the rainfall may be insufficient to sustain settled agriculture, leading nomadic societies to rely on pastoralism and mobility for sustenance. 9) Beginning in about 1500 B.C.E., Indo-Europeans periodically intervened in the civilizations of the Middle East and India for how many years? A) 1000 B) 200 C) 100 D) 1200 Answer: A Rationale: Indo-Europeans, also known as Aryans, began their migrations and interactions with civilizations in the Middle East and India around 1500 B.C.E., influencing the political, cultural, and linguistic development of these regions for approximately 1000 years. 10) The ________ were also known as the Huns in Europe. A) Harappans B) Hittites C) Xionghu D) Zhou Answer: C Rationale: The Xiongnu, a nomadic confederation of tribes from central Asia, were known as the Huns in Europe. They were renowned for their military prowess and played a significant role in the history of Eurasia, particularly in their conflicts with the Han Dynasty of China and their invasions of the Roman Empire. 11) The Chinese valued the nomads as a source for which of the following? A) exotic crops B) silks from the West C) horses D) foreign technology Answer: C Rationale: Nomadic pastoralists, particularly those from the steppes of Central Asia, were renowned for their breeding and mastery of horses. The Chinese valued nomads as a source of horses, which were crucial for military and agricultural purposes, as well as for trade and transportation along the Silk Road. 12) The camel could travel for ________ days without new water. A) 10 B) 15 C) 20 D) 25 Answer: C Rationale: Camels, adapted to arid environments, are capable of enduring long periods without water. A well-conditioned camel can travel for up to 20 days without the need for new water, making them invaluable for transportation and trade across desert regions. 13) ________ promoted a change in the routes that nomadic groups traveled. A) Droughts and other hardships B) Conversion to settled agriculture C) Conquering other nomadic groups and taking over their routes D) New technologies Answer: A Rationale: Droughts and other hardships, such as changes in climate or environmental conditions, could force nomadic groups to alter their traditional migration routes in search of food, water, and pastureland. These natural factors often influenced the movements and behaviors of nomadic societies. 14) Nomadic religion usually emphasized which of the following? A) a single deity B) multiple deities C) animal sacrifice D) cat worship Answer: C Rationale: Nomadic religions often involved practices such as animal sacrifice, which played significant roles in rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual beliefs. Animal sacrifice symbolized offerings to deities, expressions of gratitude, or appeasement of supernatural forces, reflecting the symbiotic relationship between nomadic cultures and their environments. 15) ________ introduced a common note of violence into nomadic life. A) A religion centered around animal sacrifice B) The cruelty of nomadic peoples C) Acts of generosity D) Periodic warfare Answer: D Rationale: Periodic warfare, fueled by competition for resources, territory, or prestige, was a common aspect of nomadic life. Conflict among nomadic groups or with sedentary civilizations often introduced violence into their societies, shaping their cultural norms, values, and social structures. 16) ________ dominated in nomadic culture. A) Strong, warlike women B) Intellectual, cunning men C) Intellectual, cunning women D) Strong, warlike men Answer: D Rationale: Nomadic culture often idealized strong, warlike men who demonstrated bravery, leadership, and prowess in hunting, combat, and tribal affairs. These qualities were highly valued and respected within nomadic societies, contributing to the dominance of male figures in their cultural narratives and social hierarchies. 17) ________ required that fellow travelers be aided. A) Honor B) Courage C) Religion D) Propriety Answer: A Rationale: Honor, a key value in many nomadic cultures, demanded that fellow travelers be aided and protected, reflecting principles of hospitality, solidarity, and mutual support within nomadic communities. Hospitality towards travelers was considered a moral obligation and a demonstration of one's integrity and social standing. 18) ________ contributed to the reputation of nomadic leaders. A) The number of wives B) Acts of great generosity C) The number of enemies killed in battle D) The amount of riches amassed in successful military campaigns Answer: B Rationale: Acts of great generosity, such as hospitality, gift-giving, or sharing resources with fellow tribespeople, enhanced the reputation and prestige of nomadic leaders. Generosity was valued as a sign of benevolence, leadership, and magnanimity, reinforcing the authority and influence of leaders within nomadic societies. 19) Among nomadic groups, their ________ was sometimes exaggerated. A) reputation for great generosity B) familiarity with horses and other animals C) military skill D) reputation for cruelty Answer: D Rationale: Exaggeration of reputation for cruelty was sometimes used as a tactic by nomadic groups to intimidate rivals, deter adversaries, or assert dominance in territorial disputes. While not universally true, such exaggerated perceptions could influence diplomatic relations, military strategies, and cultural perceptions of nomadic peoples. 20) ________ was common for wealthier men in nomadic societies. A) Killing the wives and children of the leaders they defeated in battle B) Polygamy C) Marriage to women from settled, agricultural societies D) Bigamy Answer: B Rationale: Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, was common among wealthier men in nomadic societies, reflecting social status, wealth, and patriarchal values. Polygamous marriages served various purposes, including alliances between tribes, expansion of family lineages, and reinforcement of social bonds within nomadic communities. 21) Nomads provided warhorses for which of the following civilizations? A) China, India, and the Middle East B) India, Russia, and the Middle East C) Russia, China, and the Middle East D) the Middle East, North America, and China Answer: A Rationale: Nomads, particularly those from Central Asia, provided warhorses to civilizations such as China, India, and the Middle East. The horses supplied by nomadic tribes were prized for their strength, speed, and endurance, making them invaluable assets for military campaigns and conquests in various civilizations. 22) Nomads provided ________ to frontier farming communities to supplement their meager diets. A) meat and milk products B) vegetables C) fruits D) grains Answer: A Rationale: Nomads often provided meat and milk products to frontier farming communities to supplement their diets, especially in regions where agriculture was limited or challenging. Livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, were raised by nomadic tribes and offered as trade goods or gifts to settled communities. 23) ________ is a product invented in nomadic central Asia. A) Scythian and Greek jewelry B) Felt C) Wool D) Fur Answer: B Rationale: Felt, a textile material produced by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together, was invented in nomadic Central Asia. Nomadic peoples utilized felt for various purposes, including clothing, tents, rugs, and insulation against harsh climates, demonstrating their ingenuity and adaptation to their environments. 24) Settled civilizations spent a lot of money on A) keeping nomads out. B) hiring nomads as mercenaries. C) trading for silk with nomads. D) offensive military campaigns against nomads. Answer: A Rationale: Settled civilizations often invested significant resources in defensive measures to protect their territories from nomadic incursions, including building fortifications, maintaining standing armies, and establishing border patrols. These efforts aimed to deter nomadic raids and invasions, safeguarding settled populations and agricultural resources. 25) ________ civilization developed amid a nomadic economy. A) Mayan B) Greek C) Chinese D) Hittite Answer: A Rationale: The Mayan civilization developed amid a nomadic economy in Mesoamerica. Although the Maya eventually transitioned to settled agricultural lifestyles, their early development occurred within a context influenced by nomadic traditions, including subsistence strategies, social organization, and cultural practices. 26) Nomads were known for their ability to A) band together in very large numbers. B) farm inhospitable land. C) ride for long distances. D) conquer and continue ruling civilized peoples. Answer: C Rationale: Nomads were renowned for their ability to ride for long distances, often traversing vast territories in search of pastureland, water sources, or trading opportunities. Their expertise in horsemanship and mounted warfare allowed nomadic societies to maintain mobility, resilience, and adaptability in diverse environments. 27) Nomadic societies developed in which of the following regions? A) Central Asia, the Andes Mountains, and the fringes of the Sahara desert B) the Andes Mountains, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Rocky Mountains C) sub-Saharan Africa, central Asia, and the Rocky Mountains D) the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and central Asia Answer: A Rationale: Nomadic societies developed in regions such as Central Asia, the Andes Mountains, and the fringes of the Sahara Desert, where environmental conditions favored pastoralism, mobility, and seasonal migrations. Nomadic lifestyles emerged in response to geographic features, climate patterns, and ecological resources unique to these regions. 28) Indo-European incursions into India increasingly threatened the later phases of ________ civilization. A) Hittite B) Greek C) Indian D) Harappan Answer: D Rationale: Indo-European incursions into the Indian subcontinent posed significant challenges to the later phases of Harappan civilization. The arrival of Indo-European migrants, along with their cultural and linguistic influences, contributed to the decline of the Harappan civilization and the emergence of new cultural entities in the Indian subcontinent. 29) Why are historians unsure of when nomadic societies developed? A) Nomadic societies all eventually developed into settled, agricultural civilizations. B) The Chinese army wiped out all nomadic societies. C) Nomadic societies left few written records and no real architectural monuments. D) The burning of the library of Alexandria destroyed all the records of nomadic civilizations that existed. Answer: C Rationale: Historians are uncertain about the exact origins of nomadic societies primarily because these societies left minimal written records and lacked substantial architectural monuments. Nomadic cultures relied heavily on oral traditions, temporary shelters, and portable possessions, making it challenging for historians to reconstruct their early histories and cultural developments based solely on archaeological evidence. 30) Though the Hun invasions in China took on a life of their own, they most likely originated for which of the following reasons? A) droughts and internal warfare in central Asia B) famine and internal warfare amongst the Huns C) a sudden increase in the Hun population due to intermarriage with the Chinese D) a sudden decrease in the Chinese population due to plague Answer: A Rationale: The Hun invasions in China likely originated due to droughts and internal conflicts in Central Asia. Harsh environmental conditions and internal power struggles among nomadic tribes might have prompted Hunnic migrations and incursions into settled territories, including China, seeking resources, pastureland, and opportunities for plunder. 31) Which of the following actions did Chinese rulers take regarding the nomadic peoples to their west before the Hun invasions? A) closing the Chinese borders using Hun mercenaries as border guards B) sending out expeditions to meet and trade with the nomads C) beginning military campaigns to wipe out all nomadic peoples viewed as a threat to Chinese land and values D) inviting nomads to visit the Chinese court and experience the luxuries of settled civilizations Answer: B Rationale: Chinese rulers prior to the Hun invasions often sent expeditions to establish diplomatic relations and engage in trade with nomadic peoples inhabiting regions to the west. These diplomatic efforts aimed to establish peaceful exchanges, regulate border interactions, and mitigate the threat posed by nomadic incursions through mutually beneficial agreements and alliances. 32) Which of the following reasons is most likely behind the nomadic domestication of camels in Arabia and north central Africa? A) Camels were intelligent, gentle creatures ideal for keeping as pets. B) Camels could travel with huge loads for more than 20 days without new water. C) Camels were easier to train than horses. D) Camels were faster than horses, thus ideal for traveling long distances. Answer: B Rationale: The nomadic domestication of camels in Arabia and North Central Africa was primarily driven by the animals' ability to travel with large loads for extended periods without access to fresh water. Camels served as vital transportation and pack animals for nomadic groups traversing arid and desert regions, facilitating trade, migration, and communication across vast distances. 33) Cattle-raising nomads played a role in parts of A) central Asia. B) northern Europe. C) western Europe. D) Africa. Answer: D Rationale: Cattle-raising nomads played a significant role in parts of Africa. Nomadic pastoralists in regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the East African plains relied on cattle herding as a primary livelihood strategy, exploiting the abundant grazing lands and seasonal migration routes available in sub-Saharan Africa. 34) Nomadic peoples were located to the ________ of Chinese civilization. A) west B) north C) east D) south Answer: A Rationale: Nomadic peoples were situated to the west of Chinese civilization. The expansive grasslands and steppes of Central Asia provided ideal habitats for nomadic pastoralist societies, from which they launched migrations, raids, and invasions into the settled territories of China and other neighboring civilizations. 35) Why was seasonal travel fundamental to the nomadic way of life? A) Nomads believed that settling and cultivating crops was a softer, less honorable way of life. B) Nomadic groups often fought over each other’s routes, trying to muscle into each other’s territories. C) Harsh weather forced movement in search of adequate food, and too much time in one place exhausted the available vegetation. D) Periodic warfare and infighting, along with the refusal of settled agricultural civilizations to allow nomads inside city gates, made sure the nomadic way of life was one of constant upheaval. Answer: C Rationale: Seasonal travel was fundamental to the nomadic way of life because harsh weather conditions, including droughts, scarcity of resources, and the exhaustion of vegetation, necessitated movement in search of adequate food and pastureland. Nomadic groups relied on the availability of seasonal resources and adapted their migration patterns accordingly to sustain their livelihoods. 36) Which of the following is the most likely explanation for why nomadic cultures valued heroic action above all other achievements? A) Strong, warlike men dominated in nomadic culture. B) Nomadic culture only recognized brave leaders. C) The harshness of the nomadic way of life, along with periodic warfare, meant that nomadic life was often violent. D) Nomadic societies were male dominated. Answer: C Rationale: Nomadic cultures valued heroic action above all other achievements primarily due to the harshness of the nomadic way of life, which often involved exposure to environmental challenges, resource scarcity, and frequent conflicts with rival groups. In such contexts, acts of bravery, valor, and prowess in warfare were esteemed qualities that ensured survival, prestige, and leadership within nomadic societies. 37) Which of the following best describes nomadic attitudes toward travelers? A) Nomads preyed on travelers, raiding and looting whomever they came across while on the road. B) Nomads were indifferent to travelers, neither aiding nor harming them. C) Nomads only aided fellow Nomads while on the road. D) Nomads’ sense of honor required that travelers be aided, a recognition of the harshness of nomadic life. Answer: D Rationale: Nomadic societies often upheld a strong sense of honor, which extended to the treatment of travelers. Despite the challenges of their own lifestyle, nomads recognized the hardships faced by fellow travelers and adhered to a code of hospitality, aiding those in need. This ethos reflected an acknowledgment of the harshness of nomadic life and a commitment to mutual support and cooperation. 38) Which of the following is a reason why nomads were outstanding fighters? A) the prevalence of a courage culture B) their natural proclivity toward cruelty C) their economic activity required much more time than that of agricultural peoples D) their lack of familiarity with horses Answer: A Rationale: Nomads were often exceptional fighters due to the prevalence of a culture that highly valued courage, bravery, and martial prowess. The harsh and unpredictable nature of nomadic life, which frequently involved conflicts with rival groups and the need to defend scarce resources, fostered a culture that glorified acts of heroism and valor in battle. 39) Which of the following roles in nomadic society was unusual (though not unheard of) for a woman to have? A) childrearing B) participating in battle C) making and breaking camp D) marrying to promote the interests of kinship groups Answer: B Rationale: While women in nomadic societies typically played essential roles in childrearing, camp management, and kinship alliances through marriage, active participation in battle was relatively unusual for them. Although some historical accounts mention exceptional cases of female warriors among certain nomadic groups, such instances were not the norm, and men predominantly assumed combat roles in nomadic warfare. 40) Why would the practice of hiring nomads as mercenary soldiers to protect frontiers backfire? A) Nomads would gain additional organizational skills and turn on the host society. B) Nomads would abandon their posts to return to the lifestyle they were born into. C) Nomads would adapt to a settled lifestyle and become less fierce warriors as a result. D) Nomads would only perform such duties for extremely high prices; as a result, hiring them sometimes bankrupted settled civilizations. Answer: A Rationale: The practice of hiring nomads as mercenary soldiers to protect frontiers could backfire because nomads, upon gaining additional organizational skills and familiarity with the host society's defenses, might eventually turn against their employers. This scenario is not uncommon in history, as nomadic mercenaries could exploit their insider knowledge to mount successful rebellions or incite unrest within settled civilizations. 41) Why did nomadic societies often cause more change by what they prompted agricultural societies to do in defense against attack than by what they did themselves? A) Nomadic societies left few written records and no real monuments. B) The conditions of nomadic life made it nearly impossible to develop durable civilizations of their own. C) There was too much infighting in nomadic society for any leaders to emerge. D) Nomadic societies often naturally developed into agricultural societies and thus died out. Answer: B Rationale: Nomadic societies often prompted more change in agricultural societies through their influence on defensive strategies rather than direct actions because the harsh conditions of nomadic life limited the development of durable civilizations among nomadic groups. Instead, nomads relied on their mobility, military prowess, and knowledge of the land to prompt sedentary civilizations to fortify borders, develop military technologies, and adapt agricultural practices to withstand nomadic incursions. 42) Which of the following is the most accurate description of the Indo-Europeans? A) Also known as the Xionghu, the Indo-Europeans invaded China, causing great devastation from the 4th century B.C.E. on. B) The Indo-Europeans were reindeer herders in northern Europe. C) The Indo-Europeans were camel herders in Arabia. D) The Indo-Europeans were the first groups of nomads to break into the historical record. Answer: D Rationale: The Indo-Europeans were the first groups of nomads to break into the historical record, known for their migrations and interactions with settled civilizations across Eurasia. This nomadic group played a significant role in shaping the cultural and linguistic landscape of Europe and Asia through their movements, conquests, and interactions with sedentary societies. 43) Which of the following best expresses why nomads are particularly famous for being invaders? A) Nomadic invasions could change the population structure as well as political leadership. B) Nomads were incredibly cruel and killed the wives and children of the leaders they defeated. C) Invasions could bring exotic goods and animals to civilizations via trade routes. D) Nomads had a rich oral tradition detailing military conquests that was passed down through the generations and survives to this day. Answer: A Rationale: Nomads are particularly famous for being invaders because their invasions often resulted in significant changes to the population structure and political leadership of affected regions. Nomadic incursions could lead to the displacement of settled populations, the establishment of new ruling elites, and the introduction of nomadic cultural practices, languages, and traditions to conquered territories. 44) Why did the Zhou begin their careers as border guards for the Shang dynasty? A) Settled governments often hired nomads as mercenary soldiers. B) Settled governments valued nomads for their great loyalty. C) The Zhou appointed themselves as border guards, due to their sense of honor. D) Nomadic invaders often incorporated institutions and values of a civilization they invaded. Answer: A Rationale: Settled governments often hired nomads as mercenary soldiers because nomads possessed valuable skills in warfare, including horsemanship and archery, which were advantageous for border defense. Nomadic groups were often mobile and adaptable, making them effective guardians of borders against other nomadic incursions. By employing nomads as border guards, settled governments could benefit from their military expertise while also establishing alliances or tributary relationships with nomadic tribes, thereby enhancing border security and stability. 45) Why do modern nomads live on the fringes of settled societies? A) Modern nomads are a very reclusive and unfriendly people. B) Agricultural civilizations have gobbled up most of the nomadic lands. C) Modern nomads live apart for religious reasons. D) Modern nomads are afraid that civilization will make them soft. Answer: B Rationale: Agricultural civilizations have expanded and encroached upon traditional nomadic lands, leaving modern nomads with limited options for inhabiting their traditional territories. As settled societies have developed agricultural techniques and expanded their territories, they have increasingly occupied areas that were once inhabited by nomadic tribes. This territorial expansion has restricted the available land for nomadic herding and lifestyle, pushing modern nomads to the fringes of settled societies in search of grazing areas for their livestock and access to resources. As a result, modern nomads often find themselves living on the periphery of settled civilizations, where they must navigate complex relationships with sedentary societies while preserving aspects of their traditional way of life. 46) Compared to how other civilizations interacted with nomads, why did Chinese rulers want to keep the nomadic peoples to their west happy? A) to avoid war and conflict, because nomadic groups were known for their military prowess B) to facilitate trade, because nomadic groups were known for their vast riches C) to be able to hire the nomadic groups as border guards D) to enlist their aid in invading mainland Europe Answer: A Rationale: Chinese rulers sought to keep the nomadic peoples to their west happy primarily to avoid war and conflict, recognizing that nomadic groups were renowned for their military prowess. By maintaining amicable relations with neighboring nomads, Chinese rulers aimed to prevent incursions and invasions into their territory, safeguarding the stability and security of their empire. 47) What was the result of the gifts of silk the Chinese rulers made to western nomads? A) Infighting among nomads over who had control of trade routes. B) Long and costly wars over between agricultural civilizations over who had access to nomadic trading posts. C) The eventual creation of a large, interregional silk trading network. D) The introduction of silkworms to western Europe. Answer: C Rationale: The result of the gifts of silk made by Chinese rulers to western nomads was the eventual creation of a large, interregional silk trading network. These gifts served as incentives for nomadic groups to maintain peaceful relations with China and encouraged the development of extensive trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas across vast distances. 48) Why did animals form the core of the nomadic economy? A) because most of the nomads’ trade products were derived from animals B) because animals were inexpensive and easy to take care of C) because nomads did not have a written language D) because nomads did not value gold and other fine goods Answer: A Rationale: Animals formed the core of the nomadic economy primarily because most of the nomads' trade products were derived from animals. Nomadic societies relied heavily on herds of livestock for sustenance, transportation, and trade, with products such as meat, milk, wool, and hides being essential commodities for both internal consumption and external trade with settled civilizations. 49) What was the result of nomadic groups’ embracing an organization that depended on kinship relations? A) Nomadic groups were often comprised solely of members of the same large family. B) Nomadic groups were generally small, but could form much larger groups in response to crisis. C) Nomadic groups were particularly prone to blood feuds. D) Nomadic groups emphasized loyalty above all else. Answer: B Rationale: The result of nomadic groups embracing an organization that depended on kinship relations was that nomadic groups were generally small but could form much larger groups in response to crises. Nomadic societies often organized themselves along kinship lines, with extended families forming the basic social units. In times of need or conflict, however, these smaller groups could unite under charismatic leaders to form larger, more cohesive alliances or confederations. 50) Why was size of the herd the measure of wealth in nomadic societies? A) Because nomadic groups were bound by kinship ties, they were often very small. B) Nomadic groups very rarely traded with other societies. C) Animals formed the core of the nomadic economy. D) Nomadic groups had no access to agricultural societies. Answer: C Rationale: The size of the herd was the measure of wealth in nomadic societies because animals formed the core of the nomadic economy. Livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, and camels were essential for nomadic survival, providing food, clothing, transportation, and trade goods. As such, the abundance and quality of the herd directly correlated with the wealth and prosperity of nomadic communities, making livestock ownership a primary determinant of social status and economic power. Short Answer Questions 51) Why did nomads emphasize hospitality? Answer: Nomads emphasized hospitality as a fundamental cultural value rooted in their harsh and nomadic way of life. In the vast and often unforgiving landscapes they traversed, the survival of individuals and groups depended on mutual aid and cooperation. By extending hospitality to travelers and strangers, nomads ensured their own safety and security when they, too, were on the move. Additionally, hospitality reflected notions of honor and prestige within nomadic societies, as generosity toward guests was seen as a mark of wealth, power, and social standing. Furthermore, the practice of hospitality fostered social bonds, facilitated trade, and contributed to the maintenance of peace and stability in the often volatile nomadic world. Overall, emphasizing hospitality was not only a matter of survival but also a deeply ingrained cultural tradition that reinforced solidarity and reciprocity among nomadic communities. 52) Nomads were better than most people in agricultural civilization in what kinds of skills? Answer: Nomads excelled in certain skills essential for survival in their nomadic lifestyle, including horsemanship, archery, tracking, and navigation across vast landscapes. These skills enabled them to efficiently hunt for food, navigate through varied terrains, and defend themselves and their communities from external threats. Moreover, their intimate knowledge of the land and its resources allowed nomads to adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions, ensuring their continued survival in often harsh and unpredictable environments. 53) Name two geographic centers of nomadic societies and why. Answer: Two geographic centers of nomadic societies were the Central Asian steppes and the Sahara Desert. The Central Asian steppes, stretching from present-day Mongolia to Eastern Europe, provided vast grasslands ideal for nomadic pastoralism. Nomadic groups such as the Mongols, Scythians, and Huns thrived in this region due to the abundance of grazing land for their herds of horses, sheep, and cattle. Similarly, the Sahara Desert served as a geographic center for nomadic societies, particularly the Tuareg and Bedouin, who traversed its vast expanses in search of water and grazing areas for their camels and goats. Despite the harsh conditions, these nomadic groups developed unique adaptations and survival strategies suited to desert life. 54) Name two animals that were essential to the livelihoods of different nomadic groups and why. Answer: Two animals essential to the livelihoods of different nomadic groups were horses and camels. Horses were indispensable to nomadic societies inhabiting the Eurasian steppes, such as the Mongols and Huns, due to their agility, speed, and strength. Nomads relied on horses for transportation, hunting, herding, and warfare, enabling them to traverse vast distances and maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Similarly, camels played a crucial role in the livelihoods of nomadic groups in desert regions like North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Known as the "ships of the desert," camels were well-adapted to arid environments, capable of traveling long distances without water and carrying heavy loads of goods and supplies. Nomads relied on camels for transportation, trade, and survival in the harsh desert conditions. 55) Give two reasons why a nomadic society may have been forced to move. Answer: Nomadic societies may have been forced to move due to environmental factors such as drought, desertification, or natural disasters, which rendered their traditional grazing lands uninhabitable or depleted of resources. Additionally, conflicts with neighboring nomadic or sedentary societies, whether over territory, resources, or political dominance, could compel nomads to migrate in search of safer or more favorable conditions. These migrations often involved entire communities relocating with their herds and possessions to new areas that offered better prospects for survival and livelihoods. Essay Questions 56) What are the differences between nomadic and hunting-and-gathering societies? Answer: Nomadic societies and hunting-and-gathering societies exhibit distinct differences in their lifestyles, economic activities, and social structures. Nomadic societies are characterized by a mobile way of life, often relying on animal herding or pastoralism for sustenance. These societies move seasonally in search of grazing lands and water sources for their herds, maintaining a semi-permanent or temporary presence in various locations. In contrast, hunting-and-gathering societies are primarily dependent on foraging for wild plants and hunting wild animals for food. They typically inhabit specific territories or regions rich in natural resources and adapt their movements to seasonal changes in food availability. Nomadic societies tend to have a more developed relationship with domesticated animals, using them for transportation, food, clothing, and trade, whereas hunting-and-gathering societies rely solely on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for subsistence. Additionally, nomadic societies often exhibit a greater degree of social organization and hierarchy, with leadership roles based on factors such as wealth, kinship ties, or military prowess. In contrast, hunting-and-gathering societies are often characterized by egalitarian social structures, where decisions are made collectively within small, kin-based groups. 57) What are characteristic relations between nomadic peoples and civilizations? Answer: The relations between nomadic peoples and civilizations are characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation, conflict, trade, and cultural exchange. Nomadic peoples often interacted with sedentary civilizations, either as trading partners, allies, or adversaries, depending on the circumstances and interests involved. One characteristic relation between nomadic peoples and civilizations is the role of nomads as traders and intermediaries in long-distance trade networks. Nomadic traders facilitated the exchange of goods, information, and technologies between distant regions, contributing to the cultural diffusion and economic prosperity of civilizations. However, nomadic peoples also posed security threats to civilizations through raids, invasions, and territorial disputes. The mobility and military prowess of nomadic groups, such as the Mongols or Huns, often challenged the stability and security of settled civilizations, leading to conflicts and power struggles along the borders. Despite occasional hostilities, civilizations sometimes employed nomadic peoples as mercenaries, border guards, or diplomatic envoys to manage relations with other nomadic groups or buffer zones. Nomadic groups, in turn, could benefit from alliances with civilizations by gaining access to resources, technology, and political legitimacy. Overall, the relations between nomadic peoples and civilizations were dynamic and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as economic interests, military capabilities, cultural exchanges, and geopolitical considerations. 58) Why was it essential for nomads to be outstanding warriors? Answer: Nomads often relied on their military prowess for survival and prosperity in their harsh and competitive environments. As mobile societies frequently engaged in conflicts over resources, territory, and prestige, being skilled warriors was essential for protecting their herds, defending against raids, and asserting dominance over rival groups. Additionally, successful military campaigns could provide nomads with access to valuable spoils, including livestock, goods, and captives, enhancing their wealth and social status within their communities. Therefore, proficiency in warfare was crucial for ensuring the security, prosperity, and prestige of nomadic societies. 59) Why was it important for nomads to travel during specific periods throughout the year? Answer: Nomads relied on seasonal migrations to sustain their way of life and meet their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. The timing of these movements was crucial for accessing resources that varied in availability across different regions and seasons. For example, nomadic herders needed to move their livestock to grazing areas with abundant vegetation during the warmer months and migrate to lower elevations or more sheltered locations to avoid harsh winter conditions. By traveling at specific times of the year, nomads could optimize their utilization of natural resources, prevent overgrazing, and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. Furthermore, seasonal migrations allowed nomadic societies to maintain a sustainable relationship with their environment, ensuring the long-term viability of their livelihoods and cultural practices. 60) Why was it often hard for nomadic groups who came into contact with agricultural civilizations to maintain a nomadic lifestyle? Answer: Nomadic groups that encountered agricultural civilizations often faced challenges that undermined their traditional way of life and forced them to adapt to new circumstances. Agricultural civilizations typically exerted territorial control, established permanent settlements, and developed centralized political systems that conflicted with the mobility and autonomy of nomadic societies. As a result, nomads often encountered restrictions on their movements, grazing rights, and access to water sources, leading to conflicts over land use and resource management. Additionally, agricultural civilizations introduced sedentary lifestyles, economic dependencies, and cultural influences that gradually eroded the resilience and cohesion of nomadic communities. Nomads were also vulnerable to diseases, military campaigns, and social pressures imposed by more powerful civilizations, further complicating their efforts to maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Overall, the encounter between nomadic groups and agricultural civilizations often precipitated profound changes in both societies, reshaping their economies, social structures, and identities over time. Test Bank for World History in Brief: Major Patterns of Change and Continuity Peter N. Stearns 9780205896301, 9780134085623
