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BERLIN, Germany At a museum in Berlin, 1913. Oppenheim first put the figures on display in
Germany, visitors can see representations of ancient Berlin in 1930 at a private museum. But a few years
gods and fantastical creatures that date back 3,000 later, World War II broke out. Numerous bombings
years. The creations were part of a palace that was destroyed much of Europe; the museum and its
built by a tribal prince in what is now Tell Halaf, Syria. contents were among the casualties. The 3,000-year-
The relics are enormous and impressive. There are old relics were shattered into thousands of pieces in
basalt statues of giant mythical creatures that once 1943. Oppenheim arranged for the rubble to be
guarded the entrance and stone relief panels that lined salvaged and stored in hopes of one day recreating the
the outer walls. In the early 20th century, after these sculptures. However, it would be decades after
items were dug up, they were treasured as souvenirs Oppenheim's death in 1946 before that dream was
Dictionary
1. casualty (noun) a victim of an accident
2. communism (noun) political system in which all property belongs to the government and profits are shared
by all
3. excavation (noun) removing dirt from a site, often where objects from the past might be found
4. comply (verb) to obey
5. restoration (noun) when something is put back the way it was before
Multiple Choice: Circle the letter of the choice the best completes the statement. (2 points each)
1. Based on information in the article, which of these
must have happened third?
A. Archaeologist Max von Oppenheim excavated
a number of 3,000-year-old statues.
B. The Cold War began a long conflict between 4. Which is the closest synonym for the word relic?
communist and democratic governments. A. Dwelling
C. Archaeologist Max von Oppenheim put a B. Artifact
collection of artwork on display in Berlin. C. Portfolio
D. World War II broke out and numerous D. Slogan
bombings destroyed much of Europe. 5. This article would be most useful as a source for a
2. What is this article mainly about? student research project on __________.
A. Max von Oppenheim was careful to protect his A. The impact of the Cold War on Europe
artwork from damage during wartime. B. Major archaeological restorations
B. Some pieces of the Tell Halaf statues were too C. The causes and effects of World War II
damaged to put back together. D. Significant events in Germany history
C. Works of art dating back 3,000 years were 6. The article states: The 3,000-year-old relics were
rebuilt and are now on display. shattered into thousands of pieces in 1943. Oppenheim
D. A palace with giant statues of creatures was arranged for the rubble to be salvaged and stored in
built 3,000 years ago in what is now Syria. hopes of one day recreating the sculptures.
3. The reader can infer from the article that ________. Which would be the closest synonym for the word
A. Max von Oppenheim wanted the statues to be salvaged?
split up and displayed at modern castles. A. Discarded
B. Max von Oppenheim felt the works of art were B. Engraved
important to reconstruct and preserve. C. Scoured
C. Max von Oppenheim felt that the statues should D. Recovered
be hidden from public view. 7. Which question is not answered by the article?
D. Max von Oppenheim thought it was necessary A. Where were the restored Tell Halaf sculptures
that the works of art go back to Syria. placed on display?
B. How long did it take to recreate the artwork A. Describe the people who lived in Syria 3,000
from thousands of pieces? years ago
C. How did experts figure out how to put the B. Convince the reader that the Tell Halaf artwork
artwork back together? is worth seeing
D. What did Oppenheim do in his lifetime, other
than find the Tell Halaf artwork? C. Share the process that led to the current display
of the Tell Halaf artwork
D. Explain why museums in parts of Germany
8. The author probably wrote this article to _________. were bombed during a war
Opinion Question: Now that you have read the article, indicate in the space below whether you agree or
disagree with this statement. How important was it to put the statues and other items from Tell Halaf back together?
(5 points)
Thought Question: In the space below write a summary of today's article. (5 points)