197 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why ancient Chinese people placed great importance on the symbolism of colors in their art?

Explain why ancient Chinese people placed great importance on the symbolism of colors in their art?

For the ancient Chinese, each color had a specific meaning related to their spiritual and philosophical beliefs. For example, yellow often represented the center, imperial...

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Explain why the inhabitants of the Indus civilization had a sophisticated sewage system.

Explain why the inhabitants of the Indus civilization had a sophisticated sewage system.

The cities of the Indus civilization, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, were organized according to a very thoughtful grid pattern. They were divided into clearly...

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Explain why Egyptian hieroglyphs were often associated with symbolic representations.

Explain why Egyptian hieroglyphs were often associated with symbolic representations.

For the Egyptians, writing was not just a means of communication; it was a way to bring ideas to life. Each hieroglyph is more than...

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Explain why the ancient Greeks attached such importance to the Olympic Games.

Explain why the ancient Greeks attached such importance to the Olympic Games.

The Olympic Games have their origins in ancient Greece, directly linked to Greek mythology. Legend has it that they were created by Hercules in honor...

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Explain why the Mayans attached great importance to solar eclipses?

Explain why the Mayans attached great importance to solar eclipses?

For the Maya, a solar eclipse was seen as a troubling disruption of the usual cosmic order. They often imagined that a supernatural being, a...

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Explain why were gladiators so popular in ancient Rome?

Explain why were gladiators so popular in ancient Rome?

In Rome, gladiatorial games were a real attraction, much like our major sporting events today. Thousands of spectators would fill the Colosseum or local amphitheaters, seeking thrills....

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Explain why the Vikings were known for their extraordinary skills as navigators.

Explain why the Vikings were known for their extraordinary skills as navigators.

The Vikings had a head start on the water thanks to their famous ships, the drakkars, which were extremely innovative for their time. These boats...

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Explain why the Romans used symbols and signs to protect their homes.

Explain why the Romans used symbols and signs to protect their homes.

In Roman times, the family hearth (called focus in Latin) held a very important place. It was the clearly symbolic and emotional center of the...

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Explain why the statues on Easter Island have disproportionate heads?

Explain why the statues on Easter Island have disproportionate heads?

The Moai statues come from Rapa Nui, more commonly known as Easter Island, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and isolated from any continent. Around...

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Explain why the Great Wall of China was built over thousands of kilometers.

Explain why the Great Wall of China was built over thousands of kilometers.

Chinese emperors were haunted by the fear that nomadic peoples, such as the Mongols or the Xiongnu, would come to pillage their fertile territories. These...

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