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Study Guide: Demetrius I Poliorcetes: Life, Campaigns, and Legacy

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes: Life, Campaigns, and Legacy Study Guide

Early Life and Initial Campaigns (337-306 BC)

Demetrius I Poliorcetes was a Macedonian Greek nobleman and military leader who served as king of Asia and later as king of Macedon, being the first of the Antigonid dynasty to rule Macedon.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes was indeed a Macedonian Greek nobleman and military leader who served as king of Asia and later as king of Macedon, being the first of the Antigonid dynasty to rule Macedon.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes lived to be 53 or 54 years old, having been born in 337 BC and dying in 283 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes was born in 337 BC and died in 283 BC, making him 53 or 54 years old at the time of his death.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes was the son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus and his wife Stratonice.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes was indeed the son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, the founder of the Antigonid dynasty, and his wife Stratonice.

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During the Second War of the Diadochi, Demetrius I Poliorcetes participated in the Battle of Paraitakene and the conclusive Battle of Gabiene.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes participated in both the Battle of Paraitakene and the Battle of Gabiene during the Second War of the Diadochi.

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In the Battle of Paraitakene, Demetrius commanded the cavalry on the left flank, leading to a complete defeat for his father's forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Battle of Paraitakene, Demetrius commanded the cavalry on the *right* flank, and his success there prevented a total defeat for his father's forces, despite heavy losses elsewhere.

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After the Battle of Gabiene, Demetrius urged his father, Antigonus, to execute Eumenes immediately.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the Battle of Gabiene, Demetrius was one of the few who urged his father, Antigonus, to spare Eumenes's life.

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Demetrius achieved a decisive victory against Ptolemy I at the Battle of Gaza in 312 BC, securing significant eastern territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Demetrius was defeated by Ptolemy I at the Battle of Gaza in 312 BC, and later suffered another defeat against Seleucus in Babylon, leading to the loss of eastern territories.

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In 307 BC, Demetrius liberated Athens from Cassander's and Ptolemy's control, for which the Athenians worshipped him as a tutelary deity and bestowed upon him the title of Soter.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 307 BC, Demetrius liberated Athens from Cassander's and Ptolemy's control, and in gratitude, the Athenians worshipped him as a tutelary deity and gave him the title of Soter, meaning 'Saviour'.

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Which of the following accurately describes Demetrius I Poliorcetes's primary roles in the Hellenistic period?

Answer: He served as king of Asia and later as king of Macedon, being the first Antigonid to rule Macedon.

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What were the birth and death years of Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: Born 337 BC, died 283 BC.

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Who were the parents of Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Stratonice.

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Which two significant battles did Demetrius I Poliorcetes participate in during the Second War of the Diadochi?

Answer: Battle of Paraitakene and Battle of Gabiene.

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What was Demetrius's crucial role in the Battle of Paraitakene?

Answer: He commanded the cavalry on the right flank, preventing a total defeat for his father's forces.

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What advice did Demetrius give his father, Antigonus, concerning Eumenes after the Battle of Gabiene?

Answer: He urged his father to spare Eumenes's life.

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How did Demetrius's early campaigns against Ptolemy I Soter and Seleucus I Nicator generally conclude?

Answer: He was defeated by Ptolemy at Gaza and later by Seleucus in Babylon, losing eastern territories.

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What title did the Athenians bestow upon Demetrius I Poliorcetes after he liberated their city in 307 BC?

Answer: Soter

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What was the outcome of Demetrius's attempt to expel Seleucus I Nicator from Babylon in 310 BC?

Answer: A sound defeat for Demetrius, leading to Antigonus losing almost two-thirds of his empire.

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What was the approximate duration of Demetrius I Poliorcetes's military career?

Answer: 30 years.

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Ascendancy and Major Engagements (306-301 BC)

Demetrius earned the epithet 'Poliorcetes', meaning 'the Great Conqueror', after his decisive victory at the Battle of Gaza.

Answer: False

Explanation: The epithet 'Poliorcetes' means 'the Besieger of Cities', and Demetrius earned it after his ultimately unsuccessful siege of Rhodes in 305 BC, not after the Battle of Gaza, where he was defeated.

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The Battle of Salamis in 306 BC resulted in a decisive defeat for Demetrius, leading to Ptolemy assuming the title of 'king'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The naval Battle of Salamis in 306 BC was a decisive victory for Demetrius against Ptolemy, leading to Antigonus and Demetrius assuming the title of 'king', not Ptolemy.

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After the unsuccessful Siege of Rhodes, Demetrius's siege weapons were dismantled and transported for use in his next campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the unsuccessful Siege of Rhodes, Demetrius's siege weapons were abandoned, and their bronze was used by the Rhodians to construct the Colossus of Rhodes.

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After reinstating the Corinthian League in 304 BC, Demetrius's virtuous conduct and generosity endeared him to the Athenians.

Answer: False

Explanation: After reinstating the Corinthian League in 304 BC, Demetrius's licentiousness and extravagance caused the Athenians to long for Cassander's previous government, rather than endearing him to them.

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The Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC was a major victory for Demetrius and his father, Antigonus I Monophthalmus, solidifying their control over Asian territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC was a major defeat for Demetrius and his father, Antigonus I Monophthalmus, resulting in Antigonus's death and the loss of their Asian territory.

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What is the meaning of Demetrius's epithet 'Poliorcetes', and which event led to him earning it?

Answer: 'The Besieger of Cities', after his ultimately unsuccessful siege of Rhodes in 305 BC.

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What was the immediate consequence for Antigonus and Demetrius after Demetrius's decisive victory at the naval Battle of Salamis in 306 BC?

Answer: Antigonus assumed the title of 'king' and granted the same title to Demetrius.

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What became of Demetrius's siege weapons after his unsuccessful attempt to conquer Rhodes?

Answer: They were abandoned, and their bronze was used to construct the Colossus of Rhodes.

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How did Demetrius's behavior in Greece affect the Athenians after he reinstated the Corinthian League in 304 BC?

Answer: His licentiousness and extravagance caused the Athenians to long for Cassander's previous government.

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What was the significance of the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC for Demetrius and his father, Antigonus I Monophthalmus?

Answer: It was a major defeat where Antigonus was killed, and they lost their Asian territory.

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What was the geographical extent of the kingdom over which Antigonus I Monophthalmus and Demetrius I Poliorcetes were declared kings in 306 BC?

Answer: From the Aegean Sea to the Middle East.

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What was the stated purpose of the Hellenic League that Antigonus I and Demetrius planned to revive?

Answer: To consolidate their power and influence over the Greek city-states with themselves as dual hegemons.

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Which Diadochi formed a coalition against Antigonus I and Demetrius, leading to the Battle of Ipsus?

Answer: Cassander, Seleucus I, Ptolemy I, and Lysimachus.

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Reign in Macedon and Final Years (301-283 BC)

After the Battle of Ipsus, Demetrius regained control of Athens in 294 BC and punished the inhabitants severely for their previous misconduct.

Answer: False

Explanation: After a protracted blockade, Demetrius regained control of Athens in 294 BC and pardoned the inhabitants for their previous misconduct, demonstrating mercy.

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After capturing Athens in 294 BC, Demetrius restored traditional democratic forms, including the cyclical rotation of the Council's secretaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: After capturing Athens in 294 BC, Demetrius established a new government that significantly altered traditional democratic forms, including abolishing the cyclical rotation of the Council's secretaries and the election of archons by allotment.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes became King of Macedonia by being elected by the Macedonian assembly after the death of Cassander.

Answer: False

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes became King of Macedonia in 294 BC by murdering Alexander V, the son of Cassander, not by election.

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During his reign as King of Macedonia, Demetrius successfully suppressed all rebellions and maintained stable control until his natural death.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his reign as King of Macedonia, Demetrius faced rebellions and constant threats from Pyrrhus of Epirus. He was ultimately forced to leave Macedonia in 288 BC due to a coalition against him and disaffection among his subjects, and he died in confinement, not of natural causes.

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After being driven out of Macedonia, Demetrius successfully campaigned in Asia against Lysimachus and eventually regained his kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: After being driven out of Macedonia, Demetrius campaigned in Asia against Lysimachus, but his army was decimated, and he eventually surrendered to Seleucus and died in confinement, never regaining his kingdom.

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How did Demetrius regain control of Athens in 294 BC after the Battle of Ipsus, and what was his approach to its inhabitants?

Answer: He gained possession after a protracted blockade and pardoned the inhabitants.

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Which of the following changes did Demetrius implement in the Athenian government after capturing the city in 294 BC?

Answer: He abolished the cyclical rotation of the Council's secretaries and the election of archons by allotment.

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How did Demetrius I Poliorcetes establish himself as King of Macedonia in 294 BC?

Answer: By murdering Alexander V, son of Cassander.

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What ultimately led to Demetrius I Poliorcetes's downfall as King of Macedonia in 288 BC?

Answer: A coalition of Pyrrhus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus, combined with disaffection among his subjects.

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What was the ultimate fate of Demetrius I Poliorcetes after he was driven out of Macedonia in 288 BC?

Answer: He surrendered to Seleucus in Cilicia and died after three years of confinement.

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What was the political situation in Athens when Demetrius I Poliorcetes recaptured it in 294 BC?

Answer: The city was under the tyranny of Lachares.

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How did Demetrius achieve reconciliation with Seleucus after the Battle of Ipsus?

Answer: By giving his daughter Stratonice in marriage to Seleucus.

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Military Innovations and Engineering

During the Siege of Rhodes, Demetrius employed a battering ram 180 feet long and a wheeled siege tower named 'Helepolis', which weighed 360,000 pounds.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Siege of Rhodes, Demetrius notably employed a battering ram 180 feet long and the massive wheeled siege tower named 'Helepolis', weighing 360,000 pounds.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes was a highly effective commander in sieges, standardizing the widespread use of massive siege engines and establishing effective logistical procedures for large-scale sieges.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes was indeed a highly effective commander in sieges, known for standardizing the use of massive siege engines and establishing effective logistical procedures for large-scale operations.

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During his campaigns in Greece, Demetrius rapidly captured cities such as Panactum, Sicyon, Corinth, and Argos, often seizing them within months.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius was known for his 'blitzkrieg' strategy, rapidly capturing numerous cities in Greece, including Panactum, Sicyon, Corinth, and Argos, often within months.

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Beyond siege warfare, Demetrius I Poliorcetes was also known for his significant contributions as a military engineer and fortifier of cities, influencing defensive architectural innovations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond his prowess in siege warfare, Demetrius I Poliorcetes was also a renowned military engineer and fortifier of cities, contributing to defensive architectural innovations in the Greek world.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes undertook significant fortification projects in Athens, Sicyon (which he relocated), and Corinth, contributing to defensive architectural innovations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes undertook significant fortification projects in cities such as Athens, Sicyon (which he relocated), and Corinth, demonstrating his influence on defensive architectural innovations.

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Which of the following siege engines did Demetrius I Poliorcetes notably employ during the Siege of Rhodes?

Answer: A battering ram 180 feet long and a wheeled siege tower named 'Helepolis'.

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Which of the following was a key contribution of Demetrius I Poliorcetes to military strategy, particularly in siege warfare?

Answer: He standardized the widespread use of massive siege engines and established effective logistical procedures for large-scale sieges.

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Which of the following cities were among those Demetrius I Poliorcetes rapidly captured during his campaigns in Greece?

Answer: Panactum, Sicyon, and Corinth.

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In addition to his prowess in siege warfare, what other significant military legacy did Demetrius I Poliorcetes leave?

Answer: He was a renowned military engineer and fortifier of cities, influencing defensive architectural innovations.

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Which of the following cities benefited from significant fortification projects undertaken by Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: Athens, Sicyon, and Corinth.

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What characterized the 'blitzkrieg' strategy attributed to Demetrius I Poliorcetes in siege warfare?

Answer: Rapid and successive capture of multiple cities in quick 'bursts' over months.

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Family, Marriages, and Dynastic Legacy

Eurydike of Athens, a descendant of Miltiades and widow of Ophellas, married Demetrius after his victories in Athens in 307 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eurydike of Athens, an Athenian noblewoman and widow of Ophellas, married Demetrius after his victories in Athens in 307 BC.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes's son, Antigonus II Gonatas, solidified the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon, which lasted until the Roman conquest in 168 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes's son, Antigonus II Gonatas, played a crucial role in solidifying the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon, which subsequently ruled until the Roman conquest in 168 BC.

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Phila, daughter of Regent Antipater, was Demetrius I Poliorcetes's first wife and the mother of Antigonus II Gonatas.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phila, daughter of Regent Antipater, was Demetrius I Poliorcetes's first wife and the mother of his son, Antigonus II Gonatas.

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Antigonus II Gonatas, son of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, played a crucial role in solidifying the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon after his father's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: Antigonus II Gonatas, son of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, was crucial in solidifying the Antigonid dynasty in Macedon and establishing its hegemony after his father's death.

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Deidamia I of Epirus, sister of Pyrrhus of Epirus, was Demetrius I Poliorcetes's third wife.

Answer: True

Explanation: Deidamia I of Epirus, sister of Pyrrhus of Epirus, was indeed Demetrius I Poliorcetes's third wife.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes's son Alexander, born to Deidamia I of Epirus, became a powerful ruler in Egypt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes's son Alexander, born to Deidamia I of Epirus, spent his life in Egypt, likely in honorable captivity, and did not become a powerful ruler there.

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Lanassa was the sister of Pyrrhus of Epirus and became Demetrius I Poliorcetes's second wife.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lanassa was the *former wife* of Pyrrhus of Epirus and later became Demetrius I Poliorcetes's *fourth* wife, not his sister or second wife.

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Ptolemais, daughter of Ptolemy I Soter, was Demetrius I Poliorcetes's fifth wife and bore him a son named Demetrius the Fair.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ptolemais, daughter of Ptolemy I Soter, was Demetrius I Poliorcetes's fifth wife and the mother of his son, Demetrius the Fair.

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Who was Eurydike of Athens, and what was her relationship to Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: She was an Athenian noblewoman and widow of Ophellas, whom Demetrius married after his 307 BC victories.

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What was the long-term legacy of Demetrius I Poliorcetes's dynasty in Macedonia?

Answer: His son, Antigonus II Gonatas, solidified the Antigonid dynasty, which ruled Macedon until the Roman conquest in 168 BC.

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Who was Phila in relation to Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: His first wife, daughter of Regent Antipater, and mother of Antigonus II Gonatas.

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What was the significance of Antigonus II Gonatas in the Antigonid dynasty?

Answer: He solidified the dynasty in Macedon after his father's death and established its hegemony.

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Which of Demetrius I Poliorcetes's wives was the sister of Pyrrhus of Epirus?

Answer: Deidamia I of Epirus

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According to Plutarch, what was the fate of Demetrius I Poliorcetes's son Alexander, born to Deidamia I of Epirus?

Answer: He spent his life in Egypt, likely in an honorable captivity.

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What was Lanassa's connection to Demetrius I Poliorcetes and Pyrrhus of Epirus?

Answer: She was the former wife of Pyrrhus of Epirus and later became Demetrius's fourth wife.

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Who was Ptolemais, and what child did she have with Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: She was the daughter of Ptolemy I Soter, his fifth wife, and mother of Demetrius the Fair.

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Did Demetrius I Poliorcetes have any children outside of his marriages, according to the source?

Answer: Yes, he had a daughter named Phila with the courtesan Lamia of Athens.

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Who was Demetrius the Fair, and what was his lineage?

Answer: The son of Demetrius I Poliorcetes and his fifth wife, Ptolemais, daughter of Ptolemy I Soter.

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Historical and Artistic Interpretations

According to Plutarch, Demetrius I Poliorcetes commanded an army of 110,000 soldiers in 288 BCE, a figure considered accurate by modern historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Plutarch, Demetrius I Poliorcetes commanded an army of 110,000 soldiers in 288 BCE, but this figure is likely an exaggeration by the ancient author, not considered accurate by modern historians.

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The ancient historian Thucydides wrote a biography of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, pairing him with Julius Caesar.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ancient historian Plutarch wrote a biography of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, pairing him with Mark Antony, not Thucydides with Julius Caesar.

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In his 'Lectures on the History of Philosophy,' Hegel correctly attributed honors due to Dionysus to Demetrius I Poliorcetes.

Answer: False

Explanation: In his 'Lectures on the History of Philosophy,' Hegel mistakenly attributed honors due to Dionysus to Demetrius Phalereus, when they were actually given to Demetrius I Poliorcetes, according to Plutarch.

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Demetrius I Poliorcetes has inspired literary works such as Constantine Cavafy's poem 'King Demetrius' and L. Sprague de Camp's historical novel 'The Bronze God of Rhodes'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Demetrius I Poliorcetes has indeed inspired literary works, including Constantine Cavafy's poem 'King Demetrius' and L. Sprague de Camp's historical novel 'The Bronze God of Rhodes'.

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According to Plutarch, what was the estimated size of Demetrius I Poliorcetes's army before his final defeat in 288 BCE, and how is this figure generally regarded by historians?

Answer: 110,000 soldiers, likely an exaggeration by the ancient author.

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Which ancient historian wrote a biography of Demetrius I Poliorcetes, and with whom was he paired in the 'Parallel Lives'?

Answer: Plutarch, paired with Mark Antony.

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How did Hegel mistakenly refer to Demetrius I Poliorcetes in his 'Lectures on the History of Philosophy'?

Answer: He mistakenly attributed honors due to Dionysus to Demetrius Phalereus instead of Demetrius I Poliorcetes.

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Which of the following literary works was inspired by Demetrius I Poliorcetes?

Answer: 'King Demetrius' by Constantine Cavafy.

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What is the subject and origin of the marble bust displayed in the infobox?

Answer: A Roman copy from the 1st century AD, based on a Greek original from the 3rd century BC, depicting Demetrius I Poliorcetes.

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What does the Greek inscription on the coin of Demetrius I Poliorcetes translate to?

Answer: Of King Demetrius

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What is possibly depicted in the fresco from the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale?

Answer: Lanassa and Demetrius I Poliorcetes.

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What is the current possible identification of the bronze portrait head in the Prado Museum, previously thought to be Hephaestion?

Answer: Demetrius I Poliorcetes.

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The image depicting a battle between Ptolemy and Demetrius Poliorcetes most likely refers to which historical event?

Answer: The naval Battle of Salamis in 306 BC.

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What historical event is depicted in the image titled 'Attack of Rhodes'?

Answer: The Siege of Rhodes, led by Demetrius I Poliorcetes from 305-304 BC.

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