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Adiabene Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Ancient Kingdom of Adiabene: History, Culture, and Religion

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The Ancient Kingdom of Adiabene: History, Culture, and Religion Study Guide

Geographical Context and Early Political Formation

Adiabene was an ancient monarchy located in southern Mesopotamia, primarily corresponding to the southeastern part of ancient Assyria.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene was located in northern Mesopotamia, corresponding to the northwestern part of ancient Assyria, not the southern or southeastern part.

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The kingdom of Adiabene existed for approximately five centuries, from the mid-2nd century BCE to the late 4th century CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adiabene existed as a kingdom from approximately 164 BCE to around 379 CE, which spans roughly five centuries.

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The capital city of Adiabene was Nineveh, which was later renamed Hazzah by Arabs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The capital city of Adiabene was Arbela, also known as Arba-ilu, which was later referred to as Hazzah by Arabs. Nineveh was a city within Adiabene's greater extent, but not its capital.

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At its greatest extent around 37 CE, Adiabene's eastern borders reached the Zagros Mountains and included the district of Nisibis.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the reign of Izates II around 37 CE, Adiabene's territory included Nineveh, extended to the Zagros Mountains, and by the late 1st century CE, encompassed Nisibis.

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The historical territory of Adiabene is exclusively located within modern-day Iraq.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical territory of Adiabene is today part of both modern-day Iraq and Turkey.

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Coinage evidence suggests Adiabene was established as a kingdom around 164 BCE, following the disintegration of Greek Seleucid rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical evidence, particularly coinage, indicates that Adiabene was established as a kingdom around 164 BCE, coinciding with the decline of Seleucid power in the Near East.

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Adiabene's initial territory was defined by its location between the Upper Zab and Lower Zab Rivers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adiabene initially encompassed the area located between the Upper Zab (Lycus) and Lower Zab (Caprus) Rivers.

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Ammianus Marcellinus claimed that only Arbela and Nineveh belonged to Adiabene.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ammianus Marcellinus stated that Nineveh, Ecbatana, and Gaugamela also belonged to Adiabene, not just Arbela and Nineveh.

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Adiabene was a district in Mesopotamia that remained inhabited by Assyrians after the fall of Nineveh and was part of Asoristan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adiabene was indeed a Mesopotamian district that continued to be inhabited by Assyrians after Nineveh's fall and formed an integral part of Asoristan (Achaemenid and Sasanian Assyria).

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Which of the following best describes the geographical location of Adiabene?

Answer: Northern Mesopotamia, corresponding to northwestern ancient Assyria

Explanation: Adiabene was an ancient monarchy located in northern Mesopotamia, specifically corresponding to the northwestern part of ancient Assyria.

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What was the approximate historical period during which Adiabene existed as a kingdom?

Answer: From 164 BC to 379 AD

Explanation: Adiabene existed as a kingdom from approximately 164 BCE to around 379 CE, spanning several centuries of antiquity.

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What was the capital city of Adiabene?

Answer: Arbela

Explanation: The capital city of Adiabene was Arbela, also known as Arba-ilu, and later referred to as Hazzah by Arabs.

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During the reign of Izates II around 37 CE, Adiabene's greatest extent included which significant territory?

Answer: The district of Nisibis

Explanation: During the reign of Izates II around 37 CE, Adiabene's greatest extent included the district of Nisibis, granted as a reward for his aid to the Parthian king.

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What event is believed to have contributed to the establishment of Adiabene as a kingdom around 164 BCE?

Answer: The disintegration of Greek Seleucid rule in the Near East

Explanation: Coinage evidence suggests Adiabene was established as a kingdom around 164 BCE, following the disintegration of Greek Seleucid rule in the Near East.

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What geographical features initially defined Adiabene's territory?

Answer: The Upper Zab (Lycus) and Lower Zab (Caprus) Rivers

Explanation: Adiabene initially encompassed the area located between the Upper Zab (Lycus) and the Lower Zab (Caprus) Rivers.

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According to Ammianus Marcellinus, which three cities belonged to Adiabene?

Answer: Nineveh, Ecbatana, and Gaugamela

Explanation: Ammianus Marcellinus explicitly stated that Nineveh, Ecbatana, and Gaugamela were cities belonging to Adiabene.

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What was Adiabene's status as part of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and Asoristan?

Answer: It was a district that remained inhabited by Assyrians and was an integral part of Asoristan.

Explanation: Adiabene was a district in Mesopotamia that continued to be inhabited by Assyrians after the fall of Nineveh and was an integral part of Asoristan, encompassing Achaemenid and Sasanian Assyria.

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Dynastic History and Imperial Relations (Parthian Era)

Adiabene primarily functioned as an independent kingdom throughout its history, only briefly becoming a vassal state.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene primarily existed as a vassal state of both the Parthian and Sasanian Empires for most of its history.

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The first recorded Adiabenian ruler was Izates I, who participated in the Battle of Tigranocerta.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first recorded Adiabenian ruler, though unnamed, participated in the Battle of Tigranocerta. Izates I was a later king, around 15 CE.

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Adiabene was conquered by the Parthian king Mithridates II between 145 and 141 BCE.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene was conquered by the Parthian king Mithridates I between 145 and 141 BCE. Mithridates II's reign saw Adiabene become an integral part of the Parthian realm, but he was not the initial conqueror.

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Adiabene became an integral part of the Parthian realm by the reign of Mithridates II.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the reign of Mithridates II (124-91 BCE), Adiabene had become an integral part of the Parthian realm, signifying a period of sustained Parthian control.

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Adiabene reached its zenith under Monobaz I, who was granted Nisibis for his aid to the Parthian king.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene reached its zenith under Izates II, who was granted Nisibis for his aid to the Parthian king Artabanus II. Monobaz I was an earlier ruler.

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Ernst Herzfeld's initial theory of a Sakan origin for Adiabene's royal house was confirmed by later linguistic studies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ernst Herzfeld's initial theory of a Sakan origin was *revised* by later Iranian linguistic studies, which showed the names were common West Middle Iranian names, not confirming the Sakan origin.

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Under the Achaemenid Persian kings, Adiabene was an independent state, never a vassal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Under the Achaemenid Persian kings, Adiabene appears to have been a vassal state, with its throne sometimes held by an Achaemenid royal family member.

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Artaxerxes III held the title 'King of Hadyab' before ascending to the Persian throne.

Answer: True

Explanation: Artaxerxes III, who later became king of Persia, held the title 'King of Hadyab' prior to his ascension, indicating a direct link to Adiabene.

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The Ten Thousand, an army of Greek mercenaries, retreated through Adiabene after the Battle of Cunaxa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical account confirms that the Ten Thousand, a Greek mercenary army, traversed Adiabene during their retreat to the Black Sea following the Battle of Cunaxa.

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During the Hellenistic period, Adiabene was a vassal to the Roman and Egyptian empires.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Hellenistic period, Adiabene was nominally a vassal to the Macedonian, Seleucid, and later the Armenian empires, not the Roman and Egyptian empires.

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Adiabene primarily existed as a vassal state of which two major empires throughout its history?

Answer: Parthian and Sasanian Empires

Explanation: Adiabene primarily existed as a vassal state of the Parthian Empire from approximately 145 BCE to 224 CE, and subsequently of the Sasanian Empire from 224 CE to 379 CE.

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Who was the first recorded Adiabenian ruler mentioned in historical accounts, and what notable event was he involved in?

Answer: An unnamed ruler, who participated in the Battle of Tigranocerta

Explanation: The first recorded Adiabenian ruler, though unnamed, participated in the Battle of Tigranocerta in 69 BCE as an ally of the Armenian king Tigranes the Great.

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Which Parthian king first conquered Adiabene?

Answer: Mithridates I

Explanation: Adiabene was conquered by the Parthian king Mithridates I sometime between approximately 145 and 141 BCE.

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Under which ruler did Adiabene reach its zenith, and what significant territory was gained during his reign?

Answer: Izates II, gaining Nisibis

Explanation: Adiabene reached its zenith under Izates II, who was granted the district of Nisibis as a reward for his assistance to the Parthian king Artabanus II.

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What was the revised theory regarding the origin of Adiabene's royal house, after initial suggestions of a Sakan origin?

Answer: Their names were common West Middle Iranian names.

Explanation: While Ernst Herzfeld initially suggested a Sakan origin, later Iranian linguistic studies revised this theory, indicating that the names of Adiabene's royal house were common West Middle Iranian names.

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What was Adiabene's relationship with the Achaemenid Persian Empire?

Answer: It was a vassal state, with its throne sometimes held by an Achaemenid.

Explanation: Under the Achaemenid Persian kings, Adiabene functioned as a vassal state, and at times, a member of the Achaemenid royal house even held its throne.

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Which Achaemenid king held the title 'King of Hadyab' before ascending to the Persian throne?

Answer: Artaxerxes III

Explanation: Artaxerxes III, who later became king of Persia, held the title 'King of Hadyab' prior to his ascension, indicating a direct link to Adiabene.

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What historical event involved Greek mercenaries retreating through Adiabene during the Achaemenid period?

Answer: The March of the Ten Thousand after the Battle of Cunaxa

Explanation: The Ten Thousand, an army of Greek mercenaries, famously retreated through Adiabene on their march to the Black Sea after the Battle of Cunaxa.

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To which empires was Adiabene nominally a vassal during the Hellenistic period?

Answer: Macedonian, Seleucid, and Armenian

Explanation: During the Hellenistic period, Adiabene was nominally a vassal to the Macedonian, Seleucid, and later the Armenian empires, specifically under Tigranes the Great.

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Religious Transformations and Jewish Royalty

Josephus's 'Antiquities of the Jews' suggests a significant Jewish population in Adiabene.

Answer: True

Explanation: Josephus's historical work provides evidence for a substantial Jewish population within the kingdom of Adiabene.

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The story of Mahanuš, a Christian convert from Zoroastrianism, illustrates the religious conflicts in Adiabene.

Answer: True

Explanation: The martyrdom of Mahanuš, an Iranian Zoroastrian who converted to Christianity, exemplifies the complex religious and cultural interactions and potential conflicts in Adiabene.

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The primary religions in Adiabene included Buddhism, Hinduism, and ancient Egyptian polytheism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary religions in Adiabene included Ashurism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Manichaeism, not Buddhism, Hinduism, or ancient Egyptian polytheism.

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Adiabenian rulers converted to Judaism from paganism in the 1st century CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adiabenian rulers, including Queen Helena and her son Monobaz II, converted to Judaism from paganism in the 1st century CE.

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Queen Helena of Adiabene, known as Heleni HaMalka, was a significant figure in Jewish history who converted to Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Queen Helena of Adiabene was a significant figure in Jewish history who converted to Judaism, not Christianity.

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Queen Helena built palaces for her family in the southern part of the City of David, north of the Temple Mount.

Answer: False

Explanation: Queen Helena built palaces in the northern part of the City of David, south of the Temple Mount.

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The Talmud records that Queen Helena and her son Monobaz donated large funds for the Temple of Jerusalem.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Talmud explicitly records that both Queen Helena and her son Monobaz made substantial donations to the Temple of Jerusalem.

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Queen Helena's sarcophagus, discovered in 1863, bears inscriptions referring to her royal title and wealth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inscriptions on Queen Helena's sarcophagus, 'tzaddan malka' and 'tzadda malkata,' are believed to refer to the provisions (tzeda) she supplied to Jerusalem's poor and the Jewish kingdom, not explicitly her royal title and wealth.

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One tradition states Queen Helena converted to Judaism under the influence of a Jewish jewelry merchant named Hananiah.

Answer: True

Explanation: One tradition suggests Queen Helena met a Jewish jewelry merchant named Hananiah (Ananias) or Eliezer in Adiabene, who persuaded her to convert to Judaism.

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All historical traces of Jewish royalty in Adiabene ceased around 115 CE, but their stories significantly impacted rabbinic literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records of Jewish royalty in Adiabene conclude around 115 CE, yet the narratives surrounding Queen Helena and her family left a profound mark on rabbinic literature and the Talmud.

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The people of Adiabene, despite being nominally Zoroastrian, were intolerant toward Judaism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The people of Adiabene, although nominally Zoroastrian, generally demonstrated tolerance toward Judaism and permitted the establishment of Jewish communities.

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Christianity rapidly spread among Zoroastrians and former Jews in Adiabene in the late second century CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the late second century CE, Christianity saw rapid expansion among Zoroastrians and those who had formerly professed Judaism in Adiabene.

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The Jews of Adiabene were known for their strong support of Roman expansion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Jews of Adiabene, along with those from Edessa and Nisibis, were among the most vigorous opponents of Trajan, actively resisting Roman expansion.

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What evidence suggests a substantial Jewish population in the kingdom of Adiabene?

Answer: Josephus' work, 'Antiquities of the Jews'

Explanation: Josephus's 'Antiquities of the Jews' provides historical evidence for a substantial Jewish population within the kingdom of Adiabene.

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The story of Mahanuš, an Iranian Zoroastrian who converted to Christianity, illustrates what aspect of Adiabene?

Answer: The difficult mixing of cultures and religions

Explanation: The martyrdom of Mahanuš, an Iranian Zoroastrian convert to Christianity, exemplifies the complex interplay and potential conflicts arising from the mixing of cultures and religions in Adiabene.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a primary religion practiced in Adiabene?

Answer: Buddhism

Explanation: The primary religions practiced in Adiabene included Ashurism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Manichaeism. Buddhism was not listed.

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When did Adiabenian rulers convert to Judaism from paganism?

Answer: 1st century CE

Explanation: Adiabenian rulers converted to Judaism from paganism in the 1st century CE.

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Who was Queen Helena of Adiabene, and what was her significance in Jewish history?

Answer: A queen who converted to Judaism and aided the Jewish community in Jerusalem

Explanation: Queen Helena of Adiabene was a significant figure in Jewish history, known for her conversion to Judaism and her substantial aid to the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

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What did Queen Helena do after moving to Jerusalem?

Answer: She built palaces in the northern City of David and provided aid to the Jews.

Explanation: After moving to Jerusalem, Queen Helena built palaces for her family in the northern part of the City of David and provided aid to the Jewish population during their conflict with Rome.

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What did the Talmud record about Queen Helena and her son Monobaz's contributions?

Answer: Their donations of large funds for the Temple of Jerusalem.

Explanation: The Talmud records that both Queen Helena and her son Monobaz made significant donations of funds to the Temple of Jerusalem.

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What do the inscriptions 'tzaddan malka' and 'tzadda malkata' on Queen Helena's sarcophagus refer to?

Answer: The provisions (tzeda) she supplied to Jerusalem's poor and the Jewish kingdom.

Explanation: The inscriptions 'tzaddan malka' and 'tzadda malkata' on Queen Helena's sarcophagus are interpreted as referring to the charitable provisions (tzeda) she provided to the poor of Jerusalem and the Jewish kingdom.

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One tradition states Queen Helena converted to Judaism under the influence of which individual?

Answer: A Jewish jewelry merchant named Hananiah (Ananias) or Eliezer

Explanation: One tradition, as recounted by Josephus, suggests Queen Helena was persuaded to convert to Judaism by a Jewish jewelry merchant named Hananiah (Ananias) or Eliezer.

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Despite the cessation of Jewish royalty in Adiabene around 115 CE, what was the lasting impact of their stories?

Answer: They had a huge impact on rabbinic literature and the Talmud.

Explanation: Although Jewish royalty in Adiabene ceased around 115 CE, the narratives of Queen Helena and her family profoundly influenced rabbinic literature and the Talmud, ensuring their enduring legacy.

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How did the people of Adiabene, despite being nominally Zoroastrian, generally treat Judaism?

Answer: They were tolerant toward Judaism and permitted Jewish communities.

Explanation: Despite a nominal adherence to Zoroastrianism, the people of Adiabene generally exhibited tolerance toward Judaism, allowing for the establishment and presence of Jewish communities within their territory.

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How did the Jews of Adiabene contribute to resistance against Roman expansion?

Answer: They were among the most vigorous opponents of Trajan.

Explanation: The Jews of Adiabene, alongside those from Edessa and Nisibis, were noted as particularly vigorous opponents of Trajan, actively resisting Roman expansion in the region.

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Cultural Identity and Linguistic Landscape

Adiabene was known in Ancient Greek as Ḥaḏy’aḇ and in Hebrew as Ἀδιαβηνή.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene was known in Ancient Greek as Ἀδιαβηνή and in Hebrew as Ḥaḏyāḇ. The question reverses these.

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The population of Adiabene was predominantly Assyrian with a small minority of Greeks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene had a mixed population, including Assyrians, Arabs, Arameans, Greeks, and Iranians, not a predominant Assyrian population with only a small Greek minority.

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Classical Syriac was the predominant language spoken in Adiabene.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adiabene was a major Syriac-language speaking kingdom, indicating Classical Syriac was the primary language of its inhabitants.

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Pliny the Elder identified the Orontes, Alani, Azones, and Silices as the four tribes inhabiting Adiabene.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pliny the Elder explicitly named the Orontes, Alani, Azones, and Silices as the four tribes residing in the region of Adiabene.

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During the early Christian period, the people in the heartland of Assyria had a Persian self-identification, according to Crone and Cook.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Crone and Cook, the people in the heartland of Assyria during the early Christian period had an Assyrian self-identification, not Persian or Greek.

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Sasanian culture led to the integration of Adiabene's elites with Zoroastrian values and the decline of many local Semitic cults.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sasanian cultural influence led to the integration of Adiabene's elites with Zoroastrian social life and the presumed decline of many local Semitic cults due to state-supported Zoroastrianism.

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Which of the following was NOT a name by which Adiabene was known in ancient languages?

Answer: Mesopotamia (Greek)

Explanation: Adiabene was known by several specific names in different ancient languages, including Nōdšīragān, Nor Shirakan, and Ḥaḏyć. Mesopotamia is a broader geographical term, not a specific name for Adiabene itself.

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Which of the following groups was NOT part of Adiabene's mixed population?

Answer: Egyptians

Explanation: Adiabene's population included Assyrians, Arabs, Arameans, Greeks, and Iranians, but Egyptians are not listed as a component group.

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What was the predominant language spoken in Adiabene?

Answer: Classical Syriac

Explanation: Adiabene was a major Syriac-language speaking kingdom, indicating Classical Syriac as its predominant language.

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According to Pliny the Elder, which four tribes inhabited the region of Adiabene?

Answer: Orontes, Alani, Azones, Silices

Explanation: Pliny the Elder specifically identified the Orontes, Alani, Azones, and Silices as the four tribes inhabiting the region of Adiabene.

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According to Patricia Crone and Michael Cook, what was the self-identification of the people in the heartland of Assyria during the early Christian period?

Answer: Assyrian

Explanation: Patricia Crone and Michael Cook assert that during the early Christian period, the people in the heartland of Assyria maintained an Assyrian self-identification.

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How did Sasanian culture influence Adiabene's elites and local cults?

Answer: Elites integrated with Zoroastrian social life, and many Semitic cults succumbed to state-supported Zoroastrianism.

Explanation: Sasanian culture led to the integration of Adiabene's elites with Zoroastrian social life and the presumed decline of many local Semitic cults under the influence of state-supported Zoroastrianism.

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Roman and Sasanian Engagements

The name 'Nod-Ardaxshiragan' was used for Adiabene during the Sasanian period.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Sasanian period, the region of Adiabene was known as Nod-Ardadkhshiragan or Nod-Ardashiragan.

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When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, Adiabenian Christians were favored by the Sasanians.

Answer: False

Explanation: When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, Adiabenian Christians were viewed as potentially disaffected by the zealously Zoroastrian Sasanians, exacerbating their position rather than favoring them.

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Meharaspes was the last king of independent Adiabene and an ally of the Roman emperor Trajan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Meharaspes was indeed the last king of independent Adiabene, but he was the chief *opponent* of the Roman emperor Trajan, not an ally.

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Trajan invaded Adiabene in 115 CE, and it was made a Roman province under Emperor Hadrian in 117 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Trajan's invasion of Adiabene in 115 CE directly led to its incorporation as part of the Roman province of Assyria under Emperor Hadrian in 117 CE.

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Septimius Severus attacked Adiabene with three Roman army divisions in 196 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 196 CE, Septimius Severus's Roman army, specifically three divisions, launched an attack on Adiabene as part of his Mesopotamian campaign.

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Caracalla captured Arbela in 216 CE and destroyed many royal tombs while searching for Arsacid kings' burial sites.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dio Cassius records that Caracalla captured Arbela in 216 CE and, in his search for Arsacid royal burial sites, caused the destruction of numerous ancient royal tombs.

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Adiabene's feudatory dynasties readily accepted the Sasanian overthrow of the Parthians in 224 CE.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene's feudatory dynasties remained loyal to the overthrown Parthians and actively resisted the Sasanian advance following the Sasanian overthrow in 224 CE.

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The Sasanians considered Adiabene an integral part of Iran due to its strategic location.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite controlling the region, the Sasanians never considered Adiabene an integral part of Iran, primarily due to the continued loyalty of its dynasties to the Parthians and significant religious differences.

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During the fourth century, Adiabene's predominantly Christian inhabitants sided with Christian Rome, creating tension with the Sasanians.

Answer: True

Explanation: As the Roman Empire became Christian, the Christian population of Adiabene aligned with Rome, leading to increased tensions with the Zoroastrian Sasanian rulers who viewed them with suspicion.

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The royal house of Adiabene is suggested to have established the later Amatuni dynasty after fleeing Trajan's invasion.

Answer: True

Explanation: It has been suggested that after Trajan's invasion, the royal family of Adiabene fled and subsequently founded the Amatuni dynasty, which then ruled a region between Lake Urmia and Lake Van.

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What was the consequence for Adiabenian Christians when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire?

Answer: Their position was exacerbated, as Sasanians viewed them as potentially disaffected.

Explanation: When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, Adiabenian Christians faced an exacerbated position, as the zealously Zoroastrian Sasanians viewed them with suspicion and as potentially disloyal.

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Who was Meharaspes, and what was his role in the Roman invasion of Mesopotamia?

Answer: The last king of independent Adiabene and chief opponent of Trajan

Explanation: Meharaspes was the last king of independent Adiabene and served as the primary opponent of the Roman emperor Trajan during the Roman invasion of Mesopotamia in 115 CE.

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When did Trajan invade Adiabene, and what was the immediate consequence?

Answer: 115 CE, making it part of the Roman province of Assyria

Explanation: Trajan invaded Adiabene in 115 CE, and as a direct consequence, it was incorporated into the Roman province of Assyria under Emperor Hadrian in 117 CE.

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According to Dio Cassius, what did Caracalla do in Arbela in 216 CE?

Answer: He captured the city and destroyed many ancient royal tombs while searching for Arsacid kings.

Explanation: Dio Cassius reports that Caracalla captured Arbela in 216 CE and, in his quest for Arsacid royal burial sites, caused the destruction of numerous ancient royal tombs.

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How did Adiabene's feudatory dynasties react to the Sasanian overthrow of the Parthians in 224 CE?

Answer: They remained loyal to the Parthians and resisted the Sasanian advance.

Explanation: Following the Sasanian overthrow of the Parthians in 224 CE, Adiabene's feudatory dynasties maintained their loyalty to the Parthians and actively resisted the Sasanian advance into their territory.

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Why was Adiabene not considered an integral part of Iran by the Sasanians, despite their control?

Answer: The continued loyalty of its dynasties to the overthrown Parthians and significant religious differences.

Explanation: Adiabene was not considered an integral part of Iran by the Sasanians due to the persistent loyalty of its dynasties to the overthrown Parthians and notable religious distinctions, despite centuries of Sasanian control.

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What was the Sasanian period name for the region of Adiabene?

Answer: Nod-Ardadkhshiragan

Explanation: During the Sasanian period, the region of Adiabene was officially known as Nod-Ardadkhshiragan or Nod-Ardashiragan.

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What was the suggested fate of Adiabene's royal house after Trajan's invasion?

Answer: They established the later Amatuni dynasty.

Explanation: It has been suggested that after fleeing Trajan's invasion, the royal house of Adiabene established the later Amatuni dynasty, which subsequently ruled the area between Lake Urmia and Lake Van.

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Late Antiquity and Ecclesiastical Developments

Adiabene remained a province of the Sasanian Empire until the Mongol invasions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Adiabene remained a province of the Sasanian Empire until the Muslim conquest of Persia, not the later Mongol invasions.

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Between the 5th and 14th centuries, Adiabene was a metropolitan province of the Assyrian Church of the East.

Answer: True

Explanation: From the 5th to the 14th centuries, Adiabene held significant ecclesiastical status as a metropolitan province within the Assyrian Church of the East.

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The 'Chronicle of Erbil' is a universally accepted and reliable historical account of early Christianity in Adiabene.

Answer: False

Explanation: The authenticity of the 'Chronicle of Erbil' is questioned by scholars, and its reliability, particularly regarding early bishops, is debated.

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Pkidha is listed as an early bishop of Erbil, serving from 104 to 114 CE, according to the 'Chronicle of Erbil'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Chronicle of Erbil' indeed lists Pkidha as an early bishop of Erbil, with a tenure from 104 to 114 CE, though the chronicle's overall historicity is debated.

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Huana is listed as the first bishop of Erbil in the 'Chronicle of Erbil'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Huana is listed as one of the *later* bishops of Erbil, serving from 511 CE onwards, not the first.

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Until what major historical event did Adiabene remain a province of the Sasanian Empire?

Answer: The Muslim conquest of Persia

Explanation: Adiabene remained a province under the Sasanian Empire until the Muslim conquest of Persia, which fundamentally altered the political landscape of the region.

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What was Adiabene's ecclesiastical status between the 5th and 14th centuries?

Answer: It was a metropolitan province of the Assyrian Church of the East.

Explanation: Between the 5th and 14th centuries, Adiabene held the significant ecclesiastical status of a metropolitan province within the Assyrian Church of the East.

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What is the historical standing of the 'Chronicle of Erbil'?

Answer: Its authenticity is questioned, and scholars are divided on its reliability.

Explanation: The 'Chronicle of Erbil' is a purported historical account whose authenticity and reliability are debated among scholars, particularly concerning its early episcopal listings.

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Who was Pkidha, according to the 'Chronicle of Erbil'?

Answer: An early bishop of Erbil, serving from 104 to 114 CE.

Explanation: According to the 'Chronicle of Erbil,' Pkidha is listed as an early bishop of Erbil, with a tenure from 104 to 114 CE, though the chronicle's overall historicity is debated.

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