193 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why did the Native American civilizations venerate jaguars?

Explain why did the Native American civilizations venerate jaguars?

The Native American civilizations worshipped jaguars for their incredible power and strength. These animals are formidable predators capable of hunting silently and killing with a...

Read full answer

Explain why some ancient fabrics found in Egyptian tombs have undergone less degradation than modern fabrics?

Explain why some ancient fabrics found in Egyptian tombs have undergone less degradation than modern fabrics?

The Egyptians were masters of preservation. To protect their textiles, they were super meticulous with every detail. The main secret ingredient? Dryness and heat. It...

Read full answer

Explain why did the ancient Egyptians write on papyrus?

Explain why did the ancient Egyptians write on papyrus?

The papyrus, an aquatic plant, grew in large quantities along the Nile. With its triangular-shaped stems, it was easy to harvest. Frankly, it was almost...

Read full answer

Explain why have some ancient papyrus manuscripts survived for millennia?

Explain why have some ancient papyrus manuscripts survived for millennia?

Papyrus is an aquatic plant. It grows along the Nile. The ancient Egyptians used its stems to make paper. The stems are cut into thin...

Read full answer

Explain why are the statues on Easter Island called Moai?

Explain why are the statues on Easter Island called Moai?

The Moai of Easter Island were discovered by Europeans in 1722. The Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen was the first to lay eyes on these gigantic...

Read full answer

Explain why ancient pyramids are aligned with certain stars?

Explain why ancient pyramids are aligned with certain stars?

The pyramids, these imposing structures, also served as genuine astronomical observatories for the ancient Egyptians. They used their architectural precision to track the movements of...

Read full answer

Explain why some funeral rituals included the construction of special underground chambers to protect the deceased?

Explain why some funeral rituals included the construction of special underground chambers to protect the deceased?

The underground chambers primarily served to protect the deceased. Natural elements, such as rain, wind, or animals, could damage the bodies and funerary objects. Burying...

Read full answer

Explain why some ancient civilizations painted their bodies before going into battle?

Explain why some ancient civilizations painted their bodies before going into battle?

Ancient civilizations often used body paint for rituals and religious ceremonies. The Celts, for example, covered themselves with a blue dye called woad to enter...

Read full answer

Explain why did some ancient civilizations use elaborate masks during sacred rituals?

Explain why did some ancient civilizations use elaborate masks during sacred rituals?

Masks held a significant spiritual meaning in sacred rites. They often represented spirits or ancestors and allowed for a connection with them. Wearing a mask...

Read full answer

Explain why ancient civilizations built dolmens and menhirs?

Explain why ancient civilizations built dolmens and menhirs?

Dolmens and menhirs are believed to have had religious functions for ancient civilizations. It is thought that they were used for sacred rituals or ceremonies. These monuments...

Read full answer