197 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.

Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.

By building Machu Picchu at this precise location, perched at about 2400 meters above sea level, the Incas had a stunning view to monitor the...

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Explain why ancient civilizations built underground cities.

Explain why ancient civilizations built underground cities.

The ancients quickly understood that building underground was super practical for avoiding enemy invasions. Hidden beneath the surface, these cities became almost invisible from the...

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Explain why the library of Alexandria was so important for history?

Explain why the library of Alexandria was so important for history?

The Library of Alexandria was a true focal point for the collective intelligence of its time. To put it simply: imagine it as ancient Wikipedia, an essential...

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Explain why the Olmecs carved huge stone heads.

Explain why the Olmecs carved huge stone heads.

The Olmecs thrived between 1500 and 400 B.C. in what corresponds to present-day southern Mexico, particularly the regions of Veracruz and Tabasco. As a wealthy...

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Explain why the Persians used the relay communication system?

Explain why the Persians used the relay communication system?

The Persian Empire was immense, covering thousands of kilometers from the Middle East to India. To manage all of this, the sovereign had an absolute...

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Explain why the Aztecs used chocolate as a form of currency?

Explain why the Aztecs used chocolate as a form of currency?

Cocoa originally came from tropical regions of Central America, and for the Aztecs, it was far from just a nice treat. They regarded this plant...

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Explain why pre-Columbian Indians carved giant stone heads.

Explain why pre-Columbian Indians carved giant stone heads.

The famous giant heads known today come primarily from the ancient civilization of the Olmecs, a people who settled in present-day Mexico about 3,000 years...

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Explain why the ancient Persians built impregnable citadels?

Explain why the ancient Persians built impregnable citadels?

The Persians did not build fortresses just to impress their neighbors (although that worked too!). The goal was to make their military positions completely unassailable, making life...

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Explain why the Babylonians created the Code of Hammurabi.

Explain why the Babylonians created the Code of Hammurabi.

In the time of the Babylonians, society was becoming increasingly complex, with important cities like Babylon housing thousands of inhabitants. To prevent everything from quickly...

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Explain why the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi is filled with terracotta soldiers.

Explain why the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi is filled with terracotta soldiers.

During the time of Qin Shi Huangdi, people believed that death was merely a step towards another world. However, a powerful emperor does not enter...

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