197 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Ancient Civilizations

Explain why the Egyptians mummified sacred animals?

Explain why the Egyptians mummified sacred animals?

The sacred animals of ancient Egypt primarily represented embodied deities on earth. The Egyptians believed that a god could temporarily inhabit a specific animal to...

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Explain why the Indus civilization suddenly disappeared without leaving any explicit traces.

Explain why the Indus civilization suddenly disappeared without leaving any explicit traces.

About 4000 years ago, the thriving civilization of the Indus Valley suddenly vanished, leaving behind abandoned cities with no clear signs of invasion or obvious...

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Explain why the ancient Babylonians deified the stars?

Explain why the ancient Babylonians deified the stars?

The ancient Babylonians lived in a society where religion shaped all aspects of daily life, from agriculture to politics. For them, everything around them was...

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Explain why the Caral-Supe civilization thrived in the Andes.

Explain why the Caral-Supe civilization thrived in the Andes.

The Caral-Supe civilization developed in a fertile valley near the Supe River in Peru. The ancestors of Caral quickly understood the benefits of settling there: they could...

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Explain why Egyptian hieroglyphics were engraved on pharaohs' sarcophagi.

Explain why Egyptian hieroglyphics were engraved on pharaohs' sarcophagi.

The hieroglyphs inscribed on the sarcophagi were a stylish way to affirm the royal status of the pharaoh. These texts paid homage to his greatness, courage, and...

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Explain why the Romans used amphitheaters for their gladiator fights?

Explain why the Romans used amphitheaters for their gladiator fights?

Amphitheaters like the Colosseum were truly at the heart of daily life in Rome. Everyone gathered to watch the gladiator fights, but not just that. They also...

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Explain why the Phoenicians were intrepid navigators.

Explain why the Phoenicians were intrepid navigators.

The Phoenicians mainly navigated by using the stars and natural landmarks such as coastlines and islands for orientation. To maintain their course, they had a...

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Explain why Moctezuma II was captured by the Spanish?

Explain why Moctezuma II was captured by the Spanish?

The Spanish arrive on the Mexican coasts in 1519, led by an ambitious man named Hernán Cortés. Their goal? To discover new riches, grab gold, and conquer...

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Explain why ancient civilizations erected monumental statues to honor their gods?

Explain why ancient civilizations erected monumental statues to honor their gods?

Ancient civilizations often believed that the gods were directly present in monumental statues. These divine representations served to attract the favor of the deities. By...

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Explain why the Persians wore masks during certain ceremonies?

Explain why the Persians wore masks during certain ceremonies?

In ancient Persia, masks were worn to connect with the spiritual world during religious ceremonies. They believed that these masks allowed them to embody divine...

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