zachnorton03/authentic-pre1930-sft-conversational

messages listlengths 2 84
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What books are chiefly used in the schools?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The writings of Confucius. They are the model and type of all Chinese literary work." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How is education regarded?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The public sentiment in favor of it is universal, and it is a reproach to any parents, however poor, if they neglect to send their sons to school." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "On what are appointments to the civil service based?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On examinations that include the preparation of essays and poems, and the writing of classical selections." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the character of the government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is a patriarchal despotism, of which the family is the type. The emperor is the father of the nation, and his power is no more despotic than that with which the head of every family i...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the theory of parental authority in China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The parent is the absolute master of his son, entitled to his service and obedience so long as the parent lives." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the most ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How is the emperor assisted in administering the government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "He delegates his parental authority to officers of various ranks and degrees, and each of them becomes by this act the father of those under his jurisdiction." }, ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What are some of the rewards given for ability in public service?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A peacock feather, to be worn in the official hat and possessed of no eye, or of one, two or three eyes, according to the magnitude of the favor shown; permissio...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the great Philosopher of China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Confucius." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How is he regarded by the people?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "His memory is venerated and his word is law. ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What worship is universal in China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The worship of ancestors; it is as old as the race." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the one original religion of China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Confucianism." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What other two religions supplement it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Taoism and Buddhism." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is Confucianism?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The practical government of man through a code of morals, having reference solely to his present state." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is Taoism?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A religion of the supreme reason alone." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who taught it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Lao-tsze, a celebrated philosopher who lived during the tim...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "When was Buddhism introduced into China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "During the first century. It spread rapidly and today has more adherents than the other religions." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who performs the religious ceremonies?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Emperor is the sole high priest and is the only one who, assisted by his ministers, can perform the great religious ceremonies, one of which is the sacrifice to Heaven every year at th...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was China called by Mediaeval Europe?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cathay." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where is the Empire of Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "East of central Asia." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What does it comprise?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Four large islands, and over three thousand small ones....
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the meaning of the word Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "\"Sunrise,\" or \"the land of sunrise,\" and thus denotes the position the Empire occupies in the extreme East." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What do these books record?" ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "From the best authority, what is thought to be the origin of the Japanese?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The weight of history is in favor of the idea that they migrated from north-eastern Asia, through Corea, to Japan." }, { "role": "user", "co...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the earliest date accepted by the Japanese themselves?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "One that corresponds to 660 B. C, when the first emperor, Jimmu, succeeded to the throne. It is styled the year 1 of the Japanese era." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "When did Buddhism enter Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In the year 552 A. D." }, { "role": "user", "content": "To what did this lead?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "To the effacement of the Mikado's authority during the...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How were the Officials divided?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Into civil and military grades; a regular system of ministers responsible to the sovereign, who, as Son of Heaven, was theoretically absolute." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What war raged in the 10th century?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The war of the Red and White Flags." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why so called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On account of the color of their banners." ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Shogun acquire in 1192?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The entire control of political affairs." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Mikado retain?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The religious supremacy and the symbols of royalty, and remained the theoretical head of the government." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What grew up under this dual form of government?...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who came to Japan during the 16th century?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Portuguese." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who introduced Christianity?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Francis Xavier, the Apostle to the Indies, and in time, six hundred thousand converts were made." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Jesuit fathers accomplish?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They founded churches, organized hospitals, and established colleges where the candidates for the church could be educated." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the exte...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What excited the alarm of the government at last?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The intrigues of the missionaries." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who is regarded, by the Japanese as their greatest man?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Taiko-Sama." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What edict did he issue?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "An edict expelling all foreign religi...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the persecution that followed?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It has never been surpassed for cruelty and brutality on the part of the persecutors, or for courage and constancy on the part of those who suffered." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What foreign people were still allowed to remain?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dutch, who had come in 1600, were allowed a residence upon an island in the harbor of Nagasaki, and to exchange a single ship load of merchandise per year." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How long did the government maintain its isolation?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Until the country was opened to the five great western powers by the American treaty of March 31, 1854." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What expedition secured i...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What has the government of Japan become?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A constitutional monarchy with a Cabinet, a Privy Council, a House of Peers, and a House of Representatives." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What has been accomplished by the new order?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Absolute religious freedom is secured, elementary education made compulsory, kindergarten methods are provided, and a flourishing government university is supported." }, { "r...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the religious belief of the Japanese?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Shinto and the Buddhist. There are various Christian missions in Japan, principally in Tokio and Yokohama." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Shinto belief?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A system of nature and hero worship. Its gods number fourteen thousand, and are propitiated by offerings of food and by music and dancing." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is peculiar about the Japanese written language?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "There are two distinct alphabets and kinds of writing in use; the system of Chinese hieroglyphic symbols which dates from the 3rd century, and a phonetic alphabet of forty-s...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the literature of Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is abundant and various, and includes works on history and science, encyclopaedias, poetry, prose, fiction, and translations of European works." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the capital of Assyria?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Nineveh." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the chief city of the Empire?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Babylon." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "When did the Chaldeans become masters of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They captured Nineveh in 606 B. C., and Babylon, after the ruin of its rival, again became the capital of the East." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who were the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were the highest caste in Babylonia." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What were their national powers?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They decided politics, commande...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the education of the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were highly educated. Astronomical calculations taken by them as far back as 2000 B. C. were found to be correct. They were also astrologists, they interpreted dreams and...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the location of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On the River Euphrates, 300 miles from its junction with the Tigris." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the modern name?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Th...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the Median Wall?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A great wall, built of brick, on the northern boundary of the Empire from the Euphrates to the Tigris." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the Canals?" }, { "role"...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the most important building of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Palace of Nebuchadnezzar." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When was it built?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Six hundred years B. C." }, ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great structure was considered a wonder of the world?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Hanging Gardens." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why were they built?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "For the gratification of the ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the last King of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Belshazzar." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How was Belshazzar's reign brought to a close?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "By the invasion of Cyrus and the dest...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the writing of the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Wedge-shaped characters." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What are they called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cuneiform letters, from Cuneus a wedge." }...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the Chaldean account of the Creation and the Deluge?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They are like the narrative in Genesis, though written hundreds of years before Moses was born." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How did the early Chaldeans bury their dead?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In large clay jars or in dish-covered tombs." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is told of some of the industries of Babylonia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Their carpets were celebrated throughout the ancient world, and the elaborate designs of their embroideries served as models for the earliest Grecian urns." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where is Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In south-western Asia, south of the Caspian Sea." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the native name of Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Iran." }, { "role": "...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Capital and largest city?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Teheran." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Biblical name for Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Elam." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded the Persian Empire, and when?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cyrus the Great, in the sixth century B. C." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was its extent?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It reached from the Æge...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the son and successor of Darius?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Xerxes." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What great invasion did Xerxes attempt?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "To conquer Greece." }, { "role": ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great change took place in the year 146 B. C.?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The empire became a Grecian province." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who produced this change?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Alexander the ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the present government of Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is an Absolute Monarchy." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the title of the ruler?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "King, or Shah." }, { ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the characteristics of the Persians?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Originally they were a hardy race, of simple manners and great courage in war. In later days, they grew to be luxurious and effeminate." }, { "role": "user", "content":...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What wonderful ruins are in Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Persepolis, the magnificent capital of the ancient empire, consisting now of fragments of the palaces of Xerxes, Cyrus, and Darius and the royal tombs." }, { "role": "user", "cont...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the power of the national customs of ancient Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The King was bound by them as closely as his subjects; his command, once given, could not be revoked even by himself, hence arose the phrase, \"Unchangeable a...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where was ancient Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A part of Syria, lying between the desert on the east and the Mediterranean Sea." }, { "role": "user", "content": "By what other names is it known?" }, { "role": "assistant", ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How many divisions in Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Four." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What are they?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Galilee, Samaria, Judea, and the elevated district east of the Jordan." },...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the Capital of Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Jerusalem." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who made it the Capital?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "King David." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Why was it called Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is derived from the Hebrew word Philistia." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the principal river?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Jordan." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was Palestine called in ancient times?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Land of Canaan." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What do we know of the early history of the Hebrews?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Abram, founder of the Hebrews, came from Chaldea about 2000 B. C.; they lived like the Arabs of to-day, in tents with their flocks and herds. Later generations were invited t...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who accomplished the conquest of Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Joshua, the successor to Moses, destroyed thirty-one cities of Canaan in six years of hard fighting, and allotted the country to the twelve tribes of Israel." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was Saul?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The first king of Israel, chosen of God through the prophet Samuel." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the character of David's reign?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "He enlarged the boundaries of Palestine, fixed the capital at Jerusalem, organized an army, and enforced the worship of Jehovah as the national religion." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What occurred after Solomon's death?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The empire was rent into the petty kingdoms, Israel and Judah, the former containing ten tribes, the latter two." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the fate of the kingdo...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What happened to the kingdom of Judah ?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It retained the national religion, and existed for nearly four hundred years. Then Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and sent the king and many of the inhabitants in chains to Babylon." ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the Crusades, and when did they occur?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were pilgrimages made to Palestine during the Middle Ages by the people of Europe for the purpose of rescuing Jerusalem from Mohammedan power." }, { "role": "user", ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who rules Palestine at present?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is subject to the Turks." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "How has the Jewish nation influenced the world?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Its sacred books constitute the Bible, and its religion has molded the faith of the most civilized nations." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great interest has the Hebrew commonwealth for us?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It was the first republic of which we have definite knowledge." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the character of the Mosaic laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were mild and far beyond the spirit of the age." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How did that affect the Greeks?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the origin of the Greeks?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They belong to the Aryan family, and are in close relation to the people of Central Asia." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who were the primitive inhabitants of Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Pelasgians, a simple agricultural people." }, { "role": "user", "content": "11. Who conquered the country?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Hel...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the principal cities of Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When were these cities founded?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "About 1500 B. C." ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the earliest period of Grecian history called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Heroic Age." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the first clearly defined event of Grecian history?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dorian Migration." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dorians, a hardy race from the ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the two great centers of Hellenic life?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Sparta, the capital of the Dorians, and Athens, the capital of the Ionians." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What change was there in the names of these races?" }...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who is said to have introduced the Alphabet into Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cadmus, who brought it from Phoenicia." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Why is the Second Age called Homeric?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Because Homer immortalized this Period by his poetry." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When did Homer live?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Sometime between ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Did the Greeks have any central government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They did not, but necessity caused them to form treaties." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What united all Greece in a sacred bond?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Four Great National Games." }, { "role": "user", "content": "39. How long did these Games last at a time?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "For many days...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded the Olympic Games?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Tradition says, Hercules." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is meant by the 'Olympiad?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "As this festival occurred so regularly, it was used as a measure of time, the year 776 B. C. to 772 B. C. being the First Olympiad." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the next...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was a special feature of the Pythian Festival?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The contests of poetry, music, and oratory." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When was it held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The third year o...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Whose honor was celebrated by the Nemean Games?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Greek God Zeus." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How often were they held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Every two years, near Cleonae." } ...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where were the Isthmian Games held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On the Isthmus of Corinth, near the Temple of Poseidon, the Sea God." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the Spartans at this time?" }, { "role": "assist...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of Athens, the rival of Sparta?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Athens also increased in power and influence." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who gave a code of laws to Athens?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Draco." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of Draco's laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "That they were written in blood." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why were they thus spoken of?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Because of their severity, the smalle...
[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did Draco say in defense of his laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "\"The smallest crime deserves death, and I can find no heavier penalty for the greatest.\"" } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who canceled Draco's severe laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Solon, who ruled at Athens from 594 to 560 B. C." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "When was the 'Age of Tyranny' and why so called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "From 650 to 500 B. C.; because many of the cities were governed by despots." } ]
[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded a Public Library at Athens?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Pisistratus, who ruled from 560 to 527 B. C." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What institution was devised at this time to prevent future tyranny?" }, { "role": "assi...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What books are chiefly used in the schools?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The writings of Confucius. They are the model and type of all Chinese literary work." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How is education regarded?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The public sentiment in favor of it is universal, and it is a reproach to any parents, however poor, if they neglect to send their sons to school." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "On what are appointments to the civil service based?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On examinations that include the preparation of essays and poems, and the writing of classical selections." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the character of the government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is a patriarchal despotism, of which the family is the type. The emperor is the father of the nation, and his power is no more despotic than that with which the head of every family i...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the theory of parental authority in China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The parent is the absolute master of his son, entitled to his service and obedience so long as the parent lives." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the most ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How is the emperor assisted in administering the government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "He delegates his parental authority to officers of various ranks and degrees, and each of them becomes by this act the father of those under his jurisdiction." }, ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What are some of the rewards given for ability in public service?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A peacock feather, to be worn in the official hat and possessed of no eye, or of one, two or three eyes, according to the magnitude of the favor shown; permissio...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the great Philosopher of China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Confucius." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How is he regarded by the people?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "His memory is venerated and his word is law. ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What worship is universal in China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The worship of ancestors; it is as old as the race." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the one original religion of China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Confucianism." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What other two religions supplement it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Taoism and Buddhism." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is Confucianism?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The practical government of man through a code of morals, having reference solely to his present state." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is Taoism?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A religion of the supreme reason alone." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who taught it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Lao-tsze, a celebrated philosopher who lived during the tim...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "When was Buddhism introduced into China?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "During the first century. It spread rapidly and today has more adherents than the other religions." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who performs the religious ceremonies?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Emperor is the sole high priest and is the only one who, assisted by his ministers, can perform the great religious ceremonies, one of which is the sacrifice to Heaven every year at th...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was China called by Mediaeval Europe?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cathay." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where is the Empire of Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "East of central Asia." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What does it comprise?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Four large islands, and over three thousand small ones....

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the meaning of the word Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "\"Sunrise,\" or \"the land of sunrise,\" and thus denotes the position the Empire occupies in the extreme East." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What do these books record?" ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "From the best authority, what is thought to be the origin of the Japanese?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The weight of history is in favor of the idea that they migrated from north-eastern Asia, through Corea, to Japan." }, { "role": "user", "co...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the earliest date accepted by the Japanese themselves?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "One that corresponds to 660 B. C, when the first emperor, Jimmu, succeeded to the throne. It is styled the year 1 of the Japanese era." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "When did Buddhism enter Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In the year 552 A. D." }, { "role": "user", "content": "To what did this lead?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "To the effacement of the Mikado's authority during the...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How were the Officials divided?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Into civil and military grades; a regular system of ministers responsible to the sovereign, who, as Son of Heaven, was theoretically absolute." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What war raged in the 10th century?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The war of the Red and White Flags." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why so called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On account of the color of their banners." ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Shogun acquire in 1192?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The entire control of political affairs." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Mikado retain?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The religious supremacy and the symbols of royalty, and remained the theoretical head of the government." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What grew up under this dual form of government?...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who came to Japan during the 16th century?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Portuguese." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who introduced Christianity?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Francis Xavier, the Apostle to the Indies, and in time, six hundred thousand converts were made." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did the Jesuit fathers accomplish?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They founded churches, organized hospitals, and established colleges where the candidates for the church could be educated." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the exte...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What excited the alarm of the government at last?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The intrigues of the missionaries." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who is regarded, by the Japanese as their greatest man?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Taiko-Sama." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What edict did he issue?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "An edict expelling all foreign religi...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the persecution that followed?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It has never been surpassed for cruelty and brutality on the part of the persecutors, or for courage and constancy on the part of those who suffered." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What foreign people were still allowed to remain?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dutch, who had come in 1600, were allowed a residence upon an island in the harbor of Nagasaki, and to exchange a single ship load of merchandise per year." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How long did the government maintain its isolation?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Until the country was opened to the five great western powers by the American treaty of March 31, 1854." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What expedition secured i...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What has the government of Japan become?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A constitutional monarchy with a Cabinet, a Privy Council, a House of Peers, and a House of Representatives." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What has been accomplished by the new order?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Absolute religious freedom is secured, elementary education made compulsory, kindergarten methods are provided, and a flourishing government university is supported." }, { "r...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the religious belief of the Japanese?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Shinto and the Buddhist. There are various Christian missions in Japan, principally in Tokio and Yokohama." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Shinto belief?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A system of nature and hero worship. Its gods number fourteen thousand, and are propitiated by offerings of food and by music and dancing." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is peculiar about the Japanese written language?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "There are two distinct alphabets and kinds of writing in use; the system of Chinese hieroglyphic symbols which dates from the 3rd century, and a phonetic alphabet of forty-s...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the literature of Japan?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is abundant and various, and includes works on history and science, encyclopaedias, poetry, prose, fiction, and translations of European works." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the capital of Assyria?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Nineveh." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the chief city of the Empire?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Babylon." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "When did the Chaldeans become masters of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They captured Nineveh in 606 B. C., and Babylon, after the ruin of its rival, again became the capital of the East." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who were the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were the highest caste in Babylonia." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What were their national powers?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They decided politics, commande...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the education of the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were highly educated. Astronomical calculations taken by them as far back as 2000 B. C. were found to be correct. They were also astrologists, they interpreted dreams and...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the location of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On the River Euphrates, 300 miles from its junction with the Tigris." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the modern name?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Th...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the Median Wall?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A great wall, built of brick, on the northern boundary of the Empire from the Euphrates to the Tigris." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the Canals?" }, { "role"...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the most important building of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Palace of Nebuchadnezzar." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When was it built?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Six hundred years B. C." }, ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great structure was considered a wonder of the world?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Hanging Gardens." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why were they built?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "For the gratification of the ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the last King of Babylon?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Belshazzar." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How was Belshazzar's reign brought to a close?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "By the invasion of Cyrus and the dest...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the writing of the Chaldeans?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Wedge-shaped characters." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What are they called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cuneiform letters, from Cuneus a wedge." }...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the Chaldean account of the Creation and the Deluge?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They are like the narrative in Genesis, though written hundreds of years before Moses was born." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How did the early Chaldeans bury their dead?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In large clay jars or in dish-covered tombs." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is told of some of the industries of Babylonia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Their carpets were celebrated throughout the ancient world, and the elaborate designs of their embroideries served as models for the earliest Grecian urns." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where is Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "In south-western Asia, south of the Caspian Sea." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the native name of Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Iran." }, { "role": "...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Capital and largest city?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Teheran." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the Biblical name for Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Elam." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded the Persian Empire, and when?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cyrus the Great, in the sixth century B. C." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was its extent?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It reached from the Æge...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was the son and successor of Darius?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Xerxes." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What great invasion did Xerxes attempt?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "To conquer Greece." }, { "role": ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great change took place in the year 146 B. C.?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The empire became a Grecian province." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who produced this change?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Alexander the ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the present government of Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is an Absolute Monarchy." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What is the title of the ruler?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "King, or Shah." }, { ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the characteristics of the Persians?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Originally they were a hardy race, of simple manners and great courage in war. In later days, they grew to be luxurious and effeminate." }, { "role": "user", "content":...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What wonderful ruins are in Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Persepolis, the magnificent capital of the ancient empire, consisting now of fragments of the palaces of Xerxes, Cyrus, and Darius and the royal tombs." }, { "role": "user", "cont...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of the power of the national customs of ancient Persia?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The King was bound by them as closely as his subjects; his command, once given, could not be revoked even by himself, hence arose the phrase, \"Unchangeable a...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where was ancient Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "A part of Syria, lying between the desert on the east and the Mediterranean Sea." }, { "role": "user", "content": "By what other names is it known?" }, { "role": "assistant", ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How many divisions in Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Four." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What are they?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Galilee, Samaria, Judea, and the elevated district east of the Jordan." },...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the Capital of Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Jerusalem." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Who made it the Capital?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "King David." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Why was it called Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is derived from the Hebrew word Philistia." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the principal river?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Jordan." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was Palestine called in ancient times?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Land of Canaan." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What do we know of the early history of the Hebrews?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Abram, founder of the Hebrews, came from Chaldea about 2000 B. C.; they lived like the Arabs of to-day, in tents with their flocks and herds. Later generations were invited t...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who accomplished the conquest of Palestine?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Joshua, the successor to Moses, destroyed thirty-one cities of Canaan in six years of hard fighting, and allotted the country to the twelve tribes of Israel." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who was Saul?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The first king of Israel, chosen of God through the prophet Samuel." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the character of David's reign?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "He enlarged the boundaries of Palestine, fixed the capital at Jerusalem, organized an army, and enforced the worship of Jehovah as the national religion." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What occurred after Solomon's death?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The empire was rent into the petty kingdoms, Israel and Judah, the former containing ten tribes, the latter two." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the fate of the kingdo...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What happened to the kingdom of Judah ?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It retained the national religion, and existed for nearly four hundred years. Then Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and sent the king and many of the inhabitants in chains to Babylon." ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the Crusades, and when did they occur?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were pilgrimages made to Palestine during the Middle Ages by the people of Europe for the purpose of rescuing Jerusalem from Mohammedan power." }, { "role": "user", ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who rules Palestine at present?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It is subject to the Turks." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "How has the Jewish nation influenced the world?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Its sacred books constitute the Bible, and its religion has molded the faith of the most civilized nations." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What great interest has the Hebrew commonwealth for us?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It was the first republic of which we have definite knowledge." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the character of the Mosaic laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They were mild and far beyond the spirit of the age." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How did that affect the Greeks?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "It...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the origin of the Greeks?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They belong to the Aryan family, and are in close relation to the people of Central Asia." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who were the primitive inhabitants of Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Pelasgians, a simple agricultural people." }, { "role": "user", "content": "11. Who conquered the country?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Hel...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the principal cities of Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When were these cities founded?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "About 1500 B. C." ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was the earliest period of Grecian history called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Heroic Age." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is the first clearly defined event of Grecian history?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dorian Migration." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was it?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Dorians, a hardy race from the ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What were the two great centers of Hellenic life?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Sparta, the capital of the Dorians, and Athens, the capital of the Ionians." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What change was there in the names of these races?" }...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who is said to have introduced the Alphabet into Greece?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Cadmus, who brought it from Phoenicia." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Why is the Second Age called Homeric?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Because Homer immortalized this Period by his poetry." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When did Homer live?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Sometime between ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Did the Greeks have any central government?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "They did not, but necessity caused them to form treaties." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What united all Greece in a sacred bond?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Four Great National Games." }, { "role": "user", "content": "39. How long did these Games last at a time?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "For many days...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded the Olympic Games?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Tradition says, Hercules." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is meant by the 'Olympiad?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "As this festival occurred so regularly, it was used as a measure of time, the year 776 B. C. to 772 B. C. being the First Olympiad." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What was the next...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What was a special feature of the Pythian Festival?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The contests of poetry, music, and oratory." }, { "role": "user", "content": "When was it held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The third year o...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Whose honor was celebrated by the Nemean Games?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "The Greek God Zeus." }, { "role": "user", "content": "How often were they held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Every two years, near Cleonae." } ...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Where were the Isthmian Games held?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "On the Isthmus of Corinth, near the Temple of Poseidon, the Sea God." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of the Spartans at this time?" }, { "role": "assist...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What may be said of Athens, the rival of Sparta?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Athens also increased in power and influence." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who gave a code of laws to Athens?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Draco." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What is said of Draco's laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "That they were written in blood." }, { "role": "user", "content": "Why were they thus spoken of?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Because of their severity, the smalle...

[ { "role": "user", "content": "What did Draco say in defense of his laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "\"The smallest crime deserves death, and I can find no heavier penalty for the greatest.\"" } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who canceled Draco's severe laws?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Solon, who ruled at Athens from 594 to 560 B. C." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "When was the 'Age of Tyranny' and why so called?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "From 650 to 500 B. C.; because many of the cities were governed by despots." } ]

[ { "role": "user", "content": "Who founded a Public Library at Athens?" }, { "role": "assistant", "content": "Pisistratus, who ruled from 560 to 527 B. C." }, { "role": "user", "content": "What institution was devised at this time to prevent future tyranny?" }, { "role": "assi...