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Amphipolis Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Ancient City of Amphipolis: History and Archaeology

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The Ancient City of Amphipolis: History and Archaeology Study Guide

General Identification and Location

The ancient city of Amphipolis is situated within a modern municipality located in Southern Greece.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Amphipolis is located in the Serres regional unit of Northern Greece, not Southern Greece, as indicated by archaeological site descriptions and contemporary geographical data.

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The name Amphipolis, according to Thucydides, refers to the city's location near an isthmus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thucydides suggested the name Amphipolis derived from the Strymon River flowing around the city. Other interpretations exist, but the isthmus theory is attributed to Julius Pollux, not Thucydides.

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What is the modern-day location of the ancient city of Amphipolis?

Answer: In the Serres regional unit of Northern Greece

Explanation: The ancient city of Amphipolis is situated in the Serres regional unit of Northern Greece, lending its name to the modern municipality of Amphipoli.

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Which historian suggested that the name Amphipolis derived from the Strymon River flowing around the city?

Answer: Thucydides

Explanation: The historian Thucydides proposed that the name Amphipolis, meaning 'around the city,' originated from the Strymon River encircling the settlement.

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Strategic Importance and Early Context

Thrace was strategically important for ancient Athens primarily for its timber resources needed for shipbuilding.

Answer: False

Explanation: While timber was a resource, Thrace's primary strategic importance for Athens lay in its control over vital sea routes for grain supply and its valuable metals, such as gold and silver from the Pangaion hills, not solely timber.

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The ancient wooden bridge of Amphipolis was crucial for controlling access between Macedonia and Thrace.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ancient wooden bridge crossing the Strymon River was strategically vital, controlling the critical passage between Macedonia and Thrace for both military movements and economic trade, and was integrated into the city's defenses.

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The Pangaion hills were significant for their agricultural output, which supported Athens' economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pangaion hills were primarily significant for their rich gold and silver deposits, which were crucial economic resources for Athens and Philip II of Macedon, rather than for agricultural output.

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Which of the following was a primary reason for Thrace's strategic importance to ancient Athens?

Answer: Its control over vital sea routes for grain supply and valuable metals

Explanation: Thrace's strategic significance for Athens stemmed from its control of crucial sea lanes essential for grain imports and its valuable mineral resources, including gold and silver from the Pangaion hills.

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Why was the ancient wooden bridge of Amphipolis considered strategically crucial?

Answer: It controlled access between Macedonia and Thrace for military and trade.

Explanation: The ancient wooden bridge was strategically vital as it commanded the essential passage between Macedonia and Thrace, facilitating both military movements and commercial activities.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a resource or strategic element of Thrace important to Athens?

Answer: Access to fertile agricultural plains for Athenian settlement

Explanation: While Thrace provided timber, controlled vital sea routes, and possessed valuable metals, access to fertile agricultural plains for Athenian settlement is not cited as a primary strategic element of its importance to Athens.

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Founding and Early History

Athens successfully established a colony at Amphipolis on their first attempt in 497 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Athens' initial attempt to colonize Amphipolis around 497 BC was unsuccessful. A subsequent attempt in 465 BC resulted in the massacre of the colonists by the Thracians, with a successful colonization finally achieved in 437 BC.

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Amphipolis was a direct colony and member of the Athens-led Delian League.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite its Athenian founding, Amphipolis maintained a status as an ally rather than a direct colony or member of the Delian League, which contributed to its strategic autonomy.

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What was the outcome of the second Athenian attempt to colonize Amphipolis in 465 BC?

Answer: The colonists were massacred by the Thracians.

Explanation: The second Athenian colonization attempt at Amphipolis in 465 BC proved disastrous, resulting in the massacre of the colonists by the local Thracian population.

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How did Amphipolis's status as an ally, rather than a direct member, of the Delian League affect its relationship with Athens?

Answer: It allowed Amphipolis to maintain independence and strategic importance.

Explanation: Amphipolis's position as an ally, distinct from direct membership in the Delian League, afforded it a degree of autonomy and preserved its strategic significance in its relationship with Athens.

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Classical and Hellenistic Periods

The Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC resulted in the deaths of both the Athenian and Spartan generals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC, a significant engagement during the Peloponnesian War, concluded with the demise of both the Athenian general Cleon and the Spartan general Brasidas.

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King Philip II of Macedon conquered Amphipolis in 357 BC, appointing Athenian governors to rule the city.

Answer: False

Explanation: King Philip II of Macedon conquered Amphipolis in 357 BC, but he appointed Macedonian governors, not Athenian ones, as part of the city's subsequent 'Macedonianization'.

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Amphipolis served as a crucial naval base during the reign of Alexander the Great.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Alexander the Great's reign, Amphipolis functioned as a vital naval base and assembly point for his military campaigns, notably before the invasion of Asia.

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Following Alexander the Great's death, his mother Olympias was exiled to Amphipolis by Cassander.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Alexander the Great's death, it was Cassander who exiled and subsequently murdered Alexander's wife Roxana and their son Alexander IV in Amphipolis, not his mother Olympias.

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The epigraphic documentation found at Amphipolis includes a military ordinance from Philip V.

Answer: True

Explanation: Epigraphic evidence recovered from Amphipolis includes significant documents such as a military ordinance issued by Philip V, providing valuable insights into the city's governance during the Hellenistic period.

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Under Macedonian rule, Amphipolis continued to mint its own independent silver coinage.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon incorporation into the Macedonian kingdom, Amphipolis ceased minting its own coinage, with its currency being replaced by Philip II's gold staters, reflecting the kingdom's centralized economic policy.

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Who led the Spartan forces and died in the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC?

Answer: Brasidas

Explanation: Brasidas, the Spartan general, led the forces at the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC, where he met his death alongside his Athenian counterpart, Cleon.

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How did Amphipolis change after being conquered by King Philip II of Macedon?

Answer: It underwent 'Macedonianization,' adopting Macedonian governance and symbols.

Explanation: Following its conquest by Philip II, Amphipolis underwent a process of 'Macedonianization,' integrating into the kingdom through the adoption of Macedonian administrative structures, nomenclature, and symbols.

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Which of the following was a significant role of Amphipolis during Alexander the Great's reign?

Answer: It was a major naval base and assembly point for Alexander's invasion of Asia.

Explanation: Amphipolis served as a crucial naval base and a key assembly point for Alexander the Great's forces prior to his momentous invasion of Asia.

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Who were exiled and later murdered in Amphipolis by Cassander after Alexander the Great's death?

Answer: Roxana and Alexander IV

Explanation: Following Alexander the Great's demise, Cassander exiled and subsequently murdered his wife Roxana and their young son Alexander IV within Amphipolis.

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Roman and Late Antique Amphipolis

Under Roman rule, Amphipolis became the capital of one of the four administrative divisions created from the Antigonid kingdom.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Rome's victory over Macedonia, Amphipolis was designated as the capital of one of the four administrative divisions (*merides*) established from the former Antigonid kingdom.

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The construction of numerous Christian churches in Late Antiquity suggests Amphipolis experienced significant population growth.

Answer: False

Explanation: While numerous churches were built, their concentration within the restricted acropolis area, rather than the broader city, indicates a significant population decline and a need for defensibility, not growth.

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The churches built in Late Antique Amphipolis were noted for their simple, unadorned designs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The churches constructed in Late Antique Amphipolis were characterized by their quality, featuring rich mosaic floors, elaborate sculptures, and unique architectural elements, such as a hexagonal plan reminiscent of Ravenna's Basilica of San Vitale.

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Euergetism is proposed as an explanation for the extensive church construction in Late Antique Amphipolis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The phenomenon of *euergetism*, wherein wealthy individuals invest in public works, is posited as a potential explanation for the significant investment in church construction and urban beautification observed in Late Antique Amphipolis.

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The Gymnasium in Amphipolis primarily served as a marketplace for athletic goods.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gymnasium in Amphipolis was dedicated to the comprehensive training of youth, encompassing military, athletic, artistic, and intellectual education, rather than functioning as a marketplace.

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The Greek term *euergetism* relates to the military training conducted in the city's gymnasium.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Euergetism* refers to the practice of wealthy individuals contributing to public works and city beautification, distinct from the military and athletic training provided in the gymnasium.

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Amphipolis suffered significant damage during a Thracian revolt in the 1st century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 1st century BC, Amphipolis sustained considerable damage due to a revolt by the Thracians against Roman authority, necessitating subsequent rebuilding efforts, including that of the Gymnasium.

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Under Roman administration, Amphipolis was designated as the capital of what?

Answer: One of four administrative divisions (*merides*) of the Antigonid kingdom

Explanation: During the Roman period, Amphipolis served as the administrative capital for one of the four *merides* (divisions) established from the former Antigonid Macedonian kingdom.

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What does the construction of numerous Christian churches in Late Antique Amphipolis primarily indicate?

Answer: A decline in the city's population and defensibility

Explanation: The proliferation of churches within the confined acropolis area suggests a reduced population and a strategic consolidation for defense, rather than population growth.

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Which architectural feature found in Late Antique Amphipolis churches is reminiscent of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna?

Answer: A church with a hexagonal central plan

Explanation: A church discovered in Amphipolis featured a hexagonal central plan, an architectural design that evokes comparisons with the renowned Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna.

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The concept of *euergetism* in Late Antique Amphipolis relates to:

Answer: The practice of wealthy individuals investing in public works and city beautification.

Explanation: *Euergetism* describes the socio-economic practice where affluent citizens funded public amenities and beautification projects, a phenomenon potentially linked to the extensive construction in Late Antique Amphipolis.

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What was the main purpose of the Gymnasium in Amphipolis?

Answer: To provide military and athletic training for youth.

Explanation: The Gymnasium in Amphipolis served as a central institution for the military, athletic, and educational development of the city's youth.

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What happened to the Gymnasium in Amphipolis after being destroyed in the 1st century BC?

Answer: It was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

Explanation: Following its destruction during the 1st century BC Thracian revolt, the Gymnasium in Amphipolis was reconstructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

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What was the significance of the hexagonal church found in Amphipolis?

Answer: Its architectural style evoked the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna.

Explanation: The hexagonal church discovered in Amphipolis is significant for its architectural style, which bears a resemblance to the famous Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

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Decline and Archaeology

The final decline of Amphipolis was primarily caused by economic collapse and plague.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary cause cited for Amphipolis's final decline was the encroachment of Slavic invasions, which led to a contraction of the inhabited area and eventual abandonment, rather than solely economic collapse or plague.

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After its abandonment, the inhabitants of Amphipolis likely relocated to the nearby ancient port of Eion, later known as Chrysopolis.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is probable that following the city's abandonment, its inhabitants migrated to the adjacent port of Eion, which was later refortified and known as Chrysopolis, continuing its role as a settlement.

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Significant archaeological discoveries at Amphipolis include the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens.

Answer: False

Explanation: Archaeological discoveries at Amphipolis include its ancient walls, basilicas, the gymnasium, and notably the Kasta burial mound, but not the Parthenon or the Acropolis of Athens, which are located elsewhere.

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Systematic archaeological excavations at Amphipolis began in the early 19th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: While early explorers documented Amphipolis in the 19th century, systematic archaeological excavations commenced in earnest only after World War II.

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The Kasta burial mound is the largest burial mound discovered in Greece to date.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kasta burial mound, unearthed in 2012, holds the distinction of being the largest burial mound discovered in Greece, housing a significant ancient Macedonian tomb.

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The mosaic found in the Kasta Tomb depicts the Roman Emperor Augustus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mosaic within the Kasta Tomb illustrates the mythological abduction of Persephone by Hades, and is interpreted by some scholars as potentially representing Macedonian figures like Philip and Olympias, not Roman emperors.

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One theory suggests the Kasta Tomb was built for Alexander the Great himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: Given its dating to the late 4th century BC, after Alexander's death, theories regarding the Kasta Tomb's occupant focus on individuals from his immediate family or court, such as Olympias, rather than Alexander himself.

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The ancient city walls of Amphipolis, particularly the northern section, can reach heights of up to 7.5 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The extensive ancient city walls of Amphipolis, which originally spanned 7.5 kilometers, feature sections, notably the northern part, that still stand up to 7.5 meters in height.

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During the final decline, a new rampart was built around the acropolis, dividing existing monuments.

Answer: True

Explanation: As Amphipolis entered its final period of decline, a new defensive rampart was constructed around the acropolis, which notably bisected several pre-existing structures and monuments.

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What was the primary cause cited for the final decline and likely abandonment of Amphipolis by the 8th century?

Answer: The Slavic invasions encroaching on the hinterland

Explanation: The encroachment of Slavic peoples into the region significantly disrupted the hinterland and lifestyle of Amphipolis, leading to its eventual decline and likely abandonment by the 8th century.

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Where did the inhabitants of Amphipolis likely relocate after the city's abandonment in the 8th century?

Answer: To the ancient port of Eion (later Chrysopolis)

Explanation: Following the abandonment of Amphipolis, its former inhabitants most likely resettled in the nearby port of Eion, which had been rebuilt and renamed Chrysopolis.

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Which of the following is a notable archaeological discovery made in or around Amphipolis?

Answer: The Kasta burial mound

Explanation: Among the significant archaeological finds at Amphipolis is the Kasta burial mound, a monumental structure housing an important ancient tomb.

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When did systematic archaeological excavations at Amphipolis begin in earnest?

Answer: After World War II

Explanation: Systematic and extensive archaeological excavations at Amphipolis commenced in earnest following the conclusion of World War II.

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What is the primary significance of the Kasta burial mound?

Answer: It is the largest burial mound in Greece and houses a significant tomb.

Explanation: The Kasta burial mound is notable as the largest such structure discovered in Greece, containing a substantial and elaborately decorated ancient tomb.

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The mosaic in the Kasta Tomb is interpreted by some scholars as representing which historical figures?

Answer: Philip and Olympias of Macedon

Explanation: The mosaic within the Kasta Tomb, depicting the abduction of Persephone, is interpreted by some scholars as potentially representing Philip II and Olympias of Macedon.

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What evidence suggests the Kasta Tomb was entered by intruders?

Answer: The discovery of the head of one of the sphinxes inside the tomb.

Explanation: Evidence suggesting intrusion into the Kasta Tomb includes the discovery of the head of one of its sphinxes found displaced inside, indicating potential ancient entry.

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What was the approximate length of the original city walls of Amphipolis?

Answer: 7.5 kilometers

Explanation: The original circuit of the ancient city walls of Amphipolis measured approximately 7.5 kilometers in length.

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Notable Figures and Legacy

Nearchus, a famous admiral of Alexander the Great, was born in Amphipolis.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nearchus, renowned as one of Alexander the Great's principal admirals, hailed from Amphipolis, alongside other notable figures like Androsthenes and Laomedon.

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The Lion of Amphipolis monument is believed to mark the burial place of Alexander the Great.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lion of Amphipolis monument is commonly associated with the burial site of Laomedon of Mytilene, an admiral under Alexander the Great, not Alexander himself.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a notable Amphipolitan mentioned in the text?

Answer: Pericles (Athenian statesman)

Explanation: While Nearchus, Zoilus, and Pamphilus are listed as notable figures associated with Amphipolis, Pericles, the prominent Athenian statesman, is not mentioned in this context.

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What is the common association for the Lion of Amphipolis monument?

Answer: The burial place of Laomedon of Mytilene, an admiral of Alexander

Explanation: The Lion of Amphipolis monument is widely believed to commemorate Laomedon of Mytilene, one of Alexander the Great's admirals.

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