Ancient Greece History Knowledge Test
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What effect did the geography of Greece have on its early development?
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Greece had lots of natural resources, so they never traded with other nations
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Being located on the Mediterranean Sea limited cultural diffusion
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75 % of Greece was covered by mountains, which led to independent city-states (called polis)
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Its location limited colonization outside of Greece
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Have you been keeping up with all the history lessons in school? This quiz focuses on the Ancient Greece history. Let's see how much you learned in your class. The test should take you about one hour and you will get the result as soon as you finish the test. All the best
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- 2.
Which form of government involves the state being ruled by a single individual who often inherits his position?
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Monarchy
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Aristocracy
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Direct democracy
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Oligarchy
Correct Answer
A. MonarchyExplanation
Monarchy is a form of government where the state is ruled by a single individual, often referred to as a monarch or king/queen, who usually inherits their position. In this type of government, the power is concentrated in the hands of one person or family, who hold authority over the entire state. The monarch's position is typically hereditary, meaning it is passed down from one generation to the next. Monarchies can be constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, or absolute, where the monarch has unlimited power.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the primary function of the Agora in Ancient Greek city-states?
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It was a residential area for the elite.
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It served as the main marketplace and a place for citizens to gather and discuss civic matters.
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It was used exclusively for religious ceremonies.
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It functioned as a military training ground.
Correct Answer
A. It served as the main marketplace and a place for citizens to gather and discuss civic matters.Explanation
In Ancient Greek city-states, the Agora was the central public space that functioned as a marketplace where people bought and sold goods. Additionally, it was a place where citizens of the city-state could meet to discuss important civic issues, engage in debates, and participate in democratic processes. This made the Agora not just a commercial hub but also a crucial part of the social and political life in Ancient Greece.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following did Sparta and Athens have in common?
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Both favored democracy
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Both were Greek city-states
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Both were dominated by their military
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They fought on the same side in the Peloponnesian Wars
Correct Answer
A. Both were Greek city-statesExplanation
Sparta and Athens both shared the characteristic of being Greek city-states. This means that they were independent political entities with their own governments and territories. Despite their differences in political systems and military focus, both Sparta and Athens were part of the larger Greek civilization and shared a common cultural and historical background.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In a comparison between the Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens, Sparta placed more importance with ___.
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Equality and voting rights
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Education
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Art and culture
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The military
Correct Answer
A. The militaryExplanation
Sparta placed more importance on the military compared to Athens. The city-state of Sparta was known for its highly disciplined and militaristic society. The primary focus of Spartan society was to produce strong and capable warriors. Military training and service were highly valued, and every aspect of Spartan life revolved around preparing for and supporting the military. On the other hand, Athens, while having a strong navy, placed more emphasis on education, art, culture, and democratic governance.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which battle during the Persian Wars is famous for the valiant stand of 300 Spartans against a vastly larger Persian army?
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The Battle of Marathon
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The Battle of Salamis
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The Battle of Thermopylae
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The Battle of Plataea
Correct Answer
A. The Battle of ThermopylaeExplanation
The Battle of Thermopylae, fought in 480 BC, is renowned for the heroic defense by 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, along with a few hundred other Greek allies, against a much larger Persian force led by King Xerxes. This battle epitomizes the courage and determination of the Spartans and is a key event in the Persian Wars, highlighting the fierce resistance mounted by the Greeks against the invading Persian Empire.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which statement describes a direct democracy?
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The government controls the actions of the people
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Citizens participate in government decisions by voting on all laws
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The military leaders create laws
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Religious leaders control the government
Correct Answer
A. Citizens participate in government decisions by voting on all lawsExplanation
A direct democracy is a form of government where citizens have the power to participate in decision-making processes by directly voting on all laws. In this system, the government does not control the actions of the people, and neither do military or religious leaders. Instead, the citizens themselves have the authority to shape and determine the laws that govern them through their active participation in the voting process.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why is Ancient Greece considered important to Western Civilization?
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Greek culture influenced today’s democracy, architecture, and entertainment
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Athens defeated Sparta in the Peloponnesian Wars
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The Greeks borrowed ideas from Rome and improved upon them
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The Greeks invented the world’s first monotheistic religion
Correct Answer
A. Greek culture influenced today’s democracy, architecture, and entertainmentExplanation
Ancient Greece is considered important to Western Civilization because Greek culture influenced today's democracy, architecture, and entertainment. The Greeks are known as the founders of democracy, with their system of government serving as a model for modern democracies. Greek architecture, with its emphasis on harmony, proportion, and balance, has also had a lasting impact on Western architecture. Furthermore, Greek literature, theater, and sports, such as the Olympic Games, continue to inspire and entertain people around the world.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is NOT a Greek achievement?
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Mathematics, such as the formula for pi
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Philosophy, such as the work of Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato
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Medicine, such as the Hippocratic Oath
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Government, such as using Confucius as the basis for the exam system
Correct Answer
A. Government, such as using Confucius as the basis for the exam systemExplanation
The correct answer is Government, such as using Confucius as the basis for the exam system. This is because Confucius was a Chinese philosopher, not Greek. Greek achievements include mathematics (such as the formula for pi), philosophy (such as the work of Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato), and medicine (such as the Hippocratic Oath).Rate this question:
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- 10.
What were two regions conquered by Alexander the Great?
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Egypt and Persia
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Persia and China
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China and Egypt
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Macedonia and Germany
Correct Answer
A. Egypt and PersiaExplanation
Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and Persia during his military campaigns. He defeated the Persian Empire and established his rule over Egypt, expanding his empire across these two regions.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Who conquered all of Greece after the Peloponnesian Wars?
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Alexander the Great
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King Darius of Persia
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King Xerxes of Persia
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King Phillip II of Macedonia
Correct Answer
A. King Phillip II of MacedoniaExplanation
King Phillip II of Macedonia conquered all of Greece after the Peloponnesian Wars. He was the father of Alexander the Great and the ruler of Macedonia from 359 to 336 BC. Phillip II successfully expanded his kingdom's territory and influence through military campaigns and diplomacy. He unified the Greek city-states under his rule and established the League of Corinth, which aimed to maintain peace and stability in Greece. Phillip II's conquests laid the foundation for Alexander the Great's later campaigns and the spread of Hellenistic culture.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Why was the city of Alexandria in Egypt (on the Nile) important?
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It was the center of Hellenistic culture and the center of trade in the Mediterranean area
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As a military power, Alexandria was second only to Sparta
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The Greeks destroyed all of Egyptian culture
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It was the military headquarters for the Macedonian Army
Correct Answer
A. It was the center of Hellenistic culture and the center of trade in the Mediterranean areaExplanation
Alexandria in Egypt was important because it served as the center of Hellenistic culture, which was a blend of Greek and Egyptian influences. It was also a significant trading hub in the Mediterranean region, facilitating economic exchanges and connecting different civilizations. The city's strategic location on the Nile River made it an ideal center for trade and cultural exchange. Additionally, Alexandria was renowned for its famous library, which housed a vast collection of knowledge and attracted scholars from all over the ancient world.Rate this question:
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- 13.
As a young man, Alexander the Great was tutored by this great Greek philosopher and taught to appreciate Greek culture:
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King Phillip II
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Aristotle
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Augustus Caesar
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Pythagorus
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher. Aristotle's teachings had a profound impact on Alexander's education and worldview. Under Aristotle's guidance, Alexander learned to appreciate Greek culture and philosophy, which played a significant role in shaping his later actions and conquests. Aristotle's teachings instilled in Alexander a love for learning, critical thinking, and a desire to spread Greek culture throughout the lands he conquered. This close relationship between Alexander and Aristotle is well-documented in historical accounts, making Aristotle the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Based on this image, Hellenism was the result of ___.
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Military strength
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Combining cultural ideas (cultural diffusion)
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Isolation of Egypt, India, Persia, and Greece
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Urbanization
Correct Answer
A. Combining cultural ideas (cultural diffusion)Explanation
Hellenism refers to the spread of Greek culture and ideas throughout the ancient world, particularly after the conquests of Alexander the Great. The image suggests that Hellenism was the result of combining cultural ideas, which is known as cultural diffusion. This means that as the Greeks came into contact with different cultures and societies, they exchanged and adopted elements of each other's cultures, leading to the spread and influence of Greek ideas, art, and architecture across a vast region.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Based on this image, what is “Hellenism”?
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Separation of cultures to prevent the mixing of ideas
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The study of Greek culture
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The spread and blending of Greek culture with other cultures
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A nation along the Mediterranean Sea
Correct Answer
A. The spread and blending of Greek culture with other culturesExplanation
Hellenism refers to the spread and blending of Greek culture with other cultures. This means that Greek ideas, customs, and beliefs were adopted and incorporated into other societies, resulting in a fusion of Greek and non-Greek elements. This process occurred during the Hellenistic period, which followed the conquests of Alexander the Great and saw the expansion of Greek influence across a vast territory. Hellenism had a significant impact on art, language, philosophy, and other aspects of culture in the regions that came under its influence.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which great leader is most closely associated with the spread of Hellenistic civilization?
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Plato
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Julius Caesar
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Alexander the Great
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King Phillip II of Macedonia
Correct Answer
A. Alexander the GreatExplanation
Alexander the Great is most closely associated with the spread of Hellenistic civilization. As the king of Macedonia, he embarked on a series of military campaigns that resulted in the conquest of a vast empire, stretching from Greece to Egypt and India. During his rule, Alexander encouraged the blending of Greek and Eastern cultures, leading to the spread of Greek language, art, architecture, and philosophy throughout his empire. This period, known as the Hellenistic era, marked a significant expansion and diffusion of Greek culture, and Alexander's conquests played a crucial role in its dissemination.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What happened to Alexander the Great's empire after he died?
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His empire was divided among his top generals.
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His son became ruler
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His wife became ruler
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His Great Uncle became ruler
Correct Answer
A. His empire was divided among his top generals.Explanation
After Alexander the Great's death, his empire was divided among his top generals. This was known as the Diadochi, meaning "successors" in Greek. These generals, including Ptolemy, Seleucus, Antigonus, and Cassander, took control of different regions of the empire and established their own kingdoms. This division led to the fragmentation of Alexander's vast empire and the rise of Hellenistic kingdoms in the Mediterranean and Asia.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which Greek Philosopher taught Alexander the Great?
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Socrates
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Plato
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Aristotle
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Phillip of Macedonia
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
Aristotle is the correct answer because he was a Greek philosopher who served as a tutor to Alexander the Great. He was highly influential in shaping Alexander's intellectual development and taught him a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, ethics, politics, and science. Aristotle's teachings had a profound impact on Alexander's thinking and leadership style, and he later went on to become one of the most famous and influential philosophers in history.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who fought in the Peloponnesian war and who was the winner?
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Sparta vs Athens. Sparta won but Greece was weakened and allowed Phillip of Macedonia to invade.
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Sparta vs Athens. Athens won and spread theater and schools to all Greek city-states.
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Persia vs Rome. Rome won and Greek culture was destroyed.
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Athens vs Rome. Athens won and then defeated the Persians.
Correct Answer
A. Sparta vs Athens. Sparta won but Greece was weakened and allowed Phillip of Macedonia to invade. -
- 20.
What formed the foundations of Western Civilization?
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The use of logic taught by Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
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The use of war machines built in Sparta
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Athenian theater
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The use of ships to trade with many countries
Correct Answer
A. The use of logic taught by Socrates, Plato and AristotleExplanation
The correct answer is the use of logic taught by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This is because these ancient Greek philosophers played a significant role in shaping the foundations of Western Civilization through their emphasis on rational thinking, critical reasoning, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their teachings laid the groundwork for many fields of study, including philosophy, science, and politics, which continue to influence Western thought and society to this day.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Who is known as the Father of Medicine? Doctors today still take his oath.
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Hippocrates
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Socrates
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Alexander The Great
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Pythagoras
Correct Answer
A. HippocratesExplanation
Hippocrates is known as the Father of Medicine because he was a Greek physician who revolutionized the field of medicine in ancient times. He established medicine as a separate discipline from philosophy and superstition, focusing on empirical observation and clinical practice. Hippocrates also developed the Hippocratic Oath, which is still taken by doctors today, emphasizing ethical principles and the importance of patient care. His contributions to medicine laid the foundation for modern medical practices and ethics.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which best describes the government of Sparta?
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Sparta had a direct democracy where citizens and voted on laws.
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Sparta was ruled by an Oligarchy (a small group of mostly military leaders)
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Sparta had a Monarchy and was ruled by a King who claimed divine right.
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Sparta was ruled by an Aristocracy .
Correct Answer
A. Sparta was ruled by an Oligarchy (a small group of mostly military leaders)Explanation
The correct answer is that Sparta was ruled by an Oligarchy (a small group of mostly military leaders). This can be inferred from the information given in the chart, which does not mention a direct democracy, monarchy, or aristocracy as the form of government in Sparta. Instead, it suggests that a small group of military leaders held power in the city-state.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What famous Greek wrote the Illiad and The Oddessy?
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Homer
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Hippocrates
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Alexander the Great
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Phillip II
Correct Answer
A. HomerExplanation
Homer is the correct answer because he is the famous Greek author who wrote both The Iliad and The Odyssey. These epic poems are considered two of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature and have had a significant influence on Western literature and culture. Homer's authorship of these works is widely accepted, although there is some debate among scholars.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Illiad tells the story of the Trojan War. Which best describes why the war was fought?
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The war was over who would have Helen of Troy.
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The war was fought over resources.
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The war was fought over who would have Plato as their teacher.
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The was was fought over who would claim Athens as their capital.
Correct Answer
A. The war was over who would have Helen of Troy.Explanation
The correct answer is "The war was over who would have Helen of Troy." This is because in Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was known as the most beautiful woman in the world. She was married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta, but was abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy. This led to a conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans, resulting in the Trojan War. The Greeks wanted to reclaim Helen and avenge the dishonor brought upon Menelaus, while the Trojans defended Paris and their right to keep Helen.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of these was a temple built on a hill in almost every Greek city-state?
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Acropolis
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Marketplace
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Polis
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Parthenon
Correct Answer
A. AcropolisExplanation
The Acropolis was a temple built on a hill in almost every Greek city-state. It was a significant religious and cultural center, dedicated to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece. The word "Acropolis" translates to "high city" in Greek, emphasizing its elevated location. The most famous example of an Acropolis is the one in Athens, which includes the iconic Parthenon temple. However, many other city-states also had their own Acropolis, showcasing the importance of this architectural and religious feature in ancient Greek society.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of these was the temple in Athens built in honor of Athena?
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Acropolis
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Marketplace
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Polis
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Parthenon
Correct Answer
A. ParthenonExplanation
The Parthenon was the temple in Athens built in honor of Athena. It was a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in history. The temple was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts, who was the patron deity of Athens. The Parthenon was known for its impressive Doric columns, intricate sculptures, and elaborate friezes, making it a testament to the skill and creativity of ancient Greek architects and craftsmen.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Who could vote in ancient Athens?
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Citizens who were Male
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All Citizens (male and female) over 18
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Anyone who lived in the city
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Anyone who paid taxes
Correct Answer
A. Citizens who were MaleExplanation
In ancient Athens, only male citizens were allowed to vote. This was a common practice in many ancient Greek city-states, where women did not have the same rights and privileges as men. The ability to vote was limited to male citizens who were considered to be full members of the political community. Therefore, the correct answer is "Citizens who were Male."Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which describes the body of water that borders Greece and how it impacted it's development?
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Mediterranean Sea - encouraged trade by ship since it was hard to trade over land
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Mediterranean Sea - encouraged trade over land since the sea was so rough
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Atlantic Ocean - encouraged trade with North America
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Atlantic Ocean - encouraged trade over land since they could not cross the Ocean
Correct Answer
A. Mediterranean Sea - encouraged trade by ship since it was hard to trade over landExplanation
The Mediterranean Sea is the correct answer because it encouraged trade by ship. This is because it was difficult to trade over land, so the sea provided a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation for goods and resources.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which best describes the difference in democracy in Ancient Athens and democracy in the United States today? (choose the 2 that apply)
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They were exactly the same
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In Athens, only male citizens could vote. In the US, all citizens over 18 can vote
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In Athens, male citizens voted on all laws. In the US, we elect representatives
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In Athens, they only allowed women to vote to elect representatives. In the US, all citizens vote and all laws.
Correct Answer(s)
A. In Athens, only male citizens could vote. In the US, all citizens over 18 can vote
A. In Athens, male citizens voted on all laws. In the US, we elect representativesExplanation
In Ancient Athens, only male citizens had the right to vote, while in the United States today, all citizens over the age of 18 can vote. Additionally, in Athens, male citizens directly voted on all laws, whereas in the US, representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the citizens.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which best describes agriculture in Ancient Greece?
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Good farmland was hard to find so they had to trade with others, often by sail.
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There were lots of rivers and flat land that made it easy to farm.
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It was hard to farm because they did not have good seeds and technology.
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There were many skilled farmers to farm all the available, easy to farm land.
Correct Answer
A. Good farmland was hard to find so they had to trade with others, often by sail.Explanation
Ancient Greece had limited fertile land due to its mountainous terrain, making it difficult to find good farmland. As a result, the Greeks had to rely on trade with other regions to obtain the necessary agricultural resources. The mention of trading with others, often by sail, indicates the reliance on maritime trade for agricultural goods.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which best describes religion in Ancient Greece?
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Polytheism
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Monotheism
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Non-theism
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Animism
Correct Answer
A. PolytheismExplanation
In Ancient Greece, the religion was characterized by the belief in multiple gods and goddesses, which is known as polytheism. The Greeks worshipped a pantheon of deities, each with their own domain and responsibilities. This belief system involved rituals, sacrifices, and the construction of temples dedicated to these gods. Polytheism was an integral part of Greek culture and influenced various aspects of their society, including art, literature, and politics. The gods were seen as powerful beings who controlled natural phenomena, human fate, and guided mortal affairs.Rate this question:
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.jpg "Which form of government involves the state being ruled by a single individual who often inherits his position?")
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