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Megara Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Megara: Ancient City and Modern Municipality

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Megara: Ancient City and Modern Municipality Study Guide

Geography and Identity of Megara

The Hellenic designation for Megara is Μέγαρα, with an approximate pronunciation of [ˈmeɣara].

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hellenic designation for Megara is Μέγαρα, and it is pronounced approximately as [ˈmeɣara].

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Megara is geographically situated in East Attica, Greece.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara is geographically situated in West Attica, Greece, positioned at the northern extent of the Isthmus of Corinth, directly opposite the island of Salamis.

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The ancient city of Megara possessed only one harbor, Nisaea, located on the Corinthian Gulf.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ancient city of Megara possessed two harbors: Pagae, situated westward on the Corinthian Gulf, and Nisaea, located eastward on the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea.

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Megara is situated at a considerable elevation, approximately 400 meters above sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara is situated at an elevation of 4 meters (13 feet) above sea level.

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The region designated as Megaris pertains to the mountainous territory situated north of the city of Megara.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megaris refers to the coastal plain surrounding the city of Megara, and it was also the name of the ancient city-state centered there.

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Megara is situated approximately 34 kilometers west of Athens and 37 kilometers east of Corinth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Megara is situated approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) west of Athens and 37 kilometers (23 miles) east of Corinth.

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What is the Hellenic designation and approximate phonetic rendering of Megara?

Answer: Μέγαρα (Mégara), [ˈmeɣara]

Explanation: The Hellenic designation for Megara is Μέγαρα, and it is pronounced approximately as [ˈmeɣara].

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In which geographical region of Greece is Megara located?

Answer: West Attica

Explanation: Megara is situated in West Attica, Greece, positioned at the northern extent of the Isthmus of Corinth, directly opposite the island of Salamis.

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Identify the two harbors of ancient Megara and their respective gulf locations.

Answer: Pagae (Corinthian Gulf) and Nisaea (Saronic Gulf)

Explanation: Ancient Megara possessed two maritime harbors: Pagae, situated westward on the Corinthian Gulf, and Nisaea, located eastward on the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea.

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Ascertain the elevation of Megara relative to sea level.

Answer: 4 meters

Explanation: Megara is situated at an elevation of 4 meters (13 feet) above sea level.

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What is the approximate distance between Megara and the cities of Athens and Corinth?

Answer: 21 miles (34 kilometers)

Explanation: Megara is situated approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) west of Athens and 37 kilometers (23 miles) east of Corinth.

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What is the designation of the coastal plain adjacent to Megara, which also served as the name for the ancient city-state?

Answer: Megaris

Explanation: The coastal plain surrounding Megara is known as Megaris, a name also adopted by the ancient city-state centered there.

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Mythology, Foundation, and Colonization

According to mythology, Nisos, a son of King Pandion II of Athens, ruled Megara and lent his name to its port.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Hellenic mythology, Nisos held dominion over Megara and was a son of King Pandion II of Athens, subsequently lending his name to the port of Nisaea.

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According to Pausanias, the origin of Megara is attributed to Car, son of Phoroneus, who founded the citadel known as 'Caria'.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to Pausanias, the origin of Megara is attributed to Car, son of Phoroneus, who founded the citadel known as 'Caria'.

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Megara established the significant colony of Athens in Sicily around 685 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara founded Megara Hyblaea in Sicily (north of Syracuse), Chalcedon in 685 BC, and Byzantium around 667 BC, not Athens.

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In Hellenic mythology, who governed Megara and was a scion of Pandion II?

Answer: Nisos

Explanation: Within Hellenic mythology, Nisos held dominion over Megara and was a son of King Pandion II of Athens, subsequently lending his name to the port of Nisaea.

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As per Pausanias, from whom did the Megarians trace their town's origin, and what edifices were ascribed to this progenitor?

Answer: Car, Caria

Explanation: According to Pausanias, the origin of Megara is attributed to Car, son of Phoroneus, who founded the citadel known as 'Caria'.

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Identify the notable colonies established by Megara and their approximate founding periods.

Answer: Byzantium

Explanation: Megara founded Megara Hyblaea in Sicily (north of Syracuse), Chalcedon in 685 BC, and Byzantium around 667 BC.

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Which of the following was NOT among the colonies founded by Megara according to the source?

Answer: Ephesus

Explanation: Megara founded Megara Hyblaea in Sicily (north of Syracuse), Chalcedon in 685 BC, and Byzantium around 667 BC, not Ephesus.

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Ancient History: Politics, Warfare, and Society

Homer's epics portray Megara as a significant naval power during the Late Bronze Age.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Late Bronze Age, Megara is featured as a minor kingdom within the narratives and legends recounted by Homer.

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Archaeological findings, notably the presence of Cyclopean walls, indicate that Megara was a substantial Mycenaean fortified settlement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archaeological discoveries indicate Megara's status as a Mycenaean fortified site, evidenced by isolated sections of Cyclopean masonry found on the elevated terrain, suggesting the presence of a megaron and strategic oversight of the coastal plain.

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Megara and Miletos engaged in a cooperative relationship concerning colonization during the 7th/6th centuries BCE, frequently guided by the pronouncements of Apollo oracles.

Answer: True

Explanation: Megara and Miletos maintained a close association, characterized by some scholars as a 'colonisation alliance,' wherein they acted in concert, often under the sanction of Apollo's oracles, with Megara consulting Delphi and Miletos Apollo Didymeus at Didyma.

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Theagenes established his tyranny in Megara by distributing substantial sums of gold among the citizenry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theagenes established his tyranny in Megara by slaughtering the possessions of the affluent to garner favor among the populace.

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During the Second Persian Invasion, Megara aligned itself with the Persian forces against Athens and Sparta.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the second Persian invasion (480–479 BC), Megara fought alongside the allied forces of the Spartans and Athenians in pivotal engagements such as the Battle of Salamis and the Battle of Plataea.

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Megara's secession from the Peloponnesian League to join the Delian League circa 460 BC constituted a direct catalyst for the Second Peloponnesian War.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara's secession from the Peloponnesian League circa 460 BC was a contributing factor to the outbreak of the First Peloponnesian War, not the Second.

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The Megarian decree represented an Athenian statute imposing commercial restrictions upon Megarian traders, thereby contributing to the commencement of the Peloponnesian War.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Megarian decree constituted an economic sanction enacted by Athens, prohibiting Megarian merchants from accessing Athenian-controlled territories. It is regarded as a contributing cause of the Peloponnesian War.

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During the Chremonidean War, Megara achieved a notable defense against Antigonus Gonatas's elephants by employing burning pigs.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Chremonidean War in 266 BC, the Megarians successfully repelled the war elephants of the Macedonian king Antigonus Gonatas by utilizing burning pigs.

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Megara initially joined the Achaean League in 243 BC but subsequently reaffirmed its allegiance to the Boeotian League on a permanent basis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara initially joined the Achaean League in 243 BC but later rejoined the Achaean League, not the Boeotian League permanently.

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Megara underwent a period of democratic governance between 427 BC and 424 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Megara appears to have experienced democratic rule during two principal intervals: firstly, between 427 BC and 424 BC, and secondly, during the 370s BC.

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Plutarch documented that during the 6th century BC, Megara's radical administration enacted legislation rendering loans illegal and mandating the restitution of all principal collected by creditors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Plutarch asserts that the radical government in 6th century BC Megara allegedly prohibited interest-bearing loans and mandated the repayment of all collected interest by creditors.

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What archaeological findings support the classification of Megara as a Mycenaean fortified site?

Answer: Isolated blocks of Cyclopean walls

Explanation: Archaeological discoveries indicate Megara's status as a Mycenaean fortified site, evidenced by isolated sections of Cyclopean masonry found on the elevated terrain, suggesting the presence of a megaron and strategic oversight of the coastal plain.

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The relationship between Megara and Miletos in the 7th/6th centuries BCE is described by scholars as:

Answer: A 'colonisation alliance'

Explanation: Megara and Miletos maintained a close association, characterized by some scholars as a 'colonisation alliance,' wherein they acted in concert, often under the sanction of Apollo's oracles.

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How did Theagenes of Megara establish his tyranny in the late 7th century BC?

Answer: By slaughtering the cattle of the wealthy to gain favor with the poor

Explanation: Theagenes was a tyrant of Megara in the late 7th century BC, who ascended to power by slaughtering the possessions of the affluent to garner favor among the populace.

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During the Second Persian Invasion (480–479 BC), Megara fought on which side?

Answer: Fought alongside the Spartans and Athenians

Explanation: During the second Persian invasion (480–479 BC), Megara fought alongside the allied forces of the Spartans and Athenians in pivotal engagements such as the Battle of Salamis and the Battle of Plataea.

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Megara's defection from the Peloponnesian League around 460 BC was a contributing factor to which war?

Answer: The First Peloponnesian War

Explanation: Megara's secession from the Peloponnesian League circa 460 BC was a contributing factor to the outbreak of the First Peloponnesian War, not the Second.

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What was the primary nature of the 'Megarian decree' issued by Athens?

Answer: An economic sanction banning Megarian merchants

Explanation: The Megarian decree constituted an economic sanction enacted by Athens, prohibiting Megarian merchants from accessing Athenian-controlled territories. It is regarded as a contributing cause of the Peloponnesian War.

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How did the Megarians defend themselves against Antigonus Gonatas's elephants during the Chremonidean War?

Answer: Deploying burning pigs

Explanation: During the Chremonidean War in 266 BC, the Megarians successfully repelled the war elephants of the Macedonian king Antigonus Gonatas by utilizing burning pigs.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a democratic institution reportedly used in Megara?

Answer: Monarchy

Explanation: Reportedly, Megarian democracy incorporated institutions such as a popular Assembly and Council, a collegial body of five or six generals, the utilization of a secret ballot, and the practice of ostracism. Monarchy was not among these.

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According to Plutarch, what radical measure did the 6th century BC Megarian government allegedly implement regarding loans?

Answer: Made interest-bearing loans illegal and required return of collected interest.

Explanation: Plutarch asserts that the radical government in 6th century BC Megara allegedly prohibited interest-bearing loans and mandated the repayment of all collected interest by creditors.

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Which of the following was a consequence of Megara's defection from the Peloponnesian League around 460 BC?

Answer: It caused border disputes with Corinth and contributed to the First Peloponnesian War.

Explanation: Megara's withdrawal from the Peloponnesian League circa 460 BC, driven by territorial disputes with Corinth, was a significant factor precipitating the First Peloponnesian War.

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What was the Athenian justification for issuing the Megarian decree?

Answer: Megarian desecration of the Hiera Orgas

Explanation: The Athenians contended that the Megarian decree, which imposed restrictions on Megarian merchants, was enacted in response to the Megarians' alleged desecration of the Hiera Orgas, a sacred precinct situated in the border region between Athens and Megara.

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In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Megara demonstrated shifting political allegiances, notably joining and later returning to which major league?

Answer: The Achaean League

Explanation: Megara initially joined the Achaean League in 243 BC but later rejoined the Achaean League, not the Boeotian League permanently.

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What historical event involved the Megarians successfully defending against elephants using burning pigs?

Answer: The Chremonidean War

Explanation: During the Chremonidean War in 266 BC, the Megarians successfully repelled the war elephants of the Macedonian king Antigonus Gonatas by utilizing burning pigs.

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Ancient Culture, Philosophy, and Notable Figures

Ancient Megara's principal exports consisted of grain and olive oil.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ancient Megara specialized in the exportation of wool and other animal products, including livestock such as horses.

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Byzas, the founder of Byzantium, and the poet Theognis were distinguished citizens of Megara during the 6th century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Byzas, the founder of Byzantium, and Theognis, an elegiac poet, were celebrated figures from 6th century BC Megara.

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Herodicus, recognized as an early proponent of sports medicine, prescribed a journey from Megara to Athens as a regimen for therapeutic exercise during the 5th century BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 5th century BC, Herodicus, considered a pioneer in sports medicine, recommended a therapeutic walk from Athens to Megara, not the reverse.

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Euclid of Megara is credited with founding the Stoic school of philosophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Euclid of Megara founded the Megarian school of philosophy, distinguished by its emphasis on logic and dialectical reasoning, not the Stoic school.

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The ancient Greek aphorism 'worthy of the Megarians share' denoted something honorable or highly esteemed.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ancient Greek aphorism 'worthy of the Megarians share' conveyed the meaning of something dishonorable or disgraced.

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Saint Jerome documented a saying concerning the Megarians, implying they exhibited extravagant living habits coupled with inadequate future planning.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saint Jerome documented a saying about the Megarians highlighting their perceived dedication to enduring construction projects alongside a mindful approach to daily life ('They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow'), not extravagance and poor planning.

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The Nike of Megara is a renowned ancient sculpture depicting the goddess Nike, unearthed in 1820.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nike of Megara is a notable ancient statue representing the goddess Nike, discovered in Megara in the year 1820.

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Orsippus, a celebrated runner from Megara, participated in the Olympic Games during the 8th century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Orsippus was a runner originating from Megara who lived during the 8th century BC.

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Eupalinos of Megara was an engineer distinguished for his design of the aqueduct system in Athens.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eupalinos of Megara was an engineer from the 6th century BC celebrated for his construction of the Tunnel of Eupalinos on the island of Samos, not the aqueduct system of Athens.

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Stilpo, a philosopher active circa 325 BC, was affiliated with the Cynic school of thought.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stilpo was a philosopher of the Megarian school, not affiliated with the Cynic school.

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Coinage minted in Byzantium during the reign of Marcus Aurelius featured Byzas, the city's founder, who hailed from Megara.

Answer: True

Explanation: Coinage minted in Byzantium, Thrace, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE) featured an idealized representation of Byzas, the city's founder, who hailed from Megara.

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What constituted the principal exports of ancient Megara?

Answer: Wool and animal products

Explanation: Ancient Megara specialized in the exportation of wool and other animal products, including livestock such as horses.

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Who were two famous citizens of Megara from the 6th century BC mentioned in the source?

Answer: Byzas and Theognis

Explanation: Two celebrated figures from 6th century BC Megara were Byzas, the legendary founder of Byzantium, and Theognis, an elegiac poet.

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The anecdote involving Herodicus prescribing exercise in the 5th century BC involved a walk between which two locations?

Answer: Athens and Megara

Explanation: In the 5th century BC, Herodicus, considered a pioneer in sports medicine, recommended a therapeutic walk from Athens to Megara, not the reverse.

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Who founded the Megarian school of philosophy, known for its focus on logic and dialectic?

Answer: Euclid of Megara

Explanation: Euclid of Megara founded the Megarian school of philosophy in the early 4th century BC. This philosophical tradition was distinguished by its emphasis on logic and dialectical reasoning.

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The ancient Greek proverb 'worthy of the Megarians share' implied that something was:

Answer: Dishonorable or dishonored

Explanation: The ancient Greek aphorism 'worthy of the Megarians share' conveyed the meaning of something dishonorable or disgraced.

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What does the saying reported by Saint Jerome about the Megarians ('They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow') highlight?

Answer: Their perceived generosity in building and their approach to life.

Explanation: Saint Jerome documented a saying about the Megarians highlighting their perceived dedication to enduring construction projects alongside a mindful approach to daily life ('They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow'), not extravagance and poor planning.

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The Nike of Megara statue, discovered in 1820, depicts which figure?

Answer: The goddess Nike

Explanation: The Nike of Megara is a notable ancient statue representing the goddess Nike, discovered in Megara in the year 1820.

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Who was Orsippus, and when did he live?

Answer: A runner who lived in the 8th century BC

Explanation: Orsippus was a runner originating from Megara who lived during the 8th century BC.

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Eupalinos of Megara, an engineer from the 6th century BC, is primarily known for his work on:

Answer: The Tunnel of Eupalinos on Samos

Explanation: Eupalinos of Megara was an engineer from the 6th century BC celebrated for his construction of the Tunnel of Eupalinos on the island of Samos.

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Which philosophical school was founded by Euclid of Megara?

Answer: The Megarian school

Explanation: Euclid of Megara founded the Megarian school of philosophy in the early 4th century BC. This philosophical tradition was distinguished by its emphasis on logic and dialectical reasoning.

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The Megarian proverb 'They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow' suggests a combination of:

Answer: Foresight in construction and mindfulness in life

Explanation: Saint Jerome documented a saying about the Megarians highlighting their perceived dedication to enduring construction projects alongside a mindful approach to daily life ('They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow').

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Which historical figure is associated with the early use of exercise as a medical prescription, involving a walk to Megara?

Answer: Herodicus

Explanation: In the 5th century BC, Herodicus, considered a pioneer in sports medicine, recommended a therapeutic walk from Athens to Megara, marking one of the earliest documented instances of exercise being prescribed for health purposes.

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What is the meaning of the ancient Greek proverb 'worthy of the Megarians share'?

Answer: Something dishonorable or dishonored

Explanation: The ancient Greek aphorism 'worthy of the Megarians share' conveyed the meaning of something dishonorable or disgraced.

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What ancient practice involving Megara is mentioned as an early form of exercise prescription?

Answer: A prescribed walk from Athens to Megara

Explanation: In the 5th century BC, Herodicus, considered a pioneer in sports medicine, recommended a therapeutic walk from Athens to Megara, marking one of the earliest documented instances of exercise being prescribed for health purposes.

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What engineering feat is Eupalinos of Megara known for?

Answer: Engineering the Tunnel of Eupalinos on Samos

Explanation: Eupalinos of Megara was an engineer from the 6th century BC celebrated for his construction of the Tunnel of Eupalinos on the island of Samos.

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The proverb 'They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow' was attributed to the Megarians by which historical figure?

Answer: Saint Jerome

Explanation: Saint Jerome documented a saying about the Megarians highlighting their perceived dedication to enduring construction projects alongside a mindful approach to daily life ('They build as if they are to live forever; they live as if they are to die tomorrow').

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Modern Megara: Administration and Infrastructure

The present-day municipality of Megara was established in 2011 through the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Megara and Nea Peramos.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current municipality of Megara was constituted in 2011 through the consolidation of the former municipalities of Megara and Nea Peramos, which subsequently became municipal units.

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As per the 2021 census, the municipality of Megara reported a population exceeding 45,000 inhabitants.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of the 2021 census, the municipality of Megara recorded a population of 38,033.

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Megara observes UTC+3 year-round, without engaging in daylight saving time adjustments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Megara adheres to UTC+2 (Eastern European Time) and transitions to UTC+3 (Eastern European Summer Time) during periods of daylight saving.

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The designated postal code for Megara is 191 00.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designated postal code for Megara is 191 00.

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The Proastiakos suburban train service provides a connection between Megara and Thessaloniki.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Proastiakos suburban train service connects Megara to Athens and Kiato, not Thessaloniki.

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The military airfield in proximity to Megara is identified by the ICAO code LGMG.

Answer: True

Explanation: The military airfield south of Megara has the ICAO code LGMG.

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The municipality of Megara encompasses a total area of approximately 127.5 square miles.

Answer: True

Explanation: The municipality of Megara has a total area of 330.11 square kilometers (127.5 square miles).

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Vyzas F.C. is a prominent football (soccer) club based in Megara.

Answer: True

Explanation: The football club associated with Megara is Vyzas F.C.

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Megara serves as the location for a potent medium-wave transmitter utilized in radio broadcasting.

Answer: True

Explanation: Megara hosts a powerful medium-wave transmitter, distinguished by a 180-meter radio mast, which broadcasts on frequencies of 666 kHz and 981 kHz.

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Describe the contemporary administrative classification of Megara.

Answer: A municipality in West Attica, Greece

Explanation: Megara currently functions as a municipality within West Attica, Greece, established in 2011.

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What was the reported population of the Megara municipality as of the 2021 census?

Answer: 38,033

Explanation: As of the 2021 census, the municipality of Megara recorded a population of 38,033.

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Which time zone is observed in Megara?

Answer: UTC+2 (EET) / UTC+3 (EEST)

Explanation: Megara adheres to UTC+2 (Eastern European Time) and transitions to UTC+3 (Eastern European Summer Time) during periods of daylight saving.

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Identify the principal motorway facilitating connectivity between Megara, Athens, and Corinth.

Answer: A8 (Olympia Odos)

Explanation: The A8 motorway provides a major transportation link connecting Megara with Athens and Corinth.

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The Proastiakos suburban train service provides a connection between Megara and which other locations?

Answer: Athens and Kiato

Explanation: The Proastiakos suburban train service connects Megara to Athens and Kiato, not Thessaloniki.

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When was the present municipality of Megara established, and which former administrative entities were integrated into it?

Answer: Megara and Nea Peramos

Explanation: The current municipality of Megara was constituted in 2011 through the consolidation of the former municipalities of Megara and Nea Peramos, which subsequently became municipal units.

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What facility related to broadcasting is located in Megara?

Answer: A medium-wave radio transmitter mast

Explanation: Megara hosts a powerful medium-wave transmitter, distinguished by a 180-meter radio mast, which broadcasts on frequencies of 666 kHz and 981 kHz.

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The administrative unit of Megara belongs to which larger administrative region and regional unit in Greece?

Answer: Attica / West Attica

Explanation: Megara is part of the administrative region of Attica and the regional unit of West Attica in Greece.

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The population density of the municipal unit of Megara is approximately how many people per square mile?

Answer: 250

Explanation: The municipal unit of Megara exhibits a population density of approximately 96 individuals per square kilometer (equivalent to 250 per square mile).

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Which of the following is a district or suburb within Megara mentioned in the source?

Answer: Pachi

Explanation: Notable districts and suburbs within Megara include Agia Triada, Aigeirouses, Kineta, Koumintri, Lakka Kalogirou, Moni Agiou Ierotheou, Moni Agiou Ioannou Prodromou, Moni Panachrantou, Pachi, Stikas, and Vlychada.

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The football club Vyzas F.C. is associated with which Greek city?

Answer: Megara

Explanation: The football club associated with Megara is Vyzas F.C.

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