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The ethnonym 'Blakumen' is exclusively documented in Byzantine historical sources from the 10th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that the Blakumen are mentioned in Scandinavian historical sources dating from the 11th through the 13th centuries, not exclusively in 10th-century Byzantine sources.
Historians generally identify Blokumannaland as the territory south of the Lower Danube, inhabited by Vlachs during the medieval period.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Blokumannaland is generally identified as the lands south of the Lower Danube, inhabited by Vlachs during the Middle Ages.
Omeljan Pritsak, Victor Spinei, and Florin Curta share a consensus that the Blakumen were Romanians or Vlachs.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Victor Spinei and Florin Curta identify the Blakumen as Romanians or Vlachs, Omeljan Pritsak proposes an alternative identification, arguing they were Cumans.
Judith Jesch posits that 'Blakumen' might signify 'black men,' although the precise implications of this interpretation remain ambiguous.
Answer: True
Explanation: Judith Jesch indeed suggests the possibility that 'Blakumen' could be interpreted as 'black men,' noting that its specific meaning is not fully clear.
In contemporary Icelandic, the term 'Blokumannaland' exclusively denotes the historical region of Wallachia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that in modern Icelandic, Blokumannaland may refer to either Wallachia or Africa, indicating it is not an exclusive reference to Wallachia.
Based on Scandinavian historical sources spanning the 11th to 13th centuries, how are the Blakumen characterized?
Answer: A people also known as Blökumenn, mentioned in historical records.
Explanation: Scandinavian historical sources from the 11th to 13th centuries refer to the Blakumen as a people also known as Blökumenn, providing insights into their interactions and associated geographical areas.
By what geographical and demographic characteristics do historians typically identify Blokumannaland?
Answer: As the lands south of the Lower Danube, inhabited by Vlachs.
Explanation: Historians generally identify Blokumannaland as the territory south of the Lower Danube, which was inhabited by Vlachs during the Middle Ages.
Which scholars assert the identification of the Blakumen as Romanians or Vlachs?
Answer: Victor Spinei, Florin Curta, and Florin Pintescu.
Explanation: Victor Spinei, Florin Curta, and Florin Pintescu are among the historians who identify the Blakumen as Romanians or Vlachs.
What alternative ethnic identification for the Blakumen is advanced by Omeljan Pritsak?
Answer: Cumans, a nomadic Turkic people.
Explanation: Omeljan Pritsak proposes that the Blakumen were Cumans, a nomadic Turkic people who inhabited the Pontic-Caspian steppe.
Beyond ethnic identification, what supplementary interpretation does Judith Jesch offer concerning the term 'Blakumen'?
Answer: It could mean 'black men'.
Explanation: Judith Jesch suggests the possibility that the term 'Blakumen' could mean 'black men,' though its specific implication remains unclear.
Which two geographical entities are associated with 'Blokumannaland' in contemporary Icelandic usage?
Answer: Wallachia or Africa.
Explanation: In modern Icelandic, the term Blokumannaland may refer to either Wallachia or Africa.
The sole extant instance of the 'Blakumen' variant of this ethnonym is inscribed on a runestone located in Norway.
Answer: False
Explanation: The only preserved example of the 'Blakumen' variant is found on a runestone in the Sjonhem cemetery in Gotland, Sweden, not Norway.
Runestone G134, featuring the mention of 'Blakumen,' is estimated to have been erected circa 1050 AD.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that runestone G134 was raised in approximately 1050 AD, based on the forms of its runes.
Runestone G134 was commissioned by a local Gotlandic couple to commemorate their son.
Answer: False
Explanation: Runestone G134 was erected by a Varangian couple, Hrόðvísl and Hrόðelfr, in memory of their son Hrόðfuss, not necessarily a local Gotlandic couple.
The inscription on runestone G134 indicates that Hrόðfuss succumbed to natural causes during his travels abroad.
Answer: False
Explanation: The inscription on runestone G134 explicitly states that Hrόðfuss was 'treacherously killed by Blakumen on an expedition,' not that he died of natural causes.
Victor Spinei interprets the murder of Hrόðfuss as an act perpetrated by Vlachs in the regions situated east of the Carpathian Mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: Victor Spinei interprets Hrόðfuss's murder as having been committed by Vlachs in the regions east of the Carpathian Mountains.
Florin Curta posits that Hrόðfuss was a soldier who perished in battle in the vicinity of Constantinople.
Answer: False
Explanation: Florin Curta suggests that Hrόðfuss was a merchant traveling towards Constantinople who was killed by Vlachs north of the Lower Danube, not a soldier killed in battle near Constantinople.
Judith Jesch establishes a link between the purported treachery of the Blakumen in the death of Hrόðfuss and the assertions of Vlach untrustworthiness made by Kekaumenos.
Answer: True
Explanation: Judith Jesch indeed connects the alleged treachery of the Blakumen in Hrόðfuss's death to claims of Vlach untrustworthiness by the Byzantine writer Kekaumenos.
Omeljan Pritsak identifies the 'Blakumen' mentioned on runestone G134 as Pechenegs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Omeljan Pritsak identifies the 'Blakumen' on runestone G134 as Cumans, not Pechenegs.
Victor Spinei refutes Pritsak's identification of the Blakumen as Cumans by highlighting that references to Blakumen predate the initial appearance of Cumans in the Pontic steppe.
Answer: True
Explanation: Victor Spinei indeed argues against Pritsak's Cuman identification, noting that several mentions of Blakumen or Blökumen predate the earliest appearance of Cumans in the Pontic steppe.
The inscription on runestone G134 contains a malediction directed at those who perpetrated the betrayal of Hrόðfuss.
Answer: True
Explanation: The full inscription on runestone G134 concludes with the phrase 'God betray those who betrayed him,' confirming a curse against the betrayers of Hrόðfuss.
In what specific location is the singular preserved instance of the 'Blakumen' variant of the ethnonym situated?
Answer: On a runestone in the Sjonhem cemetery in Gotland, Sweden.
Explanation: The only preserved example of the 'Blakumen' variant of the ethnonym is found on a runestone in the Sjonhem cemetery in Gotland, Sweden.
To what approximate period is the erection of runestone G134, which references 'Blakumen,' dated?
Answer: Around 1050 AD.
Explanation: Runestone G134 is suggested to have been raised in approximately 1050 AD, based on the forms of its runes.
By whom was runestone G134 erected, and for the commemoration of which individual was it established?
Answer: A Varangian couple, Hrόðvísl and Hrόðelfr, in memory of their son Hrόðfuss.
Explanation: Runestone G134 was set up by the Varangian couple Hrόðvísl and Hrόðelfr in memory of their son Hrόðfuss.
Which unfortunate incident concerning Hrόðfuss is recounted on runestone G134?
Answer: He was treacherously killed by Blakumen on an expedition.
Explanation: The inscription on runestone G134 states that Hrόðfuss was treacherously killed by Blakumen while traveling abroad on an expedition.
What is Victor Spinei's interpretation regarding the geographical context and the agents responsible for Hrόðfuss's murder?
Answer: He was murdered by Vlachs in regions east of the Carpathian Mountains.
Explanation: Victor Spinei interprets Hrόðfuss's murder as having been committed by Vlachs in the regions located east of the Carpathian Mountains.
What hypothesis does Florin Curta advance concerning Hrόðfuss's travels and ultimate demise?
Answer: He was a merchant traveling towards Constantinople, killed by Vlachs north of the Lower Danube.
Explanation: Florin Curta proposes that Hrόðfuss was a merchant traveling towards Constantinople and was attacked and killed by Vlachs north of the Lower Danube.
Judith Jesch links the purported perfidy of the Blakumen in Hrόðfuss's death to accusations of unreliability articulated by which Byzantine author?
Answer: Kekaumenos.
Explanation: Judith Jesch connects the alleged treachery of the Blakumen in Hrόðfuss's death to claims of Vlach untrustworthiness made by the Byzantine writer Kekaumenos.
Which specific ethnic group does Omeljan Pritsak identify as the 'Blakumen' referenced on runestone G134?
Answer: Cumans.
Explanation: Omeljan Pritsak identifies the 'Blakumen' in the runestone inscription with Cumans.
Among the following, which argument is NOT advanced by Victor Spinei in opposition to Pritsak's identification of the Blakumen as Cumans?
Answer: The runestone explicitly states the Blakumen were Vlachs.
Explanation: Victor Spinei's arguments against Pritsak's identification include that Blakumen mentions predate Cumans, 'Black Cumans' is inconsistent with Varangian terminology, and the juxtaposition of a Scandinavian adjective with a Greek or Latin proper name is improbable. The runestone does not explicitly state the Blakumen were Vlachs.
Recite the complete inscription from runestone G134 pertaining to Hrόðfuss and the Blakumen.
Answer: 'Hrόðvísl and Hrόðelfr, they had stones set up in memory of [their] three sons. This one in memory of Hrðfuss. Blakumen betrayed him on an expedition. God help Hrόðfuss' soul. God betray those who betrayed him.'
Explanation: The full inscription from runestone G134 provides a direct account of Hrόðfuss's death and the betrayal by the Blakumen, including a curse.
The *Flateyjarbók*, an Icelandic manuscript originating from the 12th century, contains references to the 'Blökumen'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Flateyjarbók* is an Icelandic manuscript from the *late 14th century*, not the 12th century.
Eymund's Saga, as preserved within the *Flateyjarbók*, chronicles the exploits of a Norwegian prince at the court of Prince Jarizleifr in Kiev.
Answer: False
Explanation: Eymund's Saga details adventures at the court of Prince Jarizleifr in Novgorod, not Kiev.
Eymund cautioned Prince Jarizleifr that his brother Burizlaf was amassing an army, which included Tyrkir and Blökumen, for an impending attack.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eymund indeed warned Prince Jarizleifr that his brother Burizlaf was preparing to attack with an army that included Tyrkir and Blökumen.
Scholars such as Curta and Spinei equate Jarizleifr with Sviatopolk I of Kiev and Burizlaf with Yaroslav the Wise.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholars like Curta and Spinei identify Jarizleifr with Yaroslav the Wise and Burizlaf with Sviatopolk I of Kiev, which is the reverse of the statement.
The 'Tyrkir' and 'Blökumen' mentioned in the *Flatey Book* are interpreted as Pechenegs and Vlachs, respectively, who were employed by Sviatopolk I.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholars interpret 'Tyrkir' and 'Blökumen' in the *Flatey Book* as Pechenegs and Vlachs hired by Sviatopolk I.
Curta and Spinei propose that the Blökumenn referenced in the *Flatey Book* originated from Scandinavia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Curta and Spinei suggest the Blökumenn of the *Flatey Book* originated from the regions of Moldavia or Wallachia, not Scandinavia.
Eymund cautioned Jarizleifr that Burizlaf might apostatize from his Christian faith and cede his kingdoms to his 'unpleasant people' should he conquer Russia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eymund's Saga indeed records Eymund warning Jarizleifr that Burizlaf might abandon his Christian faith and hand over his kingdoms to his 'unpleasant people' if he succeeded in taking Russia.
Which Icelandic manuscript, dating from the late 14th century, contains references to the 'Blökumen'?
Answer: *Flateyjarbók*.
Explanation: The 'Blökumen' are mentioned in the *Flateyjarbók*, an Icelandic manuscript from the late 14th century.
What antecedent work, chronicling the exploits of a Norwegian prince named Eymund, is conserved within the *Flateyjarbók*?
Answer: Eymund's Saga.
Explanation: The *Flateyjarbók* preserves Eymund's Saga, which details the adventures of a Norwegian prince named Eymund.
In what primary geographical setting do Eymund's adventures, as recounted in the *Flateyjarbók*, unfold?
Answer: At the court of Prince Jarizleifr in Novgorod.
Explanation: Eymund's adventures, as narrated in the *Flateyjarbók*, take place at the court of Prince Jarizleifr in Novgorod.
What intelligence did Eymund transmit to Prince Jarizleifr concerning the intentions of his brother Burizlaf?
Answer: Burizlaf was preparing to attack Jarizleifr with an army of Tyrkir, Blökumen, and other peoples.
Explanation: Eymund informed Jarizleifr that his brother Burizlaf was preparing to attack with a large army composed of Tyrkir, Blökumen, and other peoples.
How do scholars such as Florin Curta and Victor Spinei identify the historical figures of Jarizleifr and Burizlaf within the *Flatey Book* narrative?
Answer: Jarizleifr as Yaroslav the Wise and Burizlaf as Sviatopolk I of Kiev.
Explanation: Scholars like Florin Curta and Victor Spinei identify Jarizleifr with Yaroslav the Wise and Burizlaf with Sviatopolk I of Kiev.
What scholarly interpretation is given to the mention of 'Tyrkir' and 'Blökumen' within the *Flatey Book*?
Answer: As Pechenegs (Turkic nomadic people) and Vlachs hired by Sviatopolk I.
Explanation: Scholars interpret the reference to 'Tyrkir' and 'Blökumen' as Pechenegs and Vlachs hired by Sviatopolk I.
From which geographical regions do Curta and Spinei propose the Blökumenn mentioned in the *Flatey Book* originated?
Answer: From the regions of Moldavia or Wallachia.
Explanation: Curta and Spinei propose that the Blökumenn mentioned in the *Flatey Book* were Vlachs originating from the regions of Moldavia or Wallachia.
What specific admonition did Eymund deliver to Jarizleifr concerning Burizlaf's strategic aims and confederates?
Answer: Burizlaf might abandon his Christian faith and hand over his kingdoms to his 'unpleasant people' if he took Russia.
Explanation: Eymund warned Jarizleifr that Burizlaf might abandon his Christian faith and hand over his kingdoms to his 'unpleasant people' if he succeeded in taking Russia.
Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla*, a literary work from the 13th century, includes references to 'Blokumannaland'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla*, a 13th-century collection of sagas, indeed mentions 'Blokumannaland'.
Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* recounts Emperor Alexios I Komnenos's invasion of Blokumannaland and his engagement in combat with Christian tribes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* describes Emperor Alexios I Komnenos invading Blokumannaland and battling *pagan* tribes, not Christian tribes.
The precise chronology of the Byzantine invasion of Blokumannaland, as narrated in *Heimskringla*, remains contentious due to the indeterminate identity of the pagan tribes involved.
Answer: True
Explanation: The disagreement regarding the actual date of the Byzantine invasion of Blokumannaland in *Heimskringla* stems from the fact that the pagan tribes mentioned have not been definitively identified.
Victor Spinei correlates the events described in *Heimskringla* with the Battle of Levounion in 1091 AD, during which the Byzantines achieved a victory over the Cumans.
Answer: False
Explanation: Victor Spinei identifies the *Heimskringla* events with the Battle of Levounion in 1091 AD, which resulted in a decisive defeat of the *Pechenegs* by the Byzantines, not the Cumans.
Sandaaker posited 1122 AD as an alternative date for the battle that occurred in Blokumannaland.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sandaaker proposed 1040 AD as an alternative date for the battle in Blokumannaland, while 1122 AD was proposed by Ellis Davidson and Blöndal.
Alexandru Madgearu contends that Snorri Sturluson anachronistically designated the Second Bulgarian Empire as Blokumannaland.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alexandru Madgearu indeed suggests that Snorri Sturluson anachronistically referred to the Second Bulgarian Empire as Blokumannaland.
The *Heimskringla* records the Byzantine Emperor Kirjalax's arrival at the Pézína Plains during his military campaign against Blokumannaland.
Answer: True
Explanation: Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* mentions that Emperor Kirjalax arrived at the Pézína Plains during his expedition against Blokumannaland.
Which 13th-century compilation of sagas concerning Norwegian monarchs, authored by Snorri Sturluson, includes a reference to 'Blokumannaland'?
Answer: *Heimskringla*.
Explanation: 'Blokumannaland' is mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla*, a 13th-century collection of sagas about the Norwegian kings.
Which specific event, involving Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Blokumannaland, is narrated in Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla*?
Answer: Alexios I Komnenos invaded Blokumannaland and battled pagan tribes.
Explanation: Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* describes Emperor Alexios I Komnenos invading Blokumannaland and engaging in battle against pagan tribes.
What is the primary reason for the scholarly dispute concerning the precise date of the Byzantine invasion of Blokumannaland, as recorded in *Heimskringla*?
Answer: The pagan tribes mentioned have not been definitively identified.
Explanation: The disagreement regarding the actual date of the Byzantine invasion of Blokumannaland stems from the fact that the pagan tribes mentioned in the *Heimskringla* narrative have not been definitively identified.
What is Victor Spinei's interpretation of the events described in *Heimskringla* and the geographical placement of Blokumannaland?
Answer: With the Battle of Levounion in 1091 AD, referring to a Vlach territory south of the Lower Danube.
Explanation: Victor Spinei identifies the *Heimskringla* events with the Battle of Levounion in 1091 AD, arguing that Blokumannaland refers to a Vlach territory south of the Lower Danube.
Beyond 1091 AD, what other dates have been suggested for the battle that transpired in Blokumannaland?
Answer: 1040 AD and 1122 AD.
Explanation: Alternative dates proposed for the battle in Blokumannaland include 1040 AD (Sandaaker) and 1122 AD (Ellis Davidson and Blöndal).
What viewpoint does Alexandru Madgearu hold regarding Snorri Sturluson's reference to Blokumannaland?
Answer: He suggests Sturluson anachronistically referred to the Second Bulgarian Empire as Blokumannaland.
Explanation: Alexandru Madgearu states that Snorri Sturluson anachronistically mentioned the lands south of the Danube as Blokumannaland, suggesting the term referred to the Second Bulgarian Empire in Sturluson's time.
Which geographical characteristic is cited in Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* pertaining to the Byzantine Emperor's military campaign against Blokumannaland?
Answer: The Pézína Plains.
Explanation: Snorri Sturluson's *Heimskringla* mentions that the Byzantine Emperor Kirjalax arrived at the Pézína Plains during his expedition against Blokumannaland.
What characterization does the *Heimskringla* provide for the adversarial forces encountered by King Kirjalax in Blokumannaland?
Answer: A company of horsemen and large wagons with embrasures, forming an 'irresistible host'.
Explanation: The *Heimskringla* describes the opposing forces as an 'irresistible host' led by a heathen king, which included a company of horsemen and large wagons equipped with embrasures.