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Almone Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Almone River: Geography, History, and Ancient Cults

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The Almone River: Geography, History, and Ancient Cults Study Guide

Geography and Hydrology

The Almone River is characterized as a significant waterway situated to the north of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is factually inaccurate. The Almone River is situated south of Rome, within the Ager Romanus, rather than to its north.

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The Almone River presently maintains its natural course and flows unimpeded into the Tiber River.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the Almone River no longer reaches the Tiber in its natural state. It is currently polluted and entirely channeled to a sewage treatment plant, with its course diverted before it can merge with the Tiber.

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The Almone River originates from springs within the Alban Hills, with its flow augmented by Lake Albano.

Answer: True

Explanation: The river's source is located in the Alban Hills, drawing from springs that are fed by the waters of Lake Albano, as well as potentially other sources like the Ferentine waters.

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The course of the Almone River traverses the Appian Way Regional Park.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Almone River flows through the Appian Way Regional Park, a protected area that encompasses much of its historical course.

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The Gazometro, a prominent industrial landmark, is situated in close proximity to the Almone River's source.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gazometro is located near the historical mouth of the Almone River where it met the Tiber, not near its source in the Alban Hills.

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Antonio Nibby proposed that the Almone's origin stems from the confluence of waters originating from Lake Nemi and Lake Albano.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholar Antonio Nibby suggested that the Almone's source is the confluence of waters from the Ferentine springs, which are linked to Lake Nemi, alongside the waters from Lake Albano.

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The valley through which the Almone River flows is presently identified as the Park of the Caffarella.

Answer: True

Explanation: The valley historically associated with the Almone River is now known as the Park of the Caffarella, a protected natural and archaeological area.

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The geographical coordinates provided indicate the Almone's mouth is situated near Ostia Antica.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided coordinates place the Almone's mouth at approximately 41°51′58″N 12°28′35″E, which is closer to the city of Rome and the Gazometro area, not Ostia Antica.

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The Almone River is a tributary that flows into the Aniene River.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Almone River historically flowed directly into the Tiber River, not the Aniene River.

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The Almone River currently retains its natural course and empties directly into the Tiber.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Almone River's natural course has been significantly altered; it is now polluted and channeled to a sewage treatment plant, no longer reaching the Tiber.

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What is the Almone River?

Answer: A small river located south of Rome in the Ager Romanus.

Explanation: The Almone is identified as a small river situated in the Ager Romanus, a region located south of Rome, originating from springs in the Alban Hills.

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From where does the Almone River originate?

Answer: From springs in the Alban Hills, fed by Lake Albano.

Explanation: The Almone River originates from springs located in the Alban Hills, which are supplied by the waters of Lake Albano.

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What landmark is situated near the historical mouth of the Almone River at the Tiber?

Answer: The Gazometro (gas holder)

Explanation: The large Gazometro, an industrial gas holder, is located near the site where the Almone River historically discharged into the Tiber.

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What was the historical significance of the Almone's confluence with the Tiber River?

Answer: It was the site of the annual lavatio ceremony for Cybele's sacred stone.

Explanation: The confluence of the Almone and Tiber rivers served as the traditional location for the annual lavatio ceremony, a key ritual in the cult of Cybele.

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Nomenclature and Etymology

The Latin designation for the Almone River, 'Almo,' is etymologically linked to a term signifying 'fertile' or 'nourishing.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The Latin name 'Almo' is indeed derived from the word 'almus,' which conveys the meaning of 'fertile' or 'nourishing,' suggesting the river's historical importance for the sustenance of the surrounding lands.

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Since medieval times, the Almone has been identified as the Marrana della Caffarella, referencing a significant urban park.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the river is known as Marrana della Caffarella since medieval times, 'Marrana' specifically denotes drainage channels in the Roman countryside, and 'Caffarella' refers to the valley itself, not necessarily an urban park in the modern sense, though it is now a park.

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The nomenclature 'Acquataccio,' another designation for the Almone, is hypothesized to originate from 'Acqua d'Appia' and implies a marshy character.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Acquataccio' is indeed thought to derive from 'Acqua d'Appia,' possibly indicating its proximity to the Appian Way, and the suffix '-accio' may suggest a marshy or less desirable quality of the water.

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The term 'Marrana' is historically associated with the construction of ancient Roman aqueducts.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the context of the Roman countryside, 'Marrana' specifically refers to drainage channels or ditches, not aqueducts.

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The visual representation in the infobox depicts the Almone River flowing through the area designated as the Park of the Caffarella.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image provided in the infobox illustrates the Almone River within the boundaries of the Park of the Caffarella, reflecting its passage through this significant valley.

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The derivation of the Almone's name from 'almus' underscores its historical function in providing sustenance and fertility to the region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The etymological link to 'almus' (fertile, nourishing) strongly suggests the river's historical significance in supporting the agricultural productivity and vitality of the lands it traversed.

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The name 'Acquataccio' is believed to derive from 'Acqua d'Appia' and positively denotes the river's exceptional clarity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'Acquataccio' may derive from 'Acqua d'Appia,' the suffix '-accio' often carries a pejorative connotation, suggesting it might refer to the marshy or less desirable qualities of the water rather than its clarity.

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The designation 'Caffarella' pertains specifically to the drainage channels associated with the Almone River.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Caffarella' refers to the valley through which the Almone flows, which is now a park. 'Marrana' is the term for the drainage channels.

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The etymological origin of the Almone's name from 'almus' highlights its historical role in providing sustenance.

Answer: True

Explanation: The derivation from 'almus,' meaning fertile or nourishing, strongly suggests the river's historical significance in supporting the life and productivity of the surrounding region.

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What does the Latin name 'Almo,' derived from 'almus,' signify regarding the river's characteristics?

Answer: Its fertile and nourishing qualities for the land.

Explanation: The derivation of 'Almo' from 'almus' implies that the river was recognized for its capacity to nourish the land, suggesting fertility and life-sustaining properties.

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What does the term 'Marrana' specifically refer to in the context of the countryside near Rome?

Answer: Drainage channels.

Explanation: In the Roman countryside, 'Marrana' denotes drainage channels or ditches, often found in areas historically designated as 'ager maranus'.

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What does the name 'Acquataccio' potentially signify regarding the river's waters?

Answer: They were associated with the Appian Way and possibly marshy.

Explanation: The name 'Acquataccio' may derive from 'Acqua d'Appia' and potentially implies a marshy quality, suggested by the pejorative suffix '-accio,' characteristic of the waters in the Caffarella valley.

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What does the name 'Caffarella' primarily refer to in relation to the Almone River?

Answer: The valley through which the river flows.

Explanation: 'Caffarella' designates the valley through which the Almone River flows, an area now recognized as a park.

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Ancient Roman Cults and Rituals

The appellation 'Almo' is associated with the goddess Cybele, potentially due to the river's life-sustaining qualities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Almo' is indeed linked to the cult of Cybele (Magna Mater), possibly reflecting the river's role in nourishing the lands and its significance within the goddess's religious practices.

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The annual Roman festival known as the 'lavatio' involved the ceremonial purification of Cybele's sacred black stone within the waters of the Almone River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The lavatio ceremony was indeed a significant ritual where the sacred black stone representing Cybele was washed in the Almone River, typically near its confluence with the Tiber.

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The lavatio ceremony was conducted on April 27th, a date recognized as the 'day of blood.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The lavatio ceremony, associated with the dies sanguinis ('day of blood'), was held on March 27th, not April 27th.

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During the lavatio ritual, Cybele's sacred stone was transported from the Colosseum to the Almone River.

Answer: False

Explanation: The sacred stone was transported from its temple on the Palatine Hill, not the Colosseum, for its ceremonial washing in the Almone River.

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The priestly college of the pontifices was formally responsible for overseeing the lavatio ceremony.

Answer: False

Explanation: The priestly college responsible for attending the lavatio ceremony was the quindecimviri sacris faciundis, not the pontifices.

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In 204 BC, the vessel carrying Cybele's sacred stone encountered difficulties and ran aground near the mouth of the Almone River.

Answer: True

Explanation: The arrival of Cybele's cult in Rome in 204 BC was marked by the ship carrying the sacred stone becoming beached near the Almone's confluence with the Tiber, necessitating a ritual purification.

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Scholarly hypotheses suggest that the lavatio ritual may have originally been performed on the Capitoline Hill.

Answer: False

Explanation: Evidence, such as a tuff basin found in the Temple of Magna Mater, suggests the ritual may have originally occurred on the Palatine Hill, not the Capitoline Hill.

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The performance of the lavatio ceremony persisted until the latter part of the 5th century AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The lavatio ceremony ceased to be performed after AD 389, when pagan rites were officially prohibited.

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The ship transporting Cybele's sacred stone was easily refloated and continued its journey without requiring any ritual intervention.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ship carrying the sacred stone ran aground and could only resume its voyage after a purification ritual was performed, indicating that intervention was necessary.

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The 'dies sanguinis,' or 'day of blood,' is a commemoration associated with the founding of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'dies sanguinis' refers to March 27th, the day of the lavatio ceremony for Cybele's sacred stone, and is not related to the founding of Rome.

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Scholarly interpretations suggest the possibility that the washing ritual for Cybele's sacred stone might have originally occurred on the Palatine Hill.

Answer: True

Explanation: Based on archaeological findings, such as a tuff basin within the Temple of Magna Mater on the Palatine, some scholars propose that the ritual bathing may have initially taken place there.

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The term 'lavatio' specifically denotes the ceremonial procession undertaken by Cybele's priests.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Lavatio' refers to the act of washing the sacred stone itself, which was part of a larger ceremony that included a procession.

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The Almone's association with Cybele's cult was confined solely to the annual washing ceremony.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the lavatio was central, the Almone's connection to Cybele's cult was broader, potentially including shrines and its role in the cult's introduction to Rome.

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The 'dies sanguinis' was a day designated to commemorate the death of Romulus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'dies sanguinis' (March 27th) is associated with the lavatio ceremony of Cybele's sacred stone, not the death of Romulus.

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Which goddess's cult was closely associated with the Almone River, particularly through the 'lavatio' ceremony?

Answer: Cybele (Magna Mater)

Explanation: The Almone River held significant importance in the cult of Cybele, the Phrygian mother goddess, most notably through the annual lavatio ceremony.

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The 'lavatio' ceremony, associated with the Almone, involved the ceremonial washing of what object?

Answer: The sacred black stone of Cybele.

Explanation: The lavatio ceremony centered on the ritualistic washing of the sacred black stone, which represented the goddess Cybele, in the waters of the Almone River.

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On what date was the 'dies sanguinis,' the day of the lavatio ceremony, observed?

Answer: March 27th

Explanation: The 'dies sanguinis,' or 'day of blood,' which marked the lavatio ceremony, was observed annually on March 27th.

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Which priestly college historically oversaw the lavatio ceremony?

Answer: The Quindecimviri sacris faciundis

Explanation: The responsibility for attending and overseeing the lavatio ceremony fell to the priestly college known as the quindecimviri sacris faciundis.

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What specific event related to Cybele's cult arrival in Rome influenced the choice of the Almone for the lavatio ceremony?

Answer: The ship carrying the sacred stone ran aground near its mouth.

Explanation: The choice of the Almone was significantly influenced by the grounding of the ship bearing Cybele's sacred stone near its mouth upon arrival in Rome in 204 BC, necessitating a purification ritual.

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In what year was the cult of Cybele's sacred stone officially brought to Rome?

Answer: In 204 BC, during the Second Punic War

Explanation: The sacred stone representing Cybele was brought to Rome in 204 BC, a period marked by the ongoing Second Punic War.

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What evidence supports the hypothesis that the lavatio ritual might have originally been performed on the Palatine Hill?

Answer: A tuff basin discovered in the Temple of Magna Mater.

Explanation: The discovery of a tuff basin within the Temple of Magna Mater on the Palatine Hill has led scholars to hypothesize that the ritual bathing of Cybele's sacred stone may have originated there.

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Until what year was the lavatio ceremony performed?

Answer: AD 389

Explanation: The lavatio ceremony continued to be practiced until AD 389, the year when pagan rites were officially suppressed.

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What does the source suggest regarding the original location of the ritual bathing of Cybele's sacred stone?

Answer: It may have originally occurred within the Temple of Magna Mater on the Palatine.

Explanation: Archaeological evidence, specifically a tuff basin found in the Temple of Magna Mater on the Palatine Hill, suggests that the ritual bathing might have initially been conducted there before the ceremony moved to the Almone River.

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Historical Utilization and Transformation

During the second century AD, the Almone River served exclusively as a water source for public bathing facilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate that in the second century AD, the Almone River supplied water for the luxurious gardens of Herodes Atticus's villa (Triopio), not exclusively for public baths.

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Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Almone River was primarily utilized for industrial milling operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-Roman utilization of the Almone focused on agricultural purposes, such as irrigating fields and watering cattle, as well as powering millstones, rather than exclusively industrial milling.

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The Almone's course was modified in the early 20th century to accommodate industrial activities, including the operation of a paper mill.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, in the early 20th century, the Almone's waters were diverted for industrial use, notably to power a paper mill situated along the Appian Way.

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The construction of the Rome-Lido railway necessitated the channeling of the Almone River into an underground course.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of the Rome-Lido railway in the 1920s led to the covering and underground channeling of the Almone's final segment as it approached the Tiber.

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The construction of the Rome-Lido railway occurred subsequent to the diversion of the Almone's waters for the thermal power plant.

Answer: False

Explanation: The covering of the Almone's course into the Tiber was necessitated by the construction of the Rome-Lido railway in the 1920s, which occurred concurrently with or prior to the diversion for the thermal power plant.

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Presently, the waters of the Almone River are directed towards the Magliana sewage treatment facility.

Answer: True

Explanation: Due to pollution and diversion, the Almone's waters are now channeled to the Magliana sewage treatment plant, signifying a drastic departure from its historical natural course.

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The Via Ostiensis intersected the Almone River via a bridge identified as the Ponte Sant'Angelo.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Via Ostiensis crossed the Almone via a bridge known historically as the Travicella, not the Ponte Sant'Angelo.

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Herodes Atticus utilized the Almone River to supply water for the elaborate gardens of his villa.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the second century AD, the Almone River was indeed employed to irrigate the extensive and luxurious gardens of the villa known as Triopio, owned by Herodes Atticus.

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The Travicella was an ancient bridge spanning the Almone River in the vicinity of the Via Appia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Travicella was a bridge over the Almone, but it was associated with the Via Ostiensis, not necessarily the Via Appia, although both roads are in the vicinity.

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What is the current condition and course of the Almone River?

Answer: It is polluted and channeled to a sewage plant, no longer reaching the Tiber.

Explanation: The Almone River is currently polluted and entirely diverted to a sewage treatment plant, ceasing its natural flow into the Tiber.

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In the second century AD, how was the Almone River utilized?

Answer: To supply water for the luxurious gardens of Herodes Atticus's villa.

Explanation: During the second century AD, the Almone River provided water for the extensive gardens of the villa known as Triopio, belonging to Herodes Atticus.

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What agricultural applications did the Almone serve in the centuries following the fall of Rome?

Answer: Irrigating fields, watering cattle, and powering millstones.

Explanation: After the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Almone River was utilized for various agricultural purposes, including irrigation, livestock watering, and powering millstones.

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Which infrastructure project in the early 20th century led to the covering of the Almone's final course into the Tiber?

Answer: The construction of the Rome-Lido railway.

Explanation: The construction of the Rome-Lido railway in the 1920s resulted in the Almone's final course being covered over as it approached the Tiber.

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Besides the Rome-Lido railway, what other significant infrastructure project in the 1920s utilized the Almone's waters?

Answer: The former thermal power plant on Via Ostiense.

Explanation: In the 1920s, the Almone's waters were diverted not only for the Rome-Lido railway but also to supply the former thermal power plant located on the Via Ostiense.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a historical use or characteristic of the Almone River?

Answer: Being a source of drinking water for the city of Rome.

Explanation: While the Almone served various purposes such as supplying villas, powering mills, and industrial production, it is not documented as a primary source of drinking water for the city of Rome.

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What does the accelerated decline of the Almone in the 1920s signify?

Answer: Increased industrial use and infrastructure development impacting its natural course.

Explanation: The river's decline in the 1920s reflects the profound impact of modernization, including infrastructure projects like the Rome-Lido railway and industrial diversions, which fundamentally altered its natural hydrological system.

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Literary and Artistic References

In Virgil's Aeneid, the river Almo is personified as a deity characterized by its formidable ferocity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Virgil's Aeneid references the name Almo not as a river deity, but as a mortal character, the son of Tyrrhus, who is killed in battle.

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Cicero references the Almo river in his writings, noting its invocation by Roman augurs.

Answer: True

Explanation: In his treatise 'De Natura Deorum,' Cicero mentions the Almo as one of the local rivers and streams that Roman augurs would invoke during their divinatory practices.

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Andrea Mantegna's artistic representation associated with the Almone River prominently features the river itself as a central character.

Answer: False

Explanation: Andrea Mantegna's artwork, 'Introduction of the Cult of Cybele to Rome,' illustrates the historical event of the cult's arrival and its connection to the river, rather than depicting the river as a central character.

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Cicero's 'De Natura Deorum' references the Almo as a principal river flowing through the region of Etruria.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cicero mentions the Almo in 'De Natura Deorum' as a local river invoked by Roman augurs, but not as a major river in Etruria.

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The passage from Virgil's Aeneid describes Almo as a warrior who met his demise via a spear thrust.

Answer: False

Explanation: Virgil's Aeneid describes Almo as being killed by an arrow that pierced his throat, causing him to lose breath and life.

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In Virgil's Aeneid, the river's name is lent to which character?

Answer: Almo, the eldest son of Tyrrhus, killed in battle.

Explanation: In Book VII of the Aeneid, Virgil names a character Almo, described as the eldest son of Tyrrhus, who is among the first casualties of the conflict between the Trojans and the Latins.

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Cicero mentions the Almo in his treatise 'De Natura Deorum' in what context?

Answer: As one of the local rivers invoked by Roman augurs.

Explanation: Cicero includes the Almo in his philosophical work 'De Natura Deorum' as an example of a river that Roman augurs would invoke during their ritualistic practices.

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The artwork 'Introduction of the Cult of Cybele to Rome' by Andrea Mantegna illustrates what specific event?

Answer: The ceremonial washing of Cybele's stone in the Almone river.

Explanation: Mantegna's painting depicts the significant event of the sacred black stone of Cybele being washed in the Almone River as part of the cult's introduction to Rome.

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How is the Almone River referenced in Virgil's Aeneid?

Answer: As the namesake of a character, Almo, who died in battle.

Explanation: In the Aeneid, the river lends its name to the character Almo, son of Tyrrhus, who is depicted as falling in battle early in the conflict described in the epic.

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