197 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why ancient civilizations loved turquoise jewelry?

Explain why ancient civilizations loved turquoise jewelry?

Among the Aztecs, turquoise represents the connection with the sky, a strong symbol of their worship of the god Quetzalcóatl. For the Egyptians, it evokes...

Read full answer

Explain why did the Incas build walls in a zigzag shape?

Explain why did the Incas build walls in a zigzag shape?

The zigzag Inca walls originate from beliefs deeply rooted in their culture. The Incas viewed lightning as a sacred symbol representing their god Illapa, the...

Read full answer

Explain why the Trojan War lasted so long?

Explain why the Trojan War lasted so long?

The Greek gods, who constantly take sides in battles, clearly play a decisive role in the duration of the Trojan War. Aphrodite regularly protects Paris, as when...

Read full answer

Explain why the Spartans were trained for war from childhood?

Explain why the Spartans were trained for war from childhood?

In ancient times, Sparta was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. But clearly, it was not alone in the area: the neighbors...

Read full answer

Explain why the Code of Hammurabi was written on a diorite stele.

Explain why the Code of Hammurabi was written on a diorite stele.

Diorite is an extremely hard and durable rock that easily withstands damage from time, moisture, or temperature changes. Its strength allows for precise engravings without...

Read full answer

Explain why did the Japanese practice seppuku?

Explain why did the Japanese practice seppuku?

Seppuku, commonly known as hara-kiri ("to cut the belly"), emerged during the Middle Ages in Japan, around the 12th century. Originally, defeated samurai preferred to...

Read full answer

Explain why some ancient civilizations built ziggurats?

Explain why some ancient civilizations built ziggurats?

Ziggurats were large temple-like structures built in the region of Mesopotamia. They were envisioned as meeting places between gods and men: a kind of divine...

Read full answer

Explain why does the Forbidden City in Beijing have so many doors?

Explain why does the Forbidden City in Beijing have so many doors?

The multiple gates of the Forbidden City have their origins in its imperial history. At that time, each gate had a very specific function: some...

Read full answer

Explain why civilizations built on river deltas are so prosperous?

Explain why civilizations built on river deltas are so prosperous?

The lands of the deltas are among the most fertile in the world due to the regular deposits of silt and mud brought by the...

Read full answer

Explain why some ancient civilizations built sophisticated astronomical observatories?

Explain why some ancient civilizations built sophisticated astronomical observatories?

Our ancestors had noticed that certain celestial events repeated regularly, such as eclipses, the movement of planets, or the phases of the Moon. By building...

Read full answer