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Study Guide: Dion: An Ancient Macedonian City and Sanctuary

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Dion: An Ancient Macedonian City and Sanctuary Study Guide

Dion: Geographical and Mythological Foundations

Dion is a village and municipal unit located in the Pieria regional unit of Greece, specifically at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dion is indeed a village and municipal unit situated in the Pieria regional unit of Greece, positioned at the base of Mount Olympus, as confirmed by geographical and administrative descriptions.

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The primary historical significance of Dion stems from its ancient Roman forum and a large temple dedicated to Jupiter.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dion's primary historical significance is rooted in its ancient Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and the ancient city itself, not specifically a Roman forum or Jupiter temple, although Roman elements are present from a later period.

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The name 'Dion' is derived from the Greek word 'Dios,' meaning 'of Zeus,' reflecting the city's dedication to the deity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Dion' is indeed derived from the Greek 'Dios,' meaning 'of Zeus,' directly reflecting the city's central dedication to the most important Macedonian sanctuary of Zeus.

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Hesiod's 'Catalogue of Women' links Dion to the mythical origins of the Athenians and Spartans through the sons of Deucalion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hesiod's 'Catalogue of Women' links Dion to the mythical origins of the Magnetes and Macedonians through the sons of Deucalion, Magnes and Makednos, not the Athenians and Spartans.

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Which regional unit in Greece is Dion located within?

Answer: Pieria

Explanation: Dion is specifically located within the Pieria regional unit of Greece, at the foot of Mount Olympus.

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What are the primary historical attractions for which Dion is known?

Answer: A significant ancient Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and the ancient city itself.

Explanation: Dion is primarily known for its ancient Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus and the archaeological remains of the ancient city, which are preserved in the Archaeological Park and Museum.

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According to ancient sources, what is the origin of the name 'Dion'?

Answer: It is derived from 'Dios,' meaning 'of Zeus,' due to the sanctuary dedicated to him.

Explanation: The name 'Dion' originates from the Greek word 'Dios,' meaning 'of Zeus,' directly referencing the city's most important Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to this deity.

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Which historical text connects Dion to the mythical origins of the Macedonians?

Answer: Hesiod's 'Catalogue of Women'

Explanation: Hesiod's 'Catalogue of Women' is the ancient text that links Dion to the mythical origins of the Macedonians through the sons of Deucalion, Magnes and Makednos.

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The Macedonian Era: Royal Patronage and Cultural Flourishing

Dion was considered a 'sacred place' for the Ancient Macedonians, where kings performed sacrifices to mark the new year in late September.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dion was indeed regarded as the 'sacred place' for the Ancient Macedonians, where kings conducted splendid sacrifices in late September to inaugurate the new year of the Macedonian calendar.

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The first historical mention of Dion was by Herodotus, who described its role in the Persian Wars.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first historical mention of Dion was by Thucydides, who reported Brasidas's arrival in 424 BC, not by Herodotus in the context of the Persian Wars.

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Archelaus I instituted a nine-day festival of games in Dion, including athletic and dramatic competitions, in honor of Zeus and the Muses.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archelaus I significantly enhanced Dion's importance by instituting a nine-day festival of games, featuring both athletic and dramatic competitions, dedicated to Zeus and the Muses.

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Alexander the Great conducted magnificent sacrifices at Dion in 334 BC after returning from his campaign in Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander the Great conducted magnificent sacrifices at Dion in 334 BC *before* embarking on his campaign to Asia, not after returning from it.

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A sculptural bronze masterpiece by Lysippos depicting 25 mounted companions who fell at the Battle of Thermopylae was associated with Dion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The sculptural bronze masterpiece by Lysippos depicted 25 mounted companions who fell at the Battle of the Granicus, not the Battle of Thermopylae.

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What specific ritual did Macedonian kings perform at Dion in late September?

Answer: Splendid sacrifices to mark the new year of the Macedonian calendar.

Explanation: Macedonian kings performed splendid sacrifices at Dion in late September to mark the new year of the Macedonian calendar, a ritual associated with the worship of Olympian Zeus and the Muses.

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Who was the first historian to mention Dion, and in what context?

Answer: Thucydides, reporting Brasidas's arrival in 424 BC.

Explanation: Thucydides is recognized as the first historian to mention Dion, documenting the arrival of the Spartan general Brasidas in 424 BC.

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What significant cultural contribution did Archelaus I make to Dion?

Answer: He established a nine-day festival of games in honor of Zeus and the Muses.

Explanation: Archelaus I significantly contributed to Dion's cultural life by instituting a nine-day festival of games, featuring athletic and dramatic competitions, dedicated to Zeus and the Muses.

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When did Alexander the Great conduct magnificent sacrifices at Dion before embarking on his campaign to Asia?

Answer: 334 BC

Explanation: Alexander the Great conducted magnificent sacrifices at Dion in 334 BC, just prior to the commencement of his campaign into Asia.

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Hellenistic and Roman Periods: Conquest, Colonization, and Transformation

During the Hellenistic period, Cassander was instrumental in erecting strong walls and public buildings in Dion, enhancing its reputation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cassander, one of Alexander's successors, indeed played a crucial role in the Hellenistic development of Dion, overseeing the construction of strong walls and public buildings that bolstered the city's reputation.

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Dion and its sanctuary were destroyed in 219 BC by Roman invaders during the Punic Wars.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dion and its sanctuary were destroyed in 219 BC by Aetolian invaders during the Social War, not by Roman invaders during the Punic Wars.

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Dion fell under Roman control in 169 BC and was later established as a colony named COLONIA JULIA AUGUSTA DIENSIS by Octavian.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dion did fall under Roman control in 169 BC and was subsequently established as a Roman colony, COLONIA JULIA AUGUSTA DIENSIS, by Octavian in 32/31 BC.

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Dion experienced its 'second heyday' under Roman rule during the reigns of 1st-century AD emperors who admired Julius Caesar.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dion's 'second heyday' under Roman rule occurred during the reigns of 2nd and 3rd-century AD emperors who admired Alexander the Great, not 1st-century AD emperors admiring Julius Caesar.

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Dion's final significant historical role was as a major trade port before its abandonment due to economic decline.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dion's final significant historical role was as the seat of a bishopric in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, before its abandonment due to earthquakes and floods, not as a major trade port.

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Which successor of Alexander the Great showed great interest in Dion, overseeing the erection of strong walls and public buildings?

Answer: Cassander

Explanation: Cassander, one of Alexander's successors, demonstrated significant interest in Dion's development during the Hellenistic period, overseeing the construction of its strong walls and public buildings.

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What event led to the destruction of Dion and its sanctuary in 219 BC?

Answer: An invasion by Aetolian forces during the Social War.

Explanation: Dion and its sanctuary were destroyed in 219 BC by Aetolian invaders during the Social War, an event that necessitated its subsequent rebuilding by Philip V.

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When did Dion fall under Roman control?

Answer: 169 BC

Explanation: Dion fell under Roman control in 169 BC, marking a significant shift in its political and administrative status.

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During which period did Dion experience its 'second heyday' under Roman rule?

Answer: 2nd and 3rd centuries AD

Explanation: Dion experienced its 'second heyday' under Roman rule during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, a period marked by renewed investment and development due to imperial admiration for Alexander the Great.

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What was Dion's final significant historical role before its abandonment?

Answer: The seat of a bishopric.

Explanation: Dion's final significant historical role before its abandonment was serving as the seat of a bishopric in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, indicating its importance as an early Christian center.

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Archaeological Exploration and Key Discoveries

The site of ancient Dion was first identified by the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The site of ancient Dion was first identified by the English traveler William Martin Leake in 1806, not by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century.

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Léon Heuzey visited Dion during his Macedonian archaeological mission and also detected the ancient site of Leivithra.

Answer: True

Explanation: Léon Heuzey did visit Dion during his Macedonian archaeological mission in the mid-19th century and is credited with identifying the ancient site of Leivithra as well.

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The first series of inscriptions from Dion was published by the historian Thucydides.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first series of inscriptions from Dion was published by the epigraphist G. Oikonomos, not by the historian Thucydides.

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Systematic archaeological exploration at Dion began in 1928, leading to the discovery of a 4th-century BC Macedonian tomb.

Answer: True

Explanation: Systematic archaeological exploration at Dion commenced in 1928 under G. Sotiriadis, and among the initial findings was a 4th-century BC Macedonian tomb.

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Excavations at Dion were resumed in 1960 under the direction of G. Bakalakis, focusing on the ancient theatre and city wall.

Answer: True

Explanation: Excavations at Dion were indeed resumed in 1960 under the leadership of G. Bakalakis, with a primary focus on uncovering the ancient theatre and the city wall.

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Since 1973, Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis of the University of Athens has been leading archaeological research at Dion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Since 1973, Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has been leading archaeological research at Dion, not the University of Athens.

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Excavations at Dion have uncovered temples dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and the Roman god Mars.

Answer: False

Explanation: Excavations at Dion have uncovered temples dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and the Egyptian goddess Isis, not the Roman god Mars.

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A mosaic of exceptionally fine quality was discovered in the House of Dionysos at Dion.

Answer: True

Explanation: An exceptionally fine quality mosaic was indeed discovered during the excavation of the magnificent House of Dionysos at Dion, showcasing the artistic prowess of the ancient city.

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A rare bronze 'hydraulis,' a type of hydraulic musical pipe organ, was found at Dion and is now in the Archaeological Museum.

Answer: True

Explanation: A rare bronze 'hydraulis,' an ancient hydraulic musical pipe organ, was discovered at Dion in a former workshop and is now a significant exhibit in the Archaeological Museum of Dion.

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In 2006, a 2200-year-old statue of Athena was discovered built into the city walls of Dion.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2006, a 2200-year-old statue of Hera, not Athena, was discovered built into the city walls of Dion, repurposed by early Christians.

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Who first identified the site of ancient Dion in 1806?

Answer: William Martin Leake

Explanation: The English traveler William Martin Leake was the first to identify the site of ancient Dion on December 2, 1806.

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Which archaeologist visited Dion during his Macedonian archaeological mission and also detected Leivithra?

Answer: Léon Heuzey

Explanation: Léon Heuzey, during his Macedonian archaeological mission, visited Dion and also successfully identified the ancient site of Leivithra.

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Who published the first series of inscriptions discovered at Dion?

Answer: G. Oikonomos

Explanation: The epigraphist G. Oikonomos was responsible for publishing the initial series of inscriptions found at Dion, providing valuable textual evidence.

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When did systematic archaeological exploration begin at Dion, and what was an initial finding?

Answer: 1928, uncovering a 4th-century BC Macedonian tomb.

Explanation: Systematic archaeological exploration at Dion began in 1928, and among its initial significant findings was a 4th-century BC Macedonian tomb.

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Who has been leading archaeological research at Dion since 1973?

Answer: Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis

Explanation: Since 1973, Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has been the lead archaeologist for research at Dion.

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Which of the following temples have been excavated at Dion?

Answer: Temples dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and Isis.

Explanation: Excavations at Dion have revealed temples dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and the Egyptian goddess Isis, reflecting the city's diverse religious landscape.

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What significant artifact was discovered in the House of Dionysos?

Answer: A mosaic of exceptionally fine quality.

Explanation: A mosaic of exceptionally fine quality was discovered in the House of Dionysos, highlighting the artistic wealth of ancient Dion.

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What rare musical instrument was found at Dion and is now in the Archaeological Museum?

Answer: A bronze 'hydraulis'.

Explanation: A rare bronze 'hydraulis,' a hydraulic musical pipe organ, was discovered at Dion and is now a significant exhibit in the Archaeological Museum.

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What notable discovery was made in 2006 regarding a statue of Hera?

Answer: A 2200-year-old statue of Hera repurposed as filling material in the city walls.

Explanation: In 2006, a 2200-year-old statue of Hera was discovered, notably repurposed by early Christians as filling material within the city's defensive walls.

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Modern Administrative Structure and Demographics

The modern village at the ancient site of Dion was known as Malathria until it was officially renamed in 1961.

Answer: True

Explanation: The modern village at the ancient site was indeed known as Malathria until 1961, when it was officially renamed Dion to reflect its historical identity.

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The Municipality of Dion was established in October 1992 as Dimos Diou.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Municipality of Dion, known as Dimos Diou, was indeed established as a local administrative entity in October 1992.

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The 1997 Kapodistrias reform reduced the geographical scope of the Municipality of Dion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1997 Kapodistrias reform actually expanded the geographical scope of the Municipality of Dion, incorporating several former communities, rather than reducing it.

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The administrative center for the Municipality of Dion was located in the village of Platanakia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The administrative center for the Municipality of Dion was located in the village of Kondariotissa, not Platanakia.

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The 2011 Kallikratis Plan led to Dion becoming a municipal unit within the new municipality of Dion-Olympos.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2011 Kallikratis Plan resulted in Dion merging with other municipalities to form Dion-Olympos, with Dion subsequently becoming a municipal unit within this new administrative structure.

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The community of Dion consists solely of the village of Dion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The community of Dion comprises both the village of Dion and the village of Platanakia, not solely the village of Dion.

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What was the former name of the modern village at the site of ancient Dion until 1961?

Answer: Malathria

Explanation: The modern village located at the ancient site of Dion was known as Malathria until its official renaming in 1961.

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When was the Municipality of Dion (Dimos Diou) established?

Answer: 1992

Explanation: The Municipality of Dion, or Dimos Diou, was formally established in October 1992 as a local administrative entity.

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How did the 1997 Kapodistrias reform affect the Municipality of Dion?

Answer: It expanded Dion to include several former communities.

Explanation: The 1997 Kapodistrias reform led to the expansion of the Municipality of Dion, incorporating several former communities into its administrative boundaries.

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What was the administrative center of the Municipality of Dion before the 2011 Kallikratis Plan?

Answer: Kondariotissa

Explanation: Prior to the 2011 Kallikratis Plan, the administrative center for the Municipality of Dion was located in the village of Kondariotissa.

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What was a direct consequence of the 2011 Kallikratis Plan for Dion?

Answer: Dion merged with East Olympos and Litochoro to form a new municipality.

Explanation: A direct consequence of the 2011 Kallikratis Plan was the merger of Dion with the former municipalities of East Olympos and Litochoro, creating the new municipality of Dion-Olympos.

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Which two villages comprise the community of Dion?

Answer: Dion and Platanakia

Explanation: The community of Dion is composed of the village of Dion itself and the village of Platanakia.

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