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Constitution of the Athenians (Aristotle) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Aristotle's Constitution of the Athenians: Context and Rediscovery

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Aristotle's Constitution of the Athenians: Context and Rediscovery Study Guide

The Work: Content and Structure

The 'Constitution of the Athenians' primarily delineates the political system and governmental structures characteristic of ancient Athens.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians,' also known by its ancient Greek title 'Athenaion Politeia,' is a seminal work that meticulously describes the political system and governmental structures of ancient Athens, detailing its constitution and administrative frameworks.

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The original Greek title of the work is 'Athenaion Politeia,' commonly romanized as 'Athēnaiōn Politeia'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The original Greek title of the work is 'Athenaion Politeia.' This is rendered in romanized script as 'Athēnaiōn Politeia.'

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The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is structured such that the initial section details Athenian institutions, followed by a section covering its historical evolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The structure of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is reversed from this statement. The first part (Chapters 1-41) details the historical evolution of the Athenian constitution, while the second part describes the city's institutions.

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The lost initial section of the text reportedly included details concerning the migration of Ion, the reforms of Theseus, and Cylon's conspiracy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, the lost beginning of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is reported to have covered foundational Athenian historical elements such as Ion's migration, Theseus's reforms, and Cylon's conspiracy.

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Chapters 1-41 of the work detail the city's institutions, including citizenship criteria and magistrate functions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chapters 1-41 of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' primarily focus on the historical evolution of the Athenian constitution, not its institutions. The description of institutions, including citizenship criteria and magistrate functions, is found in the subsequent sections of the work.

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The second part of the work focuses on describing the city's institutions, such as the requirements for citizenship and the workings of the courts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The second part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is indeed dedicated to describing the city's institutions, encompassing details on citizenship requirements, magistrate functions, and the judicial system.

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The work details the evolution of the Athenian constitution from its origins to the fall of the Thirty Tyrants and the restoration of democracy in 403 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement accurately reflects the content of the first part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians,' which traces the historical development of the Athenian constitution up to the fall of the Thirty Tyrants and the subsequent restoration of democracy in 403 BC.

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What is the principal subject matter of the treatise titled 'Constitution of the Athenians'?

Answer: The political system and governmental structures of ancient Athens.

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians' primarily details the political system and governmental structures of ancient Athens, offering insights into its constitution and administrative framework.

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What is the original Greek appellation of the work, and what is its standard romanization?

Answer: Athenaion Politeia, romanized as Athēnaiōn Politeia.

Explanation: The original Greek title of the work is 'Athenaion Politeia,' which is commonly rendered in romanized script as 'Athēnaiōn Politeia.'

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What does the first part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' (Chapters 1-41) primarily cover?

Answer: The historical evolution of the Athenian constitution up to 403 BC.

Explanation: The initial section of the 'Constitution of the Athenians,' encompassing Chapters 1 through 41, focuses on the historical development of the Athenian constitution, tracing its evolution up to the restoration of democracy in 403 BC.

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Which of the following topics are covered in the second part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians'?

Answer: The city's institutions, including citizenship criteria and magistrate functions.

Explanation: The second part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is dedicated to describing the city's institutions, detailing aspects such as citizenship criteria, magistrate functions, and the workings of the courts.

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What historical elements were reportedly part of the *lost beginning* of the 'Constitution of the Athenians'?

Answer: The tyranny of Hippomenes and Cylon's conspiracy.

Explanation: The lost initial section of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' reportedly included details such as the tyranny of Hippomenes and Cylon's conspiracy, alongside other early Athenian historical elements.

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The first part of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' traces the evolution of Athenian governance up to which key event?

Answer: The fall of the Thirty Tyrants and the restoration of democracy in 403 BC.

Explanation: The initial section of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' traces the evolution of Athenian governance up to the pivotal event of the fall of the Thirty Tyrants and the subsequent restoration of democracy in 403 BC.

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The romanization 'Athēnaiōn Politeia' is provided for which original Greek title?

Answer: Athenaion Politeia.

Explanation: The romanization 'Athēnaiōn Politeia' is provided for the original Greek title 'Athenaion Politeia.'

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Authorship and Attribution

According to ancient sources, Aristotle compiled constitutions for 158 states, and the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is the only one known to survive intact.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ancient sources indicate that Aristotle compiled constitutions for 158 states; however, the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is the sole work among these known to have survived intact.

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The authorship of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is definitively attributed solely to Aristotle himself by modern scholars.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern scholars generally attribute the authorship of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' to Aristotle or his students, with ongoing debate regarding the precise extent of Aristotle's personal contribution.

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Regarding the authorship of the 'Constitution of the Athenians', what is the prevailing scholarly consensus?

Answer: It is attributed to Aristotle or his students, with debate on the extent of personal authorship.

Explanation: The prevailing scholarly consensus attributes the authorship of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' to Aristotle or one of his students, acknowledging ongoing debate regarding the precise extent of Aristotle's personal contribution.

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How many constitutions did ancient sources report Aristotle compiled?

Answer: 158.

Explanation: Ancient sources report that Aristotle compiled constitutions for a total of 158 different states.

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What does the source suggest regarding Aristotle's personal composition of the 'Constitution of the Athenians'?

Answer: It is plausible he composed it himself, given Athens' importance and his residence there.

Explanation: The source suggests that it is plausible Aristotle composed the 'Constitution of the Athenians' himself, considering Athens' significance and his personal connection to the city.

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Rediscovery and Significance

The 'Constitution of the Athenians' was rediscovered through papyrus fragments unearthed in Egypt during the latter half of the 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rediscovery of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' was indeed facilitated by papyrus fragments found in Egypt, primarily during the late 19th century, marking a significant moment in classical scholarship.

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The rediscovery of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is considered historically significant due to its provision of novel factual details previously absent from ancient historical study.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rediscovery of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is deemed historically significant because it furnished previously unknown factual details concerning Athenian history and governance, enriching the corpus of ancient historical knowledge.

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The 'Constitution of the Athenians' possesses a unique status among Aristotle's extant writings, notably differing in its mode of preservation compared to works transmitted via medieval manuscripts.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is unique precisely because it is *not* preserved through medieval manuscripts like most of Aristotle's other works; its survival is due to its rediscovery on papyrus.

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The more extensive papyrus text of the work is primarily housed in the British Library.

Answer: True

Explanation: The more extensive papyrus manuscript of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is primarily housed within the collections of the British Library.

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The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is considered a minor work, not typically included in discussions of Aristotle's significant writings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this assertion, the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is considered a significant work, particularly for its insights into Athenian political history and its unique textual status, often included in discussions of Aristotle's broader corpus.

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If authored by Aristotle, the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is significant as the only one of his extant writings explicitly intended for publication.

Answer: True

Explanation: Assuming Aristotelian authorship, the 'Constitution of the Athenians' holds significance as the sole extant writing among his works potentially intended for public dissemination, distinguishing it from treatises likely intended for internal pedagogical use.

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How was the 'Constitution of the Athenians' rediscovered?

Answer: Via papyrus fragments discovered in Egypt in the late 19th century.

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians' was rediscovered through papyrus fragments that were unearthed in Egypt during the late 19th century.

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Why is the rediscovery of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' considered historically significant?

Answer: It provided previously unknown factual details about Athenian history.

Explanation: The rediscovery is historically significant because it yielded novel factual details about Athenian history and governance that were previously unknown or uncorroborated in extant ancient texts.

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What makes the 'Constitution of the Athenians' unique among Aristotle's known writings?

Answer: It was potentially intended for publication and is not part of the standard Corpus Aristotelicum.

Explanation: This work is unique because it is not part of the standard Corpus Aristotelicum transmitted through medieval manuscripts. Furthermore, if authentically by Aristotle, it represents the sole extant writing potentially intended for public dissemination.

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Where is the more extensive papyrus text of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' primarily housed today?

Answer: The British Library.

Explanation: The more extensive papyrus manuscript of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' is primarily housed within the collections of the British Library.

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The preservation of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' on papyrus is significant because:

Answer: It signifies a rediscovery through archaeological excavation, distinct from medieval manuscript traditions.

Explanation: Its preservation on papyrus is significant as it signifies the rediscovery of a lost classical text. In contrast to numerous other Aristotelian works transmitted via medieval manuscript traditions, this constitution was unearthed through archaeological excavation, thereby establishing a direct connection to ancient scholarship.

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Why is the 'Constitution of the Athenians' considered unique regarding the Corpus Aristotelicum?

Answer: It is the only work *not* preserved through the medieval manuscript tradition of the Corpus.

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is unique concerning the Corpus Aristotelicum because it is the only work among Aristotle's extant writings that was not preserved through the traditional medieval manuscript tradition, having been rediscovered on papyrus.

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Textual Dating and Evidence

Internal evidence, such as the mention of the Festival of Hephaestus during Cephisophon's archonship, aids in dating the work to approximately 329 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: The reference to the Festival of Hephaestus occurring during Cephisophon's archonship, a specific historical marker, provides crucial internal evidence that helps scholars date the composition of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' to around 329 BC.

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The absence of quinqueremes in the text, a ship type first recorded around 325 BC, suggests the work was composed *after* this date.

Answer: False

Explanation: The absence of quinqueremes, a naval vessel type documented from approximately 325 BC, implies that the work was likely composed *before* this date, as their non-mention suggests they were not yet a significant feature of Athenian naval power or contemporary knowledge at the time of writing.

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Scholarly consensus places the composition of the 'Athenian Constitution' between 328 BC and 322 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Based on various internal textual clues and historical references, the prevailing scholarly consensus dates the composition of the 'Athenian Constitution' to the period between 328 BC and 322 BC.

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The mention of Athens sending officials to Samos implies the work was written after 322 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mention of Athens sending officials to Samos implies the work was written *before* 322 BC, as this practice ceased after that date.

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The text mentions triremes and quinqueremes, suggesting a composition date after 325 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text mentions triremes but notably omits quinqueremes. Since quinqueremes became prominent around 325 BC, their absence suggests the work was composed *before* this date, not after.

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Which specific event mentioned in Chapter 54 provides a key reference point for dating the 'Athenian Constitution'?

Answer: The institution of the Festival of Hephaestus during Cephisophon's archonship.

Explanation: Chapter 54 references the institution of the Festival of Hephaestus during the archonship of Cephisophon. This historical datum aligns with the year 329 BC, thereby furnishing a critical anchor point for dating the composition of the text.

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How does the absence of quinqueremes in the text help date the 'Athenian Constitution'?

Answer: It implies the work was written no later than 325 BC, before quinqueremes were prominent in the Athenian Navy.

Explanation: The absence of quinqueremes, a naval vessel type documented from approximately 325 BC, implies that the work was likely composed *before* this date, as their non-mention suggests they were not yet a significant feature of Athenian naval power or contemporary knowledge at the time of writing.

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What is the generally accepted timeframe for the composition of the 'Athenian Constitution' based on internal evidence?

Answer: 328-322 BC.

Explanation: Based on various internal textual clues and historical references, the prevailing scholarly consensus dates the composition of the 'Athenian Constitution' to the period between 328 BC and 322 BC.

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The mention in Chapter 62 of Athens sending officials to Samos implies what about the writing date?

Answer: The work was likely written before 322 BC, as this practice ceased after that date.

Explanation: The reference in Chapter 62 to Athens dispatching officials to Samos implies the work was likely written before 322 BC, as this practice concluded after that year.

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Scholarly Context and Editions

The first edition of the extensive papyrus text was published in 1890 by Frederic G. Kenyon.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Frederic G. Kenyon was instrumental in publishing the text, the first edition of the more extensive papyrus version was published in January 1891, following the British Museum's acquisition of the papyrus in 1890.

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The Oxford Classical Text by Kenyon (1920) and the Teubner edition by Chambers (1994) are the two most widely used modern editions of the Greek text.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Oxford Classical Text edited by Kenyon (1920) and the Teubner edition by Chambers (1994) represent the two most frequently utilized modern editions of the Greek text of the 'Athenian Constitution'.

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The Aristotelianism navbox lists the 'Constitution of the Athenians' under the 'Logic' category.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is listed under the 'Ethics and politics' category within the Aristotelianism navbox, not under 'Logic'.

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The Organon, as listed in the navbox, includes works like 'Categories', 'On Interpretation', and 'Prior Analytics'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The navbox indeed lists the 'Organon' as comprising works such as 'Categories,' 'On Interpretation,' and 'Prior Analytics,' among others.

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The navbox lists 'Nicomachean Ethics' and 'Politics' under Aristotle's Parva Naturalia.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Nicomachean Ethics' and 'Politics' are listed under the 'Ethics and politics' section of the navbox, not under 'Parva Naturalia'.

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The navbox lists 'Rhetoric to Alexander' and 'Magna Moralia' as genuine works of Aristotle, not pseudepigrapha.

Answer: False

Explanation: The navbox classifies 'Rhetoric to Alexander' and 'Magna Moralia' as pseudepigrapha attributed to Aristotle, not as genuine works.

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Authority control databases like VIAF and GND are used to ensure standardized identifiers and consistent cataloging for the 'Constitution of the Athenians'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Authority control databases, such as VIAF and GND, serve the crucial function of ensuring standardized identifiers and consistent cataloging for works like the 'Constitution of the Athenians' across various bibliographic systems.

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VIAF and GND are identified in the text as national library authorities for the 'Constitution of the Athenians'.

Answer: False

Explanation: VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) and GND (Gemeinsame Normdatei) are identified in the text as *international* cooperative databases for authority control, not strictly national library authorities.

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The Library of Congress is listed as one of the national library authorities for the 'Constitution of the Athenians'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Library of Congress is indeed listed among the national library authorities referenced for authority control purposes concerning the 'Constitution of the Athenians'.

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Who published the first edition of the more extensive papyrus text of the 'Constitution of the Athenians'?

Answer: Frederic G. Kenyon.

Explanation: Frederic G. Kenyon published the first edition of the more extensive papyrus text of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' in January 1891.

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In the Aristotelianism navbox, under which category is the 'Constitution of the Athenians' listed?

Answer: Ethics and politics.

Explanation: The 'Constitution of the Athenians' is listed under the 'Ethics and politics' category within the Aristotelianism navbox.

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Which of the following works are included in Aristotle's Organon, according to the navbox?

Answer: Categories, On Interpretation, Prior Analytics.

Explanation: The navbox lists 'Categories,' 'On Interpretation,' and 'Prior Analytics' as works included within Aristotle's 'Organon'.

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Which of the following works are listed as pseudepigrapha attributed to Aristotle in the navbox?

Answer: Economics, Rhetoric to Alexander.

Explanation: The navbox lists 'Economics' and 'Rhetoric to Alexander' among the pseudepigrapha attributed to Aristotle.

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Which of the following are identified as *international* databases for authority control?

Answer: VIAF, GND.

Explanation: VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) and GND (Gemeinsame Normdatei) are identified as international cooperative databases utilized for authority control.

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Which of the following is *NOT* listed as a national library authority for the 'Constitution of the Athenians' in the source text?

Answer: The British Library.

Explanation: While the British Library houses the extensive papyrus text, it is not listed among the *national library authorities* cited for authority control in the source text. The text lists others like the Library of Congress and Bibliothèque nationale de France.

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In what year was the first edition of the more extensive papyrus text of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' published?

Answer: 1891.

Explanation: The first edition of the more extensive papyrus text of the 'Constitution of the Athenians' was published in January 1891 by Frederic G. Kenyon.

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