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Madaba is situated approximately 30 kilometers east of Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Madaba is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, the capital of Jordan, not to the east.
According to 2021 estimates, Madaba's population was recorded at approximately 60,000 residents.
Answer: False
Explanation: While an earlier figure suggested a population of around 60,000, 2021 estimates place Madaba's population at approximately 122,008 residents.
Madaba experiences a tropical monsoon climate (Am) according to the Köppen classification.
Answer: False
Explanation: Madaba's climate is classified as Csa (Hot-summer Mediterranean), not a tropical monsoon climate.
The average annual precipitation in Madaba is approximately 346 mm, with the majority falling during the winter months.
Answer: True
Explanation: Madaba receives an average annual precipitation of about 346 mm, primarily concentrated in the winter season.
How far is Madaba located from Amman, Jordan's capital?
Answer: Approximately 30 kilometers southwest
Explanation: Madaba is situated approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, the capital city of Jordan.
According to 2021 estimates, what is the approximate population of Madaba?
Answer: Approximately 122,008 residents
Explanation: As of 2021, Madaba's population was estimated at approximately 122,008 residents, making it the ninth-largest city in Jordan.
What is the Köppen climate classification for Madaba?
Answer: Csa (Hot-summer Mediterranean)
Explanation: According to the Köppen climate classification system, Madaba is characterized by a Csa climate, indicating hot summers and mild, wet winters.
What is the average annual temperature in Madaba?
Answer: 16.4 degrees Celsius (61.5 degrees Fahrenheit)
Explanation: The average annual temperature recorded in Madaba is 16.4 degrees Celsius (61.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is the elevation of Madaba above sea level?
Answer: Approximately 763 meters (2,503 feet)
Explanation: Madaba is situated at an elevation of approximately 763 meters (2,503 feet) above sea level.
What is the area covered by the Madaba metropolitan region?
Answer: Approximately 39 square miles (100 km²)
Explanation: The metropolitan area encompassing Madaba covers approximately 100 square kilometers (39 square miles).
Madaba's recorded history begins in the late Roman period.
Answer: False
Explanation: The historical record indicates that Madaba's origins extend back to the Middle Bronze Age, predating the late Roman period.
During the Iron Age, Madaba served as a significant Moabite border city mentioned in biblical texts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Biblical references and archaeological evidence confirm Madaba's role as a significant Moabite border city during the Iron Age.
Madaba was part of the Roman province of Mesopotamia during Classical Antiquity.
Answer: False
Explanation: During Classical Antiquity, Madaba was incorporated into the Roman province of Provincia Arabia, not Mesopotamia.
The earliest documented evidence of a Christian community with its own bishop in Madaba dates to the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.
Answer: True
Explanation: Records from the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD provide the earliest evidence of a Christian bishopric in Madaba.
When does the history of Madaba reportedly begin?
Answer: In the Middle Bronze Age
Explanation: The recorded history of Madaba extends back to the Middle Bronze Age, indicating a long period of settlement.
Which biblical event or period is associated with Madaba as a Moabite border city?
Answer: The Iron Age
Explanation: Madaba is identified as a Moabite border city during the Iron Age in biblical texts and on the Mesha Stele.
During Classical Antiquity, Madaba was incorporated into which Roman province?
Answer: Provincia Arabia
Explanation: In Classical Antiquity, Madaba was part of the Roman province designated as Provincia Arabia.
What event marks the earliest documented evidence of a Christian community with its own bishop in Madaba?
Answer: The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD
Explanation: The earliest evidence of a Christian bishopric in Madaba is found in the records of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.
Madaba was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate in 629 AD, following the Battle of Mut'ah.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city of Madaba was indeed conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate in 629 AD, subsequent to the Battle of Mut'ah.
Under the Umayyad Caliphate, Madaba was part of the southern district of Jund Filastin within Bilad al-Sham.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Umayyad Caliphate's rule, Madaba was administratively situated within Jund Filastin, a southern district of the province of Bilad al-Sham.
Which caliphate conquered Madaba in 629 AD, and following which battle?
Answer: Rashidun Caliphate
Explanation: Madaba was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate in 629 AD, subsequent to the Battle of Mut'ah.
Under which Islamic caliphate was Madaba part of the southern district of Jund Filastin?
Answer: Umayyad Caliphate
Explanation: During the Umayyad Caliphate, Madaba was administered as part of Jund Filastin within the province of Bilad al-Sham.
In the late 19th century, Madaba was resettled by approximately 90 Arab Christian families migrating from northern Syria.
Answer: False
Explanation: The resettlement in 1880 involved approximately 90 Arab Christian families, but they migrated from Al Karak, not northern Syria.
The 1880 resettlement of Madaba led to significant archaeological research that supplemented historical records.
Answer: True
Explanation: The resettlement initiated in 1880 spurred considerable archaeological investigation, which proved invaluable in augmenting the limited historical documentation available for Madaba.
The institution established in 1992 that evolved into the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration was originally named the Madaba Mosaic School.
Answer: True
Explanation: The precursor to the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, founded in 1992, was indeed known as the Madaba Mosaic School.
Madaba's primary tourist attraction is its extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city's principal draw for visitors is its remarkable collection of Byzantine mosaics, significantly enhanced by archaeological park developments.
In 1880, approximately how many Arab Christian families from Al Karak resettled the ruins of Madaba?
Answer: 90 Arab Christian families from Al Karak
Explanation: Approximately 90 Arab Christian families migrating from Al Karak were responsible for the resettlement of Madaba's ruins in 1880.
What was a significant outcome of the 1880 resettlement and subsequent archaeological research in Madaba?
Answer: Supplementation of limited historical documentation
Explanation: The archaeological research following the 1880 resettlement significantly enhanced the available historical records for Madaba.
What was the original name of the institution established in 1992 that eventually evolved into the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration?
Answer: Madaba Mosaic School
Explanation: The institution founded in 1992, which later became the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, was initially named the Madaba Mosaic School.
What is Madaba's primary attraction for visitors, significantly enhanced by the development of an archaeological park?
Answer: Its collection of Byzantine mosaics.
Explanation: Madaba's principal tourist draw is its extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics, further highlighted by the establishment of an archaeological park.
What does the Bani Hamida weaving project produce?
Answer: Woven items and decorative candles
Explanation: The Bani Hamida weaving project is known for producing traditional woven items and decorative candles.
When did the American University of Madaba (AUM) open?
Answer: 2011
Explanation: The American University of Madaba (AUM) commenced operations in the year 2011.
Which Palestinian city is Madaba twinned with?
Answer: Bethlehem
Explanation: Madaba maintains a sister city relationship with Bethlehem, a prominent city in Palestine.
What is the significance of the Madaba Archaeological Park?
Answer: It enhances tourism by showcasing mosaics within ancient structures.
Explanation: The Madaba Archaeological Park plays a crucial role in promoting tourism by exhibiting the city's mosaics within their original ancient architectural contexts.
Which city in the United States shares a twinning relationship with Madaba?
Answer: Denton, Texas
Explanation: Madaba maintains a sister city relationship with Denton, Texas, in the United States.
Madaba, known in Arabic as مادبا, is principally recognized for its significant Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city of Madaba, designated مادبا in Arabic, is indeed renowned for its substantial collection of Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
The most celebrated mosaics in Madaba date primarily from the Roman and Abbasid periods.
Answer: False
Explanation: The most significant mosaics discovered in Madaba are predominantly from the Byzantine and Umayyad periods, not the Roman and Abbasid eras.
The first mosaics discovered in Madaba were found during large-scale, planned archaeological excavations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Initial mosaic discoveries in Madaba occurred serendipitously, uncovered by inhabitants during the construction of new homes.
Local priests in Madaba actively encouraged the preservation of discovered mosaics, recognizing their historical and artistic importance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The local clergy played a vital role in promoting the preservation of Madaba's mosaics by educating the community on their significance.
The highest concentration of mosaic discoveries in Madaba has been found in the southern part of the city.
Answer: False
Explanation: The northern sector of Madaba city has yielded the greatest density of mosaic finds.
The Madaba Mosaic Map is a 6th-century representation of the region, notable for its depiction of Byzantine Jerusalem.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Madaba Mosaic Map, dating to the 6th century, is indeed significant for its detailed depiction of Byzantine Jerusalem.
The Madaba Mosaic Map depicts key 6th-century landmarks of Jerusalem, including the Cardo and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Madaba Mosaic Map accurately portrays significant 6th-century Jerusalem landmarks such as the Cardo and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Mosaics found in Madaba, in addition to the map, depict a variety of subjects including mythology, animals, plants, and daily activities, not solely religious scenes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beyond the famous map, other Madaba mosaics feature diverse subjects such as mythological scenes, flora, fauna, and depictions of daily life.
The "Personification of the Sea" mosaic depicts a man fishing in the Mediterranean Sea.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "Personification of the Sea" mosaic portrays a woman emerging from the sea, surrounded by mythical creatures and aquatic life, not a man fishing.
What is the Arabic name for the city of Madaba, and what is a key feature it is renowned for?
Answer: Madaba (مادبا); known for Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
Explanation: The Arabic designation for Madaba is مادبا, and the city is primarily celebrated for its significant Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
Madaba is particularly famous for mosaics dating from which historical periods?
Answer: Byzantine and Umayyad periods
Explanation: Madaba's most celebrated mosaics originate from the Byzantine and Umayyad historical periods.
How were the first mosaics in Madaba city initially discovered?
Answer: By inhabitants constructing new homes.
Explanation: The initial mosaic discoveries in Madaba occurred organically as inhabitants constructed new dwellings, uncovering remnants of older structures.
What role did the local priests play concerning the discovered mosaics in Madaba?
Answer: They raised awareness of the mosaics' importance, promoting preservation.
Explanation: Local priests were instrumental in fostering an appreciation for the mosaics' significance, thereby encouraging their preservation among the residents.
Which part of Madaba city has yielded the highest concentration of mosaic discoveries?
Answer: The northern part of the city
Explanation: The northern sector of Madaba has proven to be the most prolific area for mosaic discoveries.
What is the primary significance of the Madaba Mosaic Map?
Answer: It provides the earliest known representation of Byzantine Jerusalem.
Explanation: The Madaba Mosaic Map holds paramount significance as the earliest surviving cartographic representation of Byzantine Jerusalem.
Which specific landmarks of 6th-century Jerusalem are clearly depicted in the Madaba Mosaic Map?
Answer: The Cardo and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Explanation: The Madaba Mosaic Map distinctly illustrates the Cardo, Jerusalem's main colonnaded street, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Beyond the famous map, what variety of subjects are depicted in other mosaic masterpieces found in Madaba?
Answer: Mythology, animals, plants, and daily activities.
Explanation: Other mosaic works in Madaba showcase a diverse range of subjects, including mythological themes, fauna, flora, and scenes of daily life, extending beyond purely religious depictions.
The "Personification of the Sea" mosaic, found in the Church of the Apostles ruins, was signed by which mosaicist?
Answer: Salamanios
Explanation: The mosaic known as the "Personification of the Sea" bears the signature of the mosaicist Salamanios.
The "Madaba Map" is composed of approximately how many pieces of colored stone?
Answer: 2 million
Explanation: The extensive Madaba Mosaic Map is meticulously crafted from approximately two million individual pieces of colored stone.
The University of Toronto has been conducting excavations in Madaba since 1996, focusing on the west acropolis.
Answer: True
Explanation: The University of Toronto commenced archaeological excavations on Madaba's west acropolis in 1996.
An Iron Age temple discovered near Madaba contained figurines of ancient deities and clay vessels used in Moabite religious rituals.
Answer: True
Explanation: An Iron Age temple unearthed near Madaba contained figurines of ancient deities and vessels associated with Moabite rituals, not Roman ones.
Khirbat Ataruz, also known as Ataroth, is significant for holding the oldest known inscription in the Moabite language script.
Answer: True
Explanation: Khirbat Ataruz, also referred to as Ataroth, is indeed significant as the location where the oldest known inscription in the Moabite language script was discovered.
The oldest inscription in the Moabite language script found at Khirbat Ataruz dates to the late 9th or early 8th century BC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The oldest discovered Moabite language inscription, found at Khirbat Ataruz, is dated to the late 9th or early 8th century BC.
Hammamat Ma'in, known for its hot springs, is located southwest of Madaba.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hammamat Ma'in, recognized for its thermal springs, is situated to the southwest of Madaba.
The nearby site of Umm ar-Rasas began as a Roman military camp and later developed into a town.
Answer: True
Explanation: Umm ar-Rasas originated as a Roman military camp before evolving into a town by the 5th century, notable for its well-preserved mosaics.
Which university has been conducting excavations in Madaba since 1996?
Answer: University of Toronto
Explanation: The University of Toronto has been engaged in archaeological excavations at Madaba, specifically on the west acropolis, since 1996.
What significant discovery was made in 2010 at Khirbat 'Ataroz, near Madaba?
Answer: A 3,000-year-old Iron Age temple
Explanation: In 2010, Khirbat 'Ataroz yielded the discovery of a 3,000-year-old Iron Age temple containing ancient deity figurines.
Khirbat Ataruz is also known by what name and is significant for containing the oldest known inscription in which language script?
Answer: Ataroth; oldest known inscription in the Moabite language script.
Explanation: Khirbat Ataruz, also known as Ataroth, is significant for containing the oldest known inscription in the Moabite language script.
When does the oldest inscription in the Moabite language script, discovered at Khirbat Ataruz, date from?
Answer: Late 9th or early 8th century BC
Explanation: The oldest Moabite language inscription found at Khirbat Ataruz dates to the late 9th or early 8th century BC.
Where is Hammamat Ma'in, known for its hot springs, located relative to Madaba?
Answer: Southwest
Explanation: Hammamat Ma'in is situated southwest of Madaba.
What is the historical significance of the nearby site of Umm ar-Rasas?
Answer: It contains well-preserved mosaics and began as a Roman military camp.
Explanation: Umm ar-Rasas is significant for its well-preserved mosaics and its origin as a Roman military camp before becoming a town.
What historical period does the fortification wall found on Madaba's west acropolis initially date from?
Answer: Iron Age (9th century BC)
Explanation: A significant fortification wall discovered on Madaba's west acropolis dates initially to the Iron Age, specifically the 9th century BC.
The Catholic Church uses the spelling 'Madaba' for the ancient bishopric and 'Medaba' for the modern city.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Catholic Church employs the spelling 'Medaba' for the ancient bishopric and 'Madaba' for the contemporary city.
How does the Catholic Church refer to the ancient bishopric associated with Madaba?
Answer: Medaba
Explanation: The Catholic Church's list of titular sees designates the ancient bishopric as 'Medaba'.
What is the Biblical Hebrew name for Madaba, as transliterated?
Answer: Mēḏəḇāʾ
Explanation: The Biblical Hebrew designation for Madaba is מֵידְבָא, transliterated as Mēḏəḇāʾ.