Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Bactria was an ancient civilization situated primarily in modern-day Iran, south of the Hindu Kush mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The historical region of Bactria was situated primarily north of the Hindu Kush mountains, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, rather than in modern-day Iran.
The historical region of Bactria existed for over three millennia, from roughly 2000 BC to 1000 AD.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bactria's existence as a historical region spanned approximately three millennia, from around 2000 BC to 1000 AD.
The capital city of ancient Bactria was Balkh, which was known by the Hellenized name Bactra.
Answer: True
Explanation: The principal city of ancient Bactria was Bactra, which is known in modern times as Balkh.
The modern English name "Bactria" originates from the Old Persian term *Bāxtriš*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The modern English designation "Bactria" is derived from the Hellenized form of the Old Persian term *Bāxtriš*, which referred to the region.
Wilhelm Eilers proposed that Bactria was named after the Balkh River, deriving its name from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to divide'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholar Wilhelm Eilers posited that the name "Bactria" originated from the Balkh River, with the name potentially stemming from a Proto-Indo-European root signifying 'to divide'.
Pierre Leriche identified Bactria's original territory as being north of the Amu Darya river.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Pierre Leriche, Bactria's original territory was situated south of the Amu Darya river, centered around its capital, Bactra (modern Balkh).
The Bactrian plain was bordered by the Hindu Kush to the north and the Amu Darya to the south.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bactrian plain was geographically bordered by the Amu Darya (ancient Oxus River) to the north and the Hindu Kush mountain range to the south and east.
The Bactrian term *ariao* translates to "Greek."
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bactrian term *ariao* signifies "Iranian," not "Greek."
Which modern countries are primarily included within the historical region of Bactria?
Answer: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
Explanation: The historical territory of Bactria primarily encompasses regions within modern-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
What was the capital city of ancient Bactria, known today by a different name?
Answer: Bactra, known today as Balkh
Explanation: The capital city of ancient Bactria was known as Bactra, which corresponds to the modern city of Balkh.
According to Pierre Leriche, what was the original capital of Bactria?
Answer: Bactra (modern Balkh)
Explanation: Pierre Leriche identified Bactra, which is known today as Balkh, as the original capital of Bactria.
Which geographical features served as the northern and southern borders of the Bactrian plain, respectively?
Answer: Amu Darya (North) and Hindu Kush (South)
Explanation: The Bactrian plain was bordered by the Amu Darya (ancient Oxus River) to the north and the Hindu Kush mountain range to the south and east.
Which of the following is NOT a modern country encompassed by historical Bactria?
Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation: Historical Bactria primarily encompassed regions within modern-day Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan is not typically considered a core part of historical Bactria.
The Hellenized name for Bactria's capital, Bactra, is derived from which language?
Answer: Ancient Greek
Explanation: The Hellenized name for Bactria's capital, Bactra, is derived from Ancient Greek, reflecting the period of Hellenistic influence in the region.
The Bronze Age culture in Bactria is known as the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), also called the "Oxus civilization."
Answer: True
Explanation: The significant Bronze Age archaeological culture identified in Bactria and Margiana is indeed designated as the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), frequently referred to as the "Oxus civilization."
The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) dates back to the Iron Age, approximately 800-500 BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is primarily associated with the Bronze Age, dating approximately from 2200 to 1700 BC, not the Iron Age.
Viktor Sarianidi, a Russian archaeologist, discovered and named the BMAC sites in 1976.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Soviet archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi is credited with the discovery and naming of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) sites in 1976.
The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is also referred to as the "Oxus civilization."
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is commonly known by the alternative designation "Oxus civilization."
The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), also known as the "Oxus civilization," is dated to which period?
Answer: Bronze Age (approx. 2200-1700 BC)
Explanation: The Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC), or "Oxus civilization," is dated to the Bronze Age, specifically between approximately 2200 and 1700 BC.
Who is credited with the discovery and naming of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) sites?
Answer: Viktor Sarianidi
Explanation: The Soviet archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi is recognized for discovering and naming the sites associated with the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC).
Within the Achaemenid Empire, Bactria was considered a minor province, often ruled by local governors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bactria held significant administrative importance within the Achaemenid Empire, forming the twelfth satrapy along with Margiana and frequently being governed by a crown prince or heir apparent.
Greek communities were established in Bactria during the Achaemenid period primarily through voluntary migration.
Answer: False
Explanation: Greek communities were established in Bactria during the Achaemenid era largely through deportations, such as that of the inhabitants of the Greek city of Barca.
Bessus was the satrap of Bactria who organized resistance against Alexander the Great after the Achaemenid Empire's collapse.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the disintegration of the Achaemenid Empire, Bessus, the satrap of Bactria, attempted to rally resistance against Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great founded several cities in Bactria, including Alexandria Eschate, and married Roxana, the daughter of Satrap Oxyartes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Post-conquest, Alexander the Great established Greek cities in Bactria, such as Alexandria Eschate, and cemented his presence by marrying Roxana, daughter of the local satrap Oxyartes.
After Alexander's death, Bactria became part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Alexander's demise, Bactria was incorporated into the Seleucid Empire, founded by Seleucus I, rather than the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
What was the administrative role of Bactria within the Achaemenid Empire?
Answer: It formed the twelfth satrapy, often ruled by a crown prince or heir.
Explanation: Within the Achaemenid administrative structure, Bactria, along with Margiana, constituted the twelfth satrapy, frequently governed by a member of the royal family.
How were Greek communities initially established in Bactria during the Achaemenid era?
Answer: Through deportations from Greek cities like Barca.
Explanation: Greek communities were established in Bactria during the Achaemenid period primarily through forced deportations, including inhabitants from the Greek city of Barca.
Who was the Bactrian satrap that resisted Alexander the Great after the fall of the Achaemenid Empire?
Answer: Bessus
Explanation: Bessus, the satrap of Bactria, organized resistance against Alexander the Great following the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire.
What significant actions did Alexander the Great take in Bactria after his conquest?
Answer: He founded Greek cities, including Alexandria Eschate, and married Roxana.
Explanation: Following his conquest, Alexander the Great founded Greek settlements, such as Alexandria Eschate, and married Roxana, the daughter of the satrap Oxyartes.
Which general founded the Seleucid Empire after Alexander the Great's death, incorporating Bactria into it?
Answer: Seleucus I
Explanation: Seleucus I, one of Alexander's generals, established the Seleucid Empire and incorporated Bactria into its territories after Alexander's death.
Diodotus I, a satrap, declared independence from the Seleucid Empire around 245 BC, establishing the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
Answer: True
Explanation: Around 245 BC, Diodotus I, serving as satrap, successfully declared independence from the Seleucid Empire, thereby founding the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom's influence extended only within the historical boundaries of Bactria itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom exerted influence beyond its core territory, extending its reach southward into regions of South Asia.
Greek political power in Bactria ended when King Heliocles I lost control of the region to the Parthians.
Answer: False
Explanation: Greek political dominance in Bactria concluded when King Heliocles I lost control of the region to nomadic invaders, not specifically the Parthians.
Indo-Greek kings like Menander I converted to Buddhism and adopted local names like Milinda.
Answer: True
Explanation: Notable Indo-Greek rulers, such as King Menander I, embraced Buddhism and were known by local appellations, including Milinda in South Asia.
The treasure found at Tillia Tepe is attributed to the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom from the 2nd century BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The significant treasure discovered at Tillia Tepe is attributed to the Sakas in Bactria during the 1st century BC, not the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom of the 2nd century BC.
The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was established when which satrap declared independence from the Seleucid Empire?
Answer: Diodotus I
Explanation: The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom originated when Diodotus I, the satrap of Bactria, declared independence from the Seleucid Empire.
What happened to the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom near the end of the 2nd century BC?
Answer: King Heliocles I lost control of Bactria to nomadic invaders.
Explanation: Near the close of the 2nd century BC, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom's political control waned as King Heliocles I lost the region to nomadic incursions.
Which Indo-Greek king is known to have converted to Buddhism, and what was his name in South Asia?
Answer: Menander I
Explanation: Menander I, an Indo-Greek king, is documented to have converted to Buddhism and was known in South Asia as Milinda.
The treasure found at Tillia Tepe, dating to the 1st century BC, is attributed to which group in Bactria?
Answer: The Sakas
Explanation: The treasure discovered at Tillia Tepe, dating to the 1st century BC, is attributed to the Sakas, a nomadic group present in Bactria during that period.
The conquest of the Indus valley by Euthydemus I and Demetrius I led to the establishment of what kingdom?
Answer: The Indo-Greek Kingdom
Explanation: The military campaigns of Euthydemus I and his son Demetrius I into the Indus valley resulted in the formation of the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
The Han Chinese referred to the central part of Bactria using the name Daxia (大夏).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Han Chinese designated the central region of Bactria, also known as Tukhara or Tokhara, by the name Daxia (大夏).
The Greco-Bactrian kingdom was conquered by the Da Yuezhi tribes, who were later overthrown by the Sakas.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Greco-Bactrian kingdom was initially conquered by the Sakas, who were subsequently displaced by the Da Yuezhi tribes.
Zhang Qian's reports described Daxia (Bactria) as a sparsely populated, impoverished region with little trade.
Answer: False
Explanation: Zhang Qian's reports characterized Daxia (Bactria) as an affluent country with numerous inhabitants, fortified cities, and vibrant markets, contradicting descriptions of sparsity and poverty.
Following Zhang Qian's reports, Han Emperor Wu Di initiated trade relations with Bactria and other Central Asian regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon receiving Zhang Qian's accounts, Han Emperor Wu Di pursued the establishment of commercial ties with Bactria and adjacent Central Asian territories.
Kujula Kadphises united the Yuezhi tribes and established the Kushan Empire in the region around the 1st century BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kujula Kadphises united the Yuezhi tribes and founded the Kushan Empire in the region during the early 1st century AD, not the 1st century BC.
What name did the Han Chinese use for the central part of Bactria (Tukhara/Tokhara)?
Answer: Daxia (大夏)
Explanation: The Han Chinese referred to the central region of Bactria, known as Tukhara or Tokhara, by the name Daxia (大夏).
According to Zhang Qian's reports around 127 BC, what was the general condition of Daxia (Bactria)?
Answer: An affluent country with many people, walled cities, and rich markets.
Explanation: Zhang Qian's reports from approximately 127 BC described Daxia (Bactria) as a prosperous land characterized by a large population, fortified cities, and active markets.
Who united the Yuezhi tribes and laid the foundation for the Kushan Empire in Bactria in the early 1st century AD?
Answer: Kujula Kadphises
Explanation: Kujula Kadphises, the leader of the Yuezhi tribes, unified them and established the groundwork for the Kushan Empire in Bactria during the early 1st century AD.
Greek cultural influence persisted in Bactria for centuries after Greek political rule ended, evidenced by the continued use of the Greek language for administration.
Answer: True
Explanation: Greek cultural influence endured in Bactria long after the cessation of political rule, as indicated by the sustained administrative use of the Greek language and the Hellenization of the local Bactrian language.
The suffix "-stan" in Tokharistan means "kingdom" in Persian.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Persian, the suffix "-stan" signifies "place of" or "land of," not "kingdom."
Before the Islamic conquest, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism were the dominant religions in Bactria.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to the Islamic incursions, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism constituted the principal religious traditions practiced in Bactria.
Bactrian is classified as a West Iranian language, closely related to Parthian.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bactrian is classified as an Eastern Iranian language, specifically a north-eastern Iranian language, rather than a West Iranian language related to Parthian.
Persian eventually replaced Bactrian as the common language due to its association with Muslim rulers and preferential treatment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Persian gradually supplanted Bactrian as the vernacular language, largely due to its association with the ruling Muslim administration and the preferential status it received.
In 663 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate conquered Balkh from the Buddhist Shahi dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Umayyad Caliphate launched an offensive in 663 AD, capturing Balkh and displacing the ruling Buddhist Shahi dynasty in Tokharistan.
What does the Persian suffix "-stan" mean, as used in the name Tokharistan?
Answer: Place of
Explanation: The Persian suffix "-stan," as seen in terms like Tokharistan, denotes "place of" or "land of."
Which two religions were principal in Bactria before the Islamic invasion?
Answer: Zoroastrianism and Buddhism
Explanation: Prior to the Islamic conquest, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism were the predominant religious traditions in Bactria.
What is the linguistic classification of the Bactrian language?
Answer: East Iranian (North-Eastern)
Explanation: The Bactrian language is linguistically classified as an Eastern Iranian language, specifically belonging to the north-eastern branch.
How did Persian eventually replace Bactrian as the common language in the region?
Answer: Due to Persian's association with Muslim rulers and preferential status.
Explanation: Persian gained prominence and eventually replaced Bactrian as the common language primarily due to its association with Muslim rulers and the preferential treatment it received.
What event occurred in 663 AD involving the Umayyad Caliphate and the rulers of Tokharistan?
Answer: The Umayyads attacked the Buddhist Shahi dynasty and captured Balkh.
Explanation: In 663 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate launched an attack against the Buddhist Shahi dynasty ruling Tokharistan, resulting in the capture of Balkh.
Which of the following statements about the Bactrian language is accurate according to the source?
Answer: It is classified as an Eastern Iranian language.
Explanation: The source indicates that the Bactrian language is classified as an Eastern Iranian language, specifically a north-eastern variety.