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Ager Romanus Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Ager Romanus: Evolution of Rome's Territory and its Sacred Boundaries

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The Ager Romanus: Evolution of Rome's Territory and its Sacred Boundaries Study Guide

Conceptual Foundations and Early Roman Territory

The Ager Romanus exclusively referred to the urban core of Rome, not its surrounding rural areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ager Romanus fundamentally referred to the rural geographical area, including plains and hills, immediately surrounding the city of Rome, not just its urban core.

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The Tyrrhenian Sea formed the eastern boundary of the Ager Romanus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tyrrhenian Sea bordered the Ager Romanus to the west, while the Monti Tiburtini range defined its eastern limit.

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The territory of Rome under Romulus was initially extensive and larger than most neighboring Latin cities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, the Rome of Romulus and his immediate successors possessed a very restricted territory, similar in size to neighboring Latin cities.

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Cippi were primarily used as decorative elements in Roman public spaces rather than for territorial demarcation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cippi were boundary stones used to define and limit the legitimate area of influence for cities and to mark the boundaries of private landholdings.

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Tullus Hostilius expanded the Ager Romanus by incorporating the lands of Alba Longa after razing the city.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tradition states that Tullus Hostilius razed Alba Longa around 635 BC and incorporated its former lands into the Ager Romanus, demonstrating early territorial expansion.

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The image referenced in the source material primarily illustrates the architectural development of Rome's urban center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The referenced image depicts the growth of Roman power in Italy, specifically showing Roman territory around 100 BC, rather than urban architectural development.

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The northern limit of the Ager Romanus was defined by the Monti Prenestini range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Monti Prenestini range formed part of the southern boundary of the Ager Romanus; its northern limit was defined by the hills surrounding Lake Bracciano.

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The Ager Romanus, as defined, included only flat plains and explicitly excluded hilly regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ager Romanus referred to the rural geographical area encompassing both plains and hills immediately surrounding the city of Rome.

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The Pontine Marshes formed part of the northern boundary of the Ager Romanus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pontine Marshes formed part of the southern boundary of the Ager Romanus, not the northern.

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The Monti Tiburtini range defined the western limit of the Ager Romanus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Monti Tiburtini range defined the eastern limit of the Ager Romanus; the Tyrrhenian Sea bordered it to the west.

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The Ager Romanus historically and politically represented the direct sphere of influence of Rome's municipal government.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ager Romanus, encompassing the rural area around Rome, historically and politically represented the direct sphere of influence of Rome's municipal government.

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The Alban Hills were part of the northern boundary of the Ager Romanus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alban Hills formed part of the southern boundary of the Ager Romanus, not the northern.

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What is the primary definition of the Ager Romanus?

Answer: The rural geographical area immediately surrounding the city of Rome.

Explanation: The Ager Romanus fundamentally refers to the rural geographical area, encompassing both plains and hills, immediately surrounding the city of Rome, representing its direct municipal influence.

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Which of the following ranges defined the eastern limit of the Ager Romanus?

Answer: The Monti Tiburtini range

Explanation: The Monti Tiburtini range defined the eastern limit of the Ager Romanus, while other listed features marked different boundaries.

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How did the territory of Rome initially compare to neighboring Latin cities during the time of Romulus?

Answer: It was very restricted and similar in size.

Explanation: Initially, the Rome of Romulus and his immediate successors possessed a very restricted territory, comparable in size to neighboring Latin cities.

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What was the primary purpose of 'cippi' in ancient Roman territory management?

Answer: To mark the boundaries of legitimate city influence and private landholdings.

Explanation: Cippi were boundary stones used to define and delineate the legitimate area of influence for cities and to mark the boundaries of private landholdings.

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The image referenced in the source material helps visualize what aspect of Roman history?

Answer: The growth of Roman power in Italy around 100 BC.

Explanation: The referenced image depicts the growth of Roman power in Italy, specifically showing Roman territory around 100 BC, providing a visual representation of its influence.

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Which of the following formed part of the southern boundary of the Ager Romanus?

Answer: The Monti Prenestini range

Explanation: The Monti Prenestini range, along with the Alban Hills and Pontine Marshes, formed part of the southern boundary of the Ager Romanus.

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The Ager Romanus, as defined, encompassed which types of geographical features?

Answer: Both plains and hills.

Explanation: The Ager Romanus referred to the rural geographical area encompassing both plains and hills immediately surrounding the city of Rome.

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Which body of water bordered the Ager Romanus to the west?

Answer: The Tyrrhenian Sea

Explanation: The Tyrrhenian Sea bordered the Ager Romanus to the west, as specified in the geographical description.

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What was the political significance of the Ager Romanus?

Answer: It represented the direct sphere of influence of Rome's municipal government.

Explanation: The Ager Romanus, encompassing the rural area around Rome, historically and politically represented the direct sphere of influence of Rome's municipal government.

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Which of the following was NOT a geographical boundary of the Ager Romanus mentioned in the source?

Answer: The Apennine Mountains

Explanation: The source lists the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monti Prenestini range, and hills surrounding Lake Bracciano as boundaries, but does not mention the Apennine Mountains in this context.

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The incorporation of Alba Longa's lands into the Ager Romanus by Tullus Hostilius demonstrates what about early Roman territory?

Answer: Rome's territory quickly expanded beyond its initial restricted size.

Explanation: The incorporation of Alba Longa's lands by Tullus Hostilius demonstrates that Rome's territory quickly expanded beyond its initial restricted size, contrary to remaining static.

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Republican and Imperial Administrative Boundaries

With the proclamation of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, all territory occupied by Romans in 'Latium vetus' was designated as 'ager publicus'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, all Roman-occupied territory in 'Latium vetus' was indeed declared 'ager publicus,' signifying state-owned land.

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During the Roman Republic, consuls were primarily religious figures with no direct municipal authority over Rome's expanding territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Roman Republic, consuls served as the Roman municipal authorities, managing an expanding city-territory, not merely religious figures.

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Octavian Augustus separated the governance of the city of Rome from the wider Roman Empire by establishing the office of 'praefectus urbi'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Octavian Augustus established the office of 'praefectus urbi' and other administrative positions to formally distinguish the governance of the city of Rome from that of the Roman Empire.

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Augustus's reforms fixed Rome's municipal authority at fifty miles along each consular road converging on the city.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustus's reforms fixed the municipal authority's confines at the 'centesimum lapidem,' meaning one hundred miles along each of the consular roads converging on Rome.

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De iure, after Augustus's reforms, Roman municipal authority extended only to the immediate vicinity of the city, excluding regions like Lazio and Tuscany.

Answer: False

Explanation: De iure, after Augustus's reforms, Roman municipal authority theoretically controlled the entirety of Lazio, a portion of Tuscany, and parts of Abruzzo and Umbria, based on the 'centesimum lapidem' demarcation.

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The 'ager publicus' established during the Roman Republic referred to lands privately owned by the most influential Roman families.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'ager publicus' referred to state lands that could be granted to private citizens, not lands privately owned by influential families.

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The 'centesimum lapidem' demarcation set by Augustus meant Rome's municipal authority extended 100 miles along each consular road.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'centesimum lapidem' fixed the municipal authority's confines at one hundred miles along each of the consular roads converging on Rome.

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The 'ager publicus' could be granted to private citizens, indicating it was not exclusively reserved for state use.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'ager publicus' was state land that could be granted to private citizens, demonstrating it was not exclusively reserved for direct state use.

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The 'praefectus urbi' was an office established by Julius Caesar to manage the city of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: The office of 'praefectus urbi' was established by Octavian Augustus to separate the governance of the city of Rome from the wider Roman Empire.

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What significant change occurred regarding Roman territory with the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC?

Answer: All territory occupied by Romans in 'Latium vetus' was declared 'ager publicus'.

Explanation: With the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, all territory occupied by Romans in 'Latium vetus' was designated as 'ager publicus,' signifying state-owned land.

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What was the role of consuls during the Roman Republic in relation to the Ager Romanus?

Answer: They served as the Roman municipal authorities for an expanding city-territory.

Explanation: During the Roman Republic, consuls functioned as the Roman municipal authorities, overseeing an expanding city-territory.

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How did Octavian Augustus address the administrative challenge of distinguishing Rome's municipal territory from the wider Roman Empire?

Answer: He established the office of 'praefectus urbi' to separate city governance from the Empire.

Explanation: Octavian Augustus established the office of 'praefectus urbi' and other administrative positions to formally separate the governance of the city of Rome from that of the Roman Empire.

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What was the 'centesimum lapidem' demarcation established by Augustus?

Answer: The fixed confines of Rome's municipal authority, extending 100 miles along consular roads.

Explanation: The 'centesimum lapidem' fixed the municipal authority's confines at one hundred miles along each of the consular roads converging on Rome.

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Which regions were theoretically under the Roman municipal authority after Augustus's reforms, based on the 'centesimum lapidem'?

Answer: The entirety of Lazio, a portion of Tuscany, and parts of Abruzzo and Umbria.

Explanation: De iure, after Augustus's reforms, Roman municipal authority theoretically controlled the entirety of Lazio, a portion of Tuscany, and parts of Abruzzo and Umbria, based on the 'centesimum lapidem' demarcation.

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What does the term 'ager publicus' signify in the context of the Roman Republic?

Answer: State lands that could be granted to private citizens.

Explanation: The 'ager publicus' referred to state lands that could be granted to private citizens, not private estates or lands exclusively for military use.

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What does 'de iure' mean in the context of Roman municipal authority after Augustus's reforms?

Answer: By law

Explanation: 'De iure' is a Latin phrase meaning 'by law,' indicating the legal or theoretical extent of Roman municipal authority after Augustus's reforms.

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Medieval and Modern Territorial Evolution

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the 'praefectus urbi' completely lost all authority, with papal power becoming the sole municipal government.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the 'praefectus urbi' continued to be elected and retained some authority, even as papal power increasingly functioned as the municipal government.

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During the Medieval era, the practical extent of the Ager Romanus remained consistently 'ad centesimum lapidem', unaffected by external controls.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Medieval era, while theoretically 'ad centesimum lapidem,' many regions of the Ager Romanus practically fell under Lombard control or were managed by religious authorities.

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Pope Pius VII definitively established the modern boundaries of Rome's municipal territory in the early 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Pius VII definitively established the modern boundaries of Rome's municipal territory through a 'motu proprio' on July 6, 1817.

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The 'bonifica fascista' was a land reclamation effort that led to adjustments in the limits of the Comunità di Roma.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'bonifica fascista' (Fascist land reclamation efforts) led to adjustments in the limits of the Comunità di Roma, particularly with the constitution of the commune of Pomezia.

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The 'domuscultae' system in the Medieval era involved direct municipal control of all Ager Romanus regions by Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Medieval era, 'domuscultae' were systems through which religious authorities or the Pope managed parts of the Ager Romanus, indicating indirect rather than direct municipal control by Rome.

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The modern commune of Fiumicino was established as a separate entity from Rome's communal territory in the 1990s.

Answer: True

Explanation: The commune of Fiumicino was established as a separate entity from Rome's communal territory in the 1990s, following earlier adjustments to Rome's municipal limits.

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The 'patrimonia' system in the Medieval era involved Lombard control over parts of the Ager Romanus.

Answer: False

Explanation: While some regions of the Ager Romanus fell under Lombard control, the 'patrimonia' system was a method by which religious authorities or the Pope managed parts of the territory, not a system of Lombard control.

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The 'motu proprio' by Pope Pius VII in 1817 assigned Rome its current communal territory.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Pius VII's 'motu proprio' on July 6, 1817, definitively established Rome's modern communal territory, including several present-day communes.

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What happened to the office of 'praefectus urbi' after the fall of the Roman Empire?

Answer: It continued to be elected, retaining some authority despite growing papal power.

Explanation: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the 'praefectus urbi' continued to be elected and retained some authority, even as papal power increasingly functioned as the municipal government.

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How did the practical extent of the Ager Romanus change during the Medieval era?

Answer: Many regions fell under Lombard control or were managed by religious authorities.

Explanation: During the Medieval era, while theoretically 'ad centesimum lapidem,' many regions of the Ager Romanus practically fell under Lombard control or were managed by religious authorities through systems like 'patrimonia' and 'domuscultae'.

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Who definitively established the modern boundaries of Rome's municipal territory in 1817?

Answer: Pope Pius VII

Explanation: Pope Pius VII definitively established the modern boundaries of Rome's municipal territory through a 'motu proprio' on July 6, 1817.

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What was the 'bonifica fascista' primarily associated with in relation to the Comunità di Roma's limits?

Answer: Fascist land reclamation efforts that led to communal adjustments.

Explanation: The 'bonifica fascista' refers to Fascist land reclamation efforts that led to adjustments in the limits of the Comunità di Roma, particularly with the constitution of the commune of Pomezia.

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What administrative system was used by religious authorities or the Pope to manage parts of the Ager Romanus during the Medieval era?

Answer: Systems like 'patrimonia' and 'domuscultae'.

Explanation: During the Medieval era, religious authorities or the Pope managed parts of the Ager Romanus through systems such as 'patrimonia' and 'domuscultae'.

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When was Fiumicino established as a separate commune from Rome's communal territory?

Answer: 1990s

Explanation: Fiumicino was established as a separate commune from Rome's communal territory in the 1990s, following earlier adjustments to Rome's municipal limits.

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Which Pope was responsible for the 'motu proprio' that established Rome's modern communal territory?

Answer: Pope Pius VII

Explanation: Pope Pius VII was responsible for the 'motu proprio' on July 6, 1817, which definitively established Rome's modern communal territory.

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Archaeological and Religious Aspects of Roman Borders

The 'ager Romanus antiquus' is a modern term referring to the urban planning of ancient Rome, not its territorial size.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'ager Romanus antiquus' refers to the ancient territory of Rome, with archaeologists attempting to calculate its size, often through the identification of border sanctuaries.

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Border sanctuaries were often associated with deities of commerce and travel, reflecting Rome's economic interests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Border sanctuaries often propitiated deities associated with war and agriculture, reflecting concerns for defense and sustenance, not primarily commerce and travel.

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Scholarly proposals for identifying frontier sanctuaries are widely accepted without significant debate or disagreement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Proposals for identifying specific frontier sanctuaries are contentious, with ongoing debate and disagreement among scholars regarding their exact locations and interpretations.

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Ovid described a sacrifice at a 'sacred grove of ancient mildew' on the road from Nomentum to Rome, which some interpret as a potential border sanctuary.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ovid, in his work 'Fasti,' described a sacrifice at a 'sacred grove of ancient mildew' on the road from Nomentum to Rome, a description interpreted by some as a potential border sanctuary.

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Strabo mentioned 'hieromnēmones' performing a sacrifice at a town called 'Festi' on an older border of Roman territory.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Greek geographer Strabo mentioned 'hieromnēmones' performing a sacrifice at the town of 'Festi,' which was said to be located on an older border of Roman territory.

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Ziółkowski supports the comparison of Strabo's 'Festi' site to the Ambarvalia ritual and its designation as a border sanctuary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ziółkowski explicitly rejects the comparison of Strabo's 'Festi' site to the Ambarvalia ritual and, consequently, opposes its designation as a border sanctuary.

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Temples dedicated to Fors Fortuna at the first and sixth milestones along the Via Portuensis are considered potential border sanctuaries.

Answer: True

Explanation: Temples dedicated to Fors Fortuna at specific milestones along the Via Portuensis are indeed identified as potential border sanctuaries.

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Proposed border sanctuaries were typically located around twenty miles from the city of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Proposed border sanctuaries were typically situated approximately five to six miles from the city of Rome, indicating a closer line of demarcation.

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The five-to-six-mile boundary from Rome was a concept that quickly faded from Roman cultural consciousness after the Republic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The five-to-six-mile boundary from Rome appears to have persisted in the cultural consciousness well into later Roman history, as evidenced by Appianus's account of Sulla.

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The primary purpose of border sanctuaries was to serve as marketplaces for goods exchanged between Rome and neighboring territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: The presumed purpose of border sanctuaries was to invoke divine assistance for the protection of the local land, not primarily to serve as marketplaces.

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Francesca Fulminante is an archaeologist known for her work on identifying Roman roads, not the size of ancient Roman territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: Francesca Fulminante is an archaeologist who has attempted to calculate the size of the 'ager Romanus antiquus,' the ancient territory of Rome, often through the identification of border sanctuaries.

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The Terminalia festival, honoring Terminus, the god of borders, was celebrated at the 'sixth boundary stone from Laurentum', a potential border sanctuary.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'sixth boundary stone from Laurentum,' where the Terminalia festival honoring Terminus was celebrated, is indeed considered a possible border sanctuary.

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The Ambarvalia ritual, associated with agricultural fertility, is rejected by Ziłkowski as a connection to Strabo's 'Festi' site.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ziółkowski rejects the comparison of Strabo's 'Festi' site to the Ambarvalia ritual and, consequently, opposes its designation as a border sanctuary.

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The Roman historian Appianus recorded that Sulla was permitted to establish his camp within one Roman mile of the city during his march on Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Appianus recorded that Marius and Sulpicius forbade General Sulla from establishing his camp within five Roman miles of the city during his march on Rome in 88 BCE.

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The Arval brotherhood performed the Ambarvalia ritual at a sacred grove dedicated to Dea Dia, associated with agricultural fertility.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ambarvalia ritual, performed by the Arval brotherhood at a sacred grove dedicated to Dea Dia, was indeed associated with agricultural fertility and purification of the fields.

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The 'sacred grove of ancient mildew' mentioned by Ovid was definitively located by Theodor Mommsen near the Via Nomentana.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen suggested a location near the Via Clodia and Via Flaminia, while Ziółkowski identified the road with the Via Nomentana, indicating no definitive location.

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The Terminalia festival honored Jupiter, the king of the gods, at border sanctuaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Terminalia festival honored Terminus, the god of borders, not Jupiter, at border sanctuaries.

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What is the 'ager Romanus antiquus' primarily concerned with in archaeological investigation?

Answer: The ancient territory of Rome and its size, often through border sanctuaries.

Explanation: The 'ager Romanus antiquus' refers to the ancient territory of Rome, with archaeologists attempting to calculate its size, often through the identification of border sanctuaries.

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What types of deities were often propitiated at border sanctuaries, according to the source?

Answer: Deities of war and agriculture.

Explanation: Border sanctuaries often propitiated deities associated with war and agriculture, reflecting concerns for both defense and sustenance of the local land.

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Why are proposals for identifying frontier sanctuaries considered contentious among scholars?

Answer: Scholars disagree on their exact locations and interpretations.

Explanation: Proposals for identifying specific frontier sanctuaries are contentious due to ongoing debate and disagreement among scholars regarding their precise locations and interpretations.

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Which ancient author described a sacrifice at a 'sacred grove of ancient mildew' on the road from Nomentum to Rome?

Answer: Ovid

Explanation: Ovid, in his work 'Fasti,' described a sacrifice at a 'sacred grove of ancient mildew' on the road from Nomentum to Rome.

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Which Greek geographer mentioned 'hieromnēmones' performing a sacrifice at an unknown town called 'Festi' on an older Roman border?

Answer: Strabo

Explanation: Strabo, a 1st-century BCE Greek geographer, mentioned 'hieromnēmones' performing a sacrifice at the town of 'Festi' on an older Roman border.

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What Roman ritual is Strabo's account of a sacrifice at 'Festi' potentially connected to?

Answer: The Ambarvalia

Explanation: Strabo's description of a sacrifice at 'Festi' may be connected to the Ambarvalia, a ritual associated with agricultural fertility.

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What was a common distance from Rome for these proposed border sanctuaries?

Answer: Approximately 5-6 miles

Explanation: Proposed border sanctuaries were typically situated approximately five to six miles from the city of Rome.

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According to Appianus, what distance from Rome was General Sulla forbidden to establish his camp during his march on Rome in 88 BCE?

Answer: Within 5 Roman miles

Explanation: Appianus recorded that Marius and Sulpicius forbade General Sulla from establishing his camp within five Roman miles (40 stadi) of the city during his march on Rome.

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What was the presumed purpose of establishing sanctuaries at territorial boundaries?

Answer: To invoke divine assistance for the protection of the local land.

Explanation: The presumed purpose of establishing sanctuaries at territorial boundaries was to invoke divine assistance for the protection of the local land, often propitiating deities of war and agriculture.

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What was Ziółkowski's stance on the comparison of Strabo's 'Festi' site to the Ambarvalia ritual and its designation as a border sanctuary?

Answer: He rejected the comparison and opposed its designation as a border sanctuary.

Explanation: Ziółkowski explicitly rejected the comparison of Strabo's 'Festi' site to the Ambarvalia ritual and, consequently, opposed its designation as a border sanctuary.

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In 88 BCE, Marius and Sulpicius forbade General Sulla from establishing his camp within how many Roman miles of the city during his march on Rome?

Answer: Five Roman miles

Explanation: Appianus recorded that Marius and Sulpicius forbade General Sulla from establishing his camp within five Roman miles (40 stadi) of the city during his march on Rome in 88 BCE.

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The Ambarvalia ritual, potentially connected to Strabo's 'Festi' site, was associated with which aspect?

Answer: Agricultural fertility and purification of fields.

Explanation: The Ambarvalia ritual, performed by the Arval brotherhood, was associated with agricultural fertility and the purification of fields.

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What was the primary focus of the rituals attested in Roman religion that may be linked to border sanctuaries?

Answer: Invoking divine assistance for the protection of local land.

Explanation: Rituals linked to border sanctuaries primarily focused on invoking divine assistance for the protection of the local land, often involving deities of war and agriculture.

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