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The ancient Greek name for Gela, Γέλα, was pronounced approximately as 'Gel-ah' in modern Italian.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ancient Greek name Γέλα (Gela) is pronounced approximately as [ˈd͡ʒɛːla] in modern Italian, not 'Gel-ah'.
Gela was founded by Roman colonists around 688 BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gela was founded by Greek colonists from Rhodes and Crete around 688 BC, approximately 45 years after the founding of Syracuse, not by Roman colonists.
Gela was an influential city-state in Magna Graecia during the 7th and 6th centuries BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gela functioned as a significant polis (city-state) within Magna Graecia during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, becoming one of the region's most powerful entities.
According to historical accounts, Gela was founded by individuals named Antiphemus and Entimus.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ancient historian Diodorus Siculus attributes the founding of Gela to Antiphemus and Entimus.
Early conflicts for the Greek settlers in Gela primarily involved the Romans.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary indigenous group encountered and conflicted with by the early Greek settlers of Gela was the Sicani people, not the Romans.
A temple dedicated to Apollo was built on Gela's acropolis in the 7th century BC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary deity honored on Gela's acropolis in the 7th century BC was Athena, with the construction of the Temple of Athena Lindia.
Gela's expansionist policies under its tyrants led to the founding of Akragas (modern Agrigento).
Answer: True
Explanation: The expansionist policies pursued by Gela's tyrants, notably Cleander and Hippocrates, were instrumental in the founding of colonies such as Akragas (modern Agrigento).
According to ancient historian Diodorus Siculus, who were the founders of Gela?
Answer: Antiphemus and Entimus
Explanation: Diodorus Siculus identifies Antiphemus and Entimus as the founders of Gela.
Which indigenous people did the early Greek settlers of Gela conflict with?
Answer: Sicani
Explanation: The early Greek settlers of Gela engaged in conflicts primarily with the indigenous Sicani population of the region.
What was the primary deity honored by temples built on Gela's acropolis in the 7th and 6th centuries BC?
Answer: Athena
Explanation: Temples on Gela's acropolis in the 7th and 6th centuries BC were primarily dedicated to Athena, the city's protector.
The expansionist policies of Gela's tyrants led to the founding of which major Sicilian city?
Answer: Akragas (Agrigento)
Explanation: Gela's expansionist policies were responsible for the founding of Akragas, which is known today as Agrigento.
Hippocrates of Gela intervened in a conflict between Syracuse and Kamarina, ultimately gaining control of Syracuse.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Hippocrates did intervene in the conflict between Syracuse and Kamarina, his actions resulted in gaining control of Kamarina, not Syracuse.
Gelon succeeded Hippocrates as the leader of Gela and achieved victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gelon succeeded his father Hippocrates as ruler of Gela and led the city to a significant victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC.
The Congress of Gela in 424 BC resulted in a peace agreement based on the principle of 'Europe for the Europeans'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Congress of Gela in 424 BC established a peace accord founded upon the principle of 'Sicily for the Sicilians,' not 'Europe for the Europeans'.
Gela was conquered by the Athenians during the Sicilian Expedition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gela, as part of the Sicilian League, successfully repelled the Athenian forces during their Sicilian Expedition in 415 BC.
In 405 BC, Gela was destroyed by the Carthaginians, and its survivors fled to Agrigento.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the Carthaginian invasion and the ruin of Agrigento, Gela itself was sacked and ruined in 405 BC, with its survivors seeking refuge in Syracuse, not Agrigento.
Timoleon rebuilt Gela's city walls in 338 BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the city's destruction, Timoleon undertook the reconstruction of Gela's defensive walls in 338 BC.
Under Agathocles, Gela experienced internal strife, and the acropolis was definitively abandoned when the Carthaginians captured the city with the help of the aristocracy.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the rule of Agathocles, Gela suffered internal conflict. The Carthaginians, aided by the aristocracy, captured the city in 311 BC, leading to the definitive abandonment of its acropolis.
Phintias of Agrigento is credited with destroying Gela in 282 BC to transfer its population to his new city, Phintias.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts suggest that Phintias of Agrigento destroyed Gela in 282 BC, relocating its inhabitants to his newly founded city, Phintias.
During the conflict between Syracuse and Kamarina, Hippocrates of Gela achieved victory at the Heloros river and gained control of:
Answer: Kamarina
Explanation: Following his victory at the Heloros river, Hippocrates of Gela secured control over Kamarina.
Who succeeded Hippocrates as the leader of Gela, and with whom did they achieve victory at the Battle of Himera?
Answer: Gelon, against the Carthaginians
Explanation: Gelon succeeded Hippocrates as ruler of Gela and achieved a significant victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera.
What was the core principle established at the Congress of Gela in 424 BC?
Answer: Sicily for the Sicilians
Explanation: The Congress of Gela in 424 BC concluded with a peace agreement founded on the principle of 'Sicily for the Sicilians'.
Which major power did Gela help repel during the Sicilian Expedition of 415 BC?
Answer: Athens
Explanation: Gela played a role in repelling the Athenian forces during the Sicilian Expedition of 415 BC.
Following the Carthaginian invasion and destruction of Agrigento, what happened to Gela in 405 BC?
Answer: It was sacked and ruined, with survivors fleeing to Syracuse.
Explanation: In 405 BC, after the Carthaginian campaigns, Gela was sacked and ruined, with its surviving population seeking refuge in Syracuse.
Who was responsible for rebuilding Gela's city walls in 338 BC?
Answer: Timoleon
Explanation: Timoleon oversaw the rebuilding of Gela's city walls in 338 BC.
What change occurred to Gela's acropolis after Timoleon rebuilt the city walls?
Answer: It lost its sacred character and was populated with houses.
Explanation: Following Timoleon's reconstruction efforts, the acropolis of Gela transitioned from a sacred site to a residential area populated with houses.
Under which leader did Gela suffer internal strife, leading to its capture by aristocrats aiding the Carthaginians in 311 BC?
Answer: Agathocles
Explanation: Agathocles' rule was marked by internal strife in Gela, culminating in the city's capture by Carthaginians assisted by local aristocrats in 311 BC.
Which entity is reported by some sources to have destroyed Gela in 282 BC, possibly five years after Phintias?
Answer: The Mamertines
Explanation: While Phintias of Agrigento is credited with destroying Gela in 282 BC, some historical accounts suggest the Mamertines may have been responsible approximately five years earlier.
What was the fate of Gela's acropolis after the Carthaginians captured the city with the help of aristocrats in 311 BC?
Answer: It was definitively abandoned.
Explanation: Following the Carthaginian capture in 311 BC, aided by the aristocracy, Gela's acropolis was definitively abandoned.
During the Byzantine period, Gela served as a major administrative and military center.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Gela persisted into the Byzantine period, it functioned as a minor administrative center, not a major hub.
Under Arab rule, Gela was known as 'The City of Columns'.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the period of Arab governance, Gela was referred to by the appellation 'The City of Columns'.
How was Gela referred to during the Arab period?
Answer: City of Columns
Explanation: During the Arab period, Gela was known by the designation 'City of Columns'.
The city of Terranova, later known as Gela, was founded in 1233 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, established the city of Terranova in 1233, situated west of the ancient Gela site. This city would later revert to the name Gela.
Terranova was granted to Manfredi III Chiaramonte in 1369 by King Frederick III of Aragon.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1369, King Frederick III of Aragon bestowed Terranova upon Manfredi III Chiaramonte.
The title of Duke of Terranova was created before the title of Marquis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The title of Marquis of Terranova was created in 1530, with the title of Duke following in 1561, indicating the Marquisate preceded the Dukedom.
The city of Terranova was officially renamed Gela in 1927.
Answer: True
Explanation: The municipality, previously known as Terranova di Sicilia, officially reverted to its ancient name, Gela, in 1927.
In what year was the title of Marquis of Terranova first created?
Answer: 1530
Explanation: The title of Marquis of Terranova was established in the year 1530.
Which historical figure is associated with the founding of the city of Terranova in 1233?
Answer: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Explanation: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, is credited with founding the city of Terranova in 1233.
The first Allied landing in Sicily during World War II occurred at Palermo.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial Allied landings in Sicily during World War II took place on July 10, 1943, at Gela, not Palermo.
During the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Italian Livorno Division offered minimal resistance on the beaches of Gela.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Italian Livorno Division provided substantial resistance against the Allied forces during the landings on the beaches of Gela on July 10, 1943.
U.S. Army Engineers constructed advanced landing airfields near Gela to support the Twelfth Air Force during the Italian Campaign.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Allied landings, U.S. Army Engineers were responsible for building advanced landing airfields in the vicinity of Gela, which were utilized by the Twelfth Air Force throughout the Italian Campaign.
A large oil refinery was built in Gela after World War II, which significantly boosted tourism.
Answer: False
Explanation: While a significant oil refinery was constructed post-World War II, it negatively impacted the area's visual appeal and tourism, rather than boosting it.
What significant event occurred at Gela on July 10, 1943?
Answer: The first landing of Allied forces on Sicily during World War II
Explanation: On July 10, 1943, Gela served as the site for the initial landing of Allied forces on Sicilian soil during World War II.
Which U.S. Army units landed on the beaches of Gela during the initial assault of the Allied invasion of Sicily?
Answer: U.S. 1st Infantry Division and 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
Explanation: The initial Allied landings at Gela involved the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and the 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
What was a significant consequence of the post-World War II oil refinery development in Gela?
Answer: Negative impact on the area's visual appeal and tourism
Explanation: The development of the oil refinery post-World War II had a detrimental effect on Gela's visual landscape and its tourism sector.
Gela is situated on the northern coast of Sicily.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Gela is located on the Mediterranean coast at the estuary of the Gela river on the southwestern side of Sicily.
Gela is the largest municipality on the southern coast of Sicily in terms of both area and population.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gela is indeed recognized as the largest municipality along Sicily's southern coast, both by geographical area and population size.
Gela's population and area are smaller than those of its provincial capital, Caltanissetta.
Answer: False
Explanation: In fact, Gela's population and area exceed those of its provincial capital, Caltanissetta, which is a notable demographic characteristic.
The name 'Gela' is derived from the name of the Gela river, which itself originates from a Sicilian dialect word meaning 'winter frost'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city's name derives from the Gela river, whose name is traced back to the Sicilian dialect term 'gela,' signifying 'winter frost'.
The Gelasian Age, a geological epoch, is named after the city of Gela.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gelasian Age, a recognized geological epoch, derives its name from the Sicilian city of Gela.
Gela experiences a climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gela possesses a Mediterranean climate, marked by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, rather than cold, snowy winters.
Gela is situated at an elevation of approximately 151 feet above sea level.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gela's elevation is approximately 46 meters, which equates to about 151 feet above sea level.
The Natural Reserve of Biviere di Gela is known for its mountainous terrain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Natural Reserve of Biviere di Gela is characterized by a coastal lake and surrounding sand dunes, not mountainous terrain.
What is Gela's geographical location within Sicily?
Answer: Southwestern coast, at the estuary of the Gela river
Explanation: Gela is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Sicily, specifically at the estuary of the Gela river on the island's southwestern side.
The name 'Gela' originates from the name of a river, which itself is derived from a Sicilian dialect word meaning:
Answer: Winter frost
Explanation: The name 'Gela' is derived from the Gela river, which in turn originates from a Sicilian dialect word signifying 'winter frost'.
The Gelasian Age, a geological epoch, is part of which larger Epoch?
Answer: Pleistocene Epoch
Explanation: The Gelasian Age, named after Gela, is classified as a geological epoch within the broader Pleistocene Epoch.
What is Gela's elevation above sea level?
Answer: 46 meters
Explanation: Gela is situated at an elevation of approximately 46 meters (about 151 feet) above sea level.
What natural feature characterizes the Natural Reserve of Biviere di Gela?
Answer: A coastal lake surrounded by sand dunes
Explanation: The Natural Reserve of Biviere di Gela is characterized by a coastal lake bordered by sand dunes.
What is the meaning of the Sicilian dialect word 'gela', which gave the river and city its name?
Answer: Winter frost
Explanation: The Sicilian dialect word 'gela,' from which the river and city derive their name, signifies 'winter frost'.
The Timolean Walls in Gela are noted for their construction using large squared blocks of calcarenite topped with clay bricks.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Timolean Walls, dating from the 4th century BC, are distinguished by their construction method, employing large squared calcarenite blocks capped with clay bricks.
The Acropolis archaeological area in Gela contains ruins of ancient houses, shops, and temples, featuring a planned layout of streets.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Acropolis archaeological zone encompasses remnants of ancient dwellings, commercial establishments, and temples, characterized by the Hippodamian system of planned streets.
The Greek Baths of Gela are unique in Sicily for their complex wastewater system and construction materials.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Greek Baths in Gela are considered unique within Sicily due to their intricate wastewater management system and the specific materials used in their construction.
Recent archaeological discoveries in Gela include the oldest known Roman shipwreck.
Answer: False
Explanation: Recent discoveries in the Gela area have yielded the oldest known Greek shipwreck, not Roman.
The Bosco Littorio site contains the remains of an extensive emporium dating from the 7th to 6th centuries BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bosco Littorio archaeological site features the remnants of a substantial emporium that dates back to the 7th and 6th centuries BC.
The facade of Gela's Mother Church features Doric and Ionic semi-columns.
Answer: True
Explanation: The facade of Gela's Mother Church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Assunta, is adorned with Doric and Ionic semi-columns across its two orders.
The Castelluccio near Gela is a historical structure built in the late 14th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Castelluccio, meaning 'Small Castle,' is a historical structure dating to the early 13th century, not the late 14th century.
The Torre di Manfria is a landmark located inland from the coast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Torre di Manfria is situated in Manfria, a coastal village and frazione of Gela, making it a coastal landmark, not an inland one.
Archaeological evidence suggests the acropolis of Gela was occupied during the Iron Age.
Answer: False
Explanation: Archaeological findings indicate occupation of Gela's acropolis during the Copper Age (4th millennium BC) and Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC), not the Iron Age.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary archaeological area accessible for visits in Gela?
Answer: Temple of Zeus
Explanation: While temples were present on the acropolis, the 'Temple of Zeus' is not specifically listed among the primary archaeological areas accessible for visits in Gela; the Temple of Athena is noted.
What is described as unique about the Greek Baths of Gela?
Answer: Their connection to a wastewater system and specific construction materials
Explanation: The Greek Baths of Gela are distinguished by their integrated wastewater system and the particular materials employed in their construction.
Which of the following is mentioned as a recent archaeological discovery in the Gela area?
Answer: The oldest known Greek shipwreck
Explanation: Recent archaeological findings in the Gela region include the discovery of the oldest known Greek shipwreck.
Besides archaeological sites, which of the following is listed as a main sight in Gela?
Answer: The Regional Archeological Museum
Explanation: The Regional Archeological Museum is listed as one of the main attractions in Gela, in addition to its archaeological sites.
What is the 'Castelluccio' mentioned in relation to Gela?
Answer: A historical structure built in the early 13th century
Explanation: The Castelluccio, meaning 'Small Castle,' is a historical structure constructed in the early 13th century, located near Gela.
What is the significance of the Torre di Manfria?
Answer: It is a notable landmark in a coastal village near Gela.
Explanation: The Torre di Manfria serves as a significant landmark within Manfria, a coastal village associated with Gela.
What period does archaeological evidence suggest for the earliest occupation of Gela's acropolis?
Answer: Copper Age (4th millennium BC)
Explanation: Archaeological evidence points to the earliest occupation of Gela's acropolis occurring during the Copper Age, specifically the 4th millennium BC.
What architectural elements adorn the facade of Gela's Mother Church (Holy Virgin Assunta)?
Answer: Doric and Ionic semi-columns
Explanation: The facade of Gela's Mother Church is characterized by Doric and Ionic semi-columns arranged in two orders.
The Bosco Littorio site contained remains of an extensive emporium dating from which centuries BC?
Answer: 7th to 6th centuries BC
Explanation: The emporium discovered at the Bosco Littorio site dates from the 7th to 6th centuries BC.
The famous Greek playwright Sophocles lived and died in Gela.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Gela was home to notable figures, the renowned Greek playwright Aeschylus, not Sophocles, lived and died in Gela around 456 BC.
Gela's football team, S.S.D. Città di Gela, plays its home games at the Stadio Olimpico.
Answer: False
Explanation: The home stadium for S.S.D. Città di Gela is the Stadio Vincenzo Presti, not the Stadio Olimpico.
The team S.S.D. Città di Gela achieved its best performance by securing 12th position in the 2010-11 Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
Answer: True
Explanation: S.S.D. Città di Gela's highest achievement was obtaining 12th place in Group B of the 2010-11 Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
Archestratus is mentioned as a notable person associated with Gela.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archestratus, a poet and gastronome, is indeed listed among the notable figures connected to Gela, alongside Gelo and Aeschylus.
Gela is twinned with Wittingen in France.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gela is twinned with Wittingen, but Wittingen is located in Germany, not France.
The official website for the municipality of Gela is comune.gela.cl.it.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official web portal for the municipality of Gela is indeed comune.gela.cl.it.
The population density of Gela is around 660 people per square mile.
Answer: True
Explanation: The population density of Gela is approximately 260 people per square kilometer, which is equivalent to about 660 people per square mile.
The patron saint of Gela is St. Francis of Assisi, celebrated on September 8th.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gela's patron saint is St. Maria dell'Alemanna, whose feast day is observed on September 8th, not St. Francis of Assisi.
Which ancient Greek playwright is known to have lived and died in Gela?
Answer: Aeschylus
Explanation: The renowned Greek playwright Aeschylus resided in and passed away in Gela around 456 BC.
What is the name of Gela's football team?
Answer: S.S.D. Città di Gela
Explanation: The football team representing Gela is known as S.S.D. Città di Gela.
Which Greek city is Gela twinned with?
Answer: Eleusina
Explanation: Gela maintains a twinning relationship with the Greek city of Eleusina.
Who is the patron saint of Gela, and on what date is their feast day observed?
Answer: St. Maria dell'Alemanna, September 8th
Explanation: The patron saint of Gela is St. Maria dell'Alemanna, whose feast day is celebrated on September 8th.
Which Norwegian municipality does Gela have a twinning relationship with?
Answer: Nordkapp Municipality
Explanation: Gela is twinned with Nordkapp Municipality in Norway.
Which historical figure is mentioned alongside Gelo and Aeschylus as notable people associated with Gela?
Answer: Archestratus
Explanation: Archestratus is noted as a significant figure associated with Gela, alongside Gelo and Aeschylus.