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Mopsuestia Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The History and Evolution of Mopsuestia

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The History and Evolution of Mopsuestia Study Guide

Origins and Early Identity

Throughout its history, Mopsuestia was known by only one other name: Seleucia on the Pyramus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mopsuestia was known by numerous names throughout its history, including Mopsos, Seleucia on the Pyramus, Hadriana, Decia, al-Mašmūṣah, Mamistra, and Misis.

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According to tradition, Mopsuestia was founded by the Greek hero Odysseus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tradition attributes the founding of Mopsuestia to the ancient seer Mopsus, not the hero Odysseus.

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Mopsuestia was frequently mentioned in historical records before the Christian era.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mopsuestia is scarcely documented in historical records prior to the commencement of the Christian era; its historical prominence increased significantly thereafter.

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Pliny the Elder referred to Mopsuestia as 'Seleucia on the Pyramus' in his work Historia Naturalis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pliny the Elder referred to the city as the free city of Mopsos in his 'Historia Naturalis,' not 'Seleucia on the Pyramus'.

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During the Seleucid Empire, Mopsuestia was known as Seleucia on the Pyramus and retained this name into the Roman period.

Answer: False

Explanation: While known as Seleucia on the Pyramus during the Seleucid Empire, Mopsuestia reverted to its earlier name or adopted new ones around the time of the Roman conquest.

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A battle near Mopsuestia between Seleucid princes resulted in the destruction of the city by citizens.

Answer: False

Explanation: A conflict between Seleucid princes Antiochus X Eusebes and Seleucus VI Epiphanes occurred near Mopsuestia. Following the citizens' killing of Seleucus VI, Antiochus XI and Philip I retaliated by destroying the city.

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The term Cilicia Campestris refers to the mountainous region surrounding Mopsuestia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term Cilicia Campestris refers to the plain region of Cilicia, where Mopsuestia was situated, not the surrounding mountainous area.

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In which ancient region was Mopsuestia primarily located?

Answer: Cilicia Campestris

Explanation: Mopsuestia was primarily located in the ancient region of Cilicia, specifically within the area known as Cilicia Campestris.

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Identify the name that was NOT associated with Mopsuestia among the options provided.

Answer: Antiochia Minor

Explanation: Mopsuestia was known by various names including Seleucia on the Pyramus, Hadriana, and Mamistra (among others), but not Antiochia Minor.

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According to tradition, who is credited with founding Mopsuestia?

Answer: The ancient seer Mopsus

Explanation: Tradition attributes the founding of Mopsuestia to the ancient seer Mopsus, from whom the city derives its name.

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Which classical author referred to Mopsuestia as 'the free city of Mopsos'?

Answer: Pliny the Elder

Explanation: Pliny the Elder referred to the city as the free city of Mopsos in his work 'Historia Naturalis'.

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What name did Mopsuestia adopt during the Seleucid Empire?

Answer: Seleucia on the Pyramus

Explanation: During the Seleucid Empire, Mopsuestia was known as Seleucia on the Pyramus (Seleukeia pros ton Pyramon).

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What specific event precipitated the destruction of Mopsuestia by Antiochus XI and Philip I?

Answer: The killing of Seleucus VI Epiphanes by the city's citizens

Explanation: Following the citizens' killing of Seleucus VI Epiphanes, his brothers Antiochus XI and Philip I retaliated by destroying Mopsuestia.

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What does the term Cilicia Campestris refer to in relation to Mopsuestia?

Answer: The plain region of Cilicia where Mopsuestia was situated.

Explanation: The term Cilicia Campestris designates the plain region of Cilicia where Mopsuestia was geographically situated.

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Define the geographical scope of the term 'Cilicia Campestris' in relation to Mopsuestia.

Answer: The plain region of Cilicia where Mopsuestia was situated.

Explanation: The term Cilicia Campestris designates the plain region of Cilicia where Mopsuestia was geographically situated.

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Roman and Byzantine Periods

Assess the navigability of the Pyramus River (modern Ceyhan River) from Mopsuestia to the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pyramus River was indeed navigable from Mopsuestia to the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating significant trade and transport for the city.

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Roman emperors Hadrian and Decius honored Mopsuestia by renaming it Hadriana and Decia, respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roman emperors frequently honored cities by renaming them. Mopsuestia was known as Hadriana under Emperor Hadrian and Decia under Emperor Decius, as evidenced by coins and inscriptions.

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Emperor Justinian I was responsible for the initial construction of the bridge over the Pyramus River at Mopsuestia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial construction of the bridge over the Pyramus River at Mopsuestia was commissioned by Emperor Constantius II; Justinian I later undertook restoration work on it.

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Emperor Constantine IV recaptured Mopsuestia from the Arabs in 684 AD, and it remained under Byzantine control permanently thereafter.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Constantine IV recaptured Mopsuestia in 684 AD, but it was later retaken by the Arabs in 703 AD, thus not remaining under permanent Byzantine control.

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Mopsuestia's status as a frontier city meant it experienced little conflict during the Byzantine era.

Answer: False

Explanation: As a frontier city, Mopsuestia was frequently contested, experiencing periods of Byzantine control interspersed with significant conflict and recapture.

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During the Byzantine era, Mopsuestia had an estimated population of 200,000 inhabitants.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Byzantine period, Mopsuestia was a significant urban center with an estimated population of 200,000 inhabitants.

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Emperor Constantine IV temporarily restored Mopsuestia to Byzantine control in 684 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emperor Constantine IV successfully recaptured Mopsuestia from its Arab garrison in 684 AD, temporarily restoring it to Byzantine control.

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What was the primary significance of the Pyramus River (modern Ceyhan River) for the city of Mopsuestia?

Answer: It was navigable to the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating trade.

Explanation: The Pyramus River was navigable from Mopsuestia to the Mediterranean Sea, a distance of over 40 kilometers, providing the city with a crucial link for maritime trade and transport.

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Under which Roman emperor was Mopsuestia referred to as 'Hadriana'?

Answer: Hadrian

Explanation: Mopsuestia was known as Hadriana under Emperor Hadrian, reflecting the imperial practice of renaming cities in honor of reigning emperors.

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Attribute the initial construction of the bridge over the Pyramus River at Mopsuestia to the correct Roman emperor.

Answer: Emperor Constantius II

Explanation: Emperor Constantius II commissioned the construction of a significant bridge over the Pyramus River at Mopsuestia.

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What was the estimated population of Mopsuestia during the Byzantine era?

Answer: 200,000

Explanation: During the Byzantine period, Mopsuestia was a significant urban center with an estimated population of 200,000 inhabitants.

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What was Emperor Constantine IV's military action concerning Mopsuestia in 684 AD?

Answer: He recaptured Mopsuestia from its Arab garrison.

Explanation: Emperor Constantine IV successfully recaptured Mopsuestia from its Arab garrison in 684 AD, temporarily restoring it to Byzantine control.

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What was Emperor Constantine IV's military action concerning Mopsuestia in 684 AD?

Answer: He recaptured Mopsuestia from its Arab garrison.

Explanation: Emperor Constantine IV successfully recaptured Mopsuestia from its Arab garrison in 684 AD, temporarily restoring it to Byzantine control.

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Medieval Transformations and Conflicts

Mopsuestia came under Arab control in the late 630s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arab forces conquered the region of Cilicia, including Mopsuestia, in the late 630s, marking the beginning of Arab rule.

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After recapturing Mopsuestia in 703 AD, the Arabs reinforced its defenses and established a mosque.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following their recapture of Mopsuestia in 703 AD, the Arabs fortified the city and constructed a mosque, enhancing its strategic importance.

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John I Tzimisces successfully captured Mopsuestia in 964 AD after a difficult siege.

Answer: False

Explanation: John I Tzimisces failed to capture Mopsuestia in 964 AD. The subsequent year, Nicephorus Phocas successfully conquered the city after a difficult siege.

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Turkish forces occupied Mopsuestia in the early 1090s but were not expelled by Crusader troops.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the early 1090s, Turkish forces occupied Mopsuestia. They were subsequently expelled in 1097 by Crusader troops led by Tancred, Prince of Galilee.

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After its capture by Tancred in 1097, Mopsuestia was annexed to the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following its capture by Tancred in 1097, Mopsuestia was annexed to the Principality of Antioch, not the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

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Mopsuestia experienced periods of loss and recapture between the 11th and 12th centuries due to conflicts involving Crusaders, Armenians, and Greeks.

Answer: True

Explanation: Between the 11th and 12th centuries, Mopsuestia was subjected to recurrent conflicts involving Crusaders, Armenians, and Greeks, leading to multiple instances of loss and recapture.

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The Armenian Baron T'oros II captured Mopsuestia in 1151-1152, and it subsequently became part of the Kingdom of France.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following its capture by Baron T'oros II in 1151-1152, Mopsuestia became part of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, not the Kingdom of France.

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The Mamluks raided Mopsuestia multiple times and permanently evicted the Armenians from the city in 1347.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mamluks conducted multiple raids on Mopsuestia and permanently expelled the Armenians from the city in 1347, significantly altering its political and demographic landscape.

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Venetian and Genoese merchants were licensed to establish warehouses near Mopsuestia's harbor during the Armenian Kingdom's rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Armenian Kingdom's rule, Venetian and Genoese merchants were permitted to establish warehouses near Mopsuestia's harbor, facilitating trade, particularly with goods from India.

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Nicephorus Phocas failed to capture Mopsuestia in 965 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nicephorus Phocas successfully captured Mopsuestia in 965 AD after a challenging siege, following an unsuccessful attempt by John I Tzimisces the previous year.

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In which period did Arab forces first gain control of Mopsuestia?

Answer: In the late 7th century (late 630s)

Explanation: Arab forces conquered the region of Cilicia, including Mopsuestia, in the late 630s, marking the beginning of Arab rule.

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Detail the improvements undertaken by Arab forces in Mopsuestia following their recapture of the city in 703 AD.

Answer: They constructed a mosque and rebuilt fortifications.

Explanation: Following their recapture of Mopsuestia in 703 AD, the Arabs fortified the city and constructed a mosque, enhancing its strategic importance.

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Identify the Byzantine general who unsuccessfully attempted to capture Mopsuestia in 964 AD.

Answer: John I Tzimisces

Explanation: John I Tzimisces failed to capture Mopsuestia in 964 AD. The subsequent year, Nicephorus Phocas successfully conquered the city after a difficult siege.

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Identify the Byzantine general who successfully captured Mopsuestia in 965 AD after a difficult siege.

Answer: Nicephorus Phocas

Explanation: Nicephorus Phocas successfully captured Mopsuestia in 965 AD after a challenging siege, following an unsuccessful attempt by John I Tzimisces the previous year.

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Who expelled the Turkish forces from Mopsuestia in 1097?

Answer: Tancred, Prince of Galilee

Explanation: In 1097, Crusader troops led by Tancred, Prince of Galilee, expelled the Turkish forces that had occupied Mopsuestia.

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Following its capture by Tancred in 1097, to which Crusader principality was Mopsuestia annexed?

Answer: Principality of Antioch

Explanation: Following its capture by Tancred in 1097, Mopsuestia was annexed to the Principality of Antioch.

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Identify the entity responsible for the permanent eviction of Armenians from Mopsuestia in 1347.

Answer: The Mamluks

Explanation: The Mamluks conducted multiple raids on Mopsuestia and permanently expelled the Armenians from the city in 1347.

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Describe the commercial activities of Venetian and Genoese merchants in Mopsuestia during the period of the Armenian Kingdom's rule.

Answer: They were licensed to establish warehouses for trade goods.

Explanation: During the Armenian Kingdom's rule, Venetian and Genoese merchants were permitted to establish warehouses near Mopsuestia's harbor, facilitating trade, particularly with goods from India.

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Evaluate the success of Nicephorus Phocas's campaign to capture Mopsuestia in 965 AD.

Answer: He succeeded after a prolonged and difficult siege.

Explanation: Nicephorus Phocas successfully captured Mopsuestia in 965 AD after a challenging siege, following an unsuccessful attempt by John I Tzimisces the previous year.

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Evaluate the success of Nicephorus Phocas's campaign to capture Mopsuestia in 965 AD.

Answer: He succeeded after a prolonged and difficult siege.

Explanation: Nicephorus Phocas successfully captured Mopsuestia in 965 AD after a challenging siege, following an unsuccessful attempt by John I Tzimisces the previous year.

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Ecclesiastical and Cultural Significance

Theodorus, a bishop opposing Paul of Samosata, was active in Mopsuestia during the 4th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodorus, a bishop opposing Paul of Samosata, was active in Mopsuestia during the 3rd century, not the 4th.

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Saint Auxentius, a notable figure in Mopsuestia's early Christian history, died in 360 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Saint Auxentius was a bishop of Mopsuestia during the 4th century, who died in 360 AD, recognized as a significant figure in the city's early Christian history.

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Theodore, bishop of Mopsuestia from 392 to 428 AD, was the teacher of Nestorius.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theodore served as bishop of Mopsuestia from 392 to 428 AD and is notable as the teacher of the theologian Nestorius.

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The Catholic Church no longer recognizes Mopsuestia as a historical bishopric.

Answer: False

Explanation: The bishopric of Mopsuestia is still recognized by the Catholic Church as a titular see, acknowledging its historical significance.

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Mopsuestia hosted several church councils and had four Armenian churches, indicating its medieval ecclesiastical importance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mopsuestia's ecclesiastical importance is evidenced by its role as a venue for church councils, the presence of four Armenian churches, and a functioning Greek diocese into the early 14th century.

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The Misis Mosaic Museum, established in 1959, houses the famous 'Samson Mosaic'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Misis Mosaic Museum, established in 1959, is home to the renowned 'Samson Mosaic,' among other significant archaeological finds from the Mopsuestia site.

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The historian Victor Langlois successfully transported a Greek inscription from Mopsuestia to France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Greek inscription discovered by Victor Langlois in Mopsuestia was unfortunately lost when it fell into the Pyramus River during the process of transportation to France.

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Heracleides, a grammarian mentioned in classical sources, hailed from Mopsuestia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Heracleides was a grammarian from Mopsuestia, mentioned in classical sources such as Stephanus of Byzantium.

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The mosaics displayed in the Misis Mosaic Museum primarily depict scenes from Roman mythology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mosaics displayed in the Misis Mosaic Museum primarily depict biblical narratives, such as the story of Noah's Ark, rather than scenes from Roman mythology.

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Identify the historical role of Theodore in Mopsuestia's early Christian history.

Answer: The teacher of Nestorius and bishop from 392-428 AD

Explanation: Theodore served as bishop of Mopsuestia from 392 to 428 AD and is notable as the teacher of the theologian Nestorius.

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What is the current ecclesiastical recognition of the bishopric of Mopsuestia by the Catholic Church?

Answer: It is recognized as a titular see.

Explanation: The bishopric of Mopsuestia is recognized by the Catholic Church as a titular see, indicating its historical significance despite no longer being an active episcopal seat.

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Identify the notable artifact housed in the Misis Mosaic Museum.

Answer: The Samson Mosaic

Explanation: The Misis Mosaic Museum, established in 1959, is home to the renowned 'Samson Mosaic,' among other significant archaeological finds from the Mopsuestia site.

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What was the ultimate fate of the Greek inscription discovered by historian Victor Langlois in Mopsuestia?

Answer: It was lost when it fell into the Pyramus River.

Explanation: The Greek inscription discovered by Victor Langlois in Mopsuestia was unfortunately lost when it fell into the Pyramus River during the process of transportation to France.

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What biblical narrative is depicted in the mosaics exhibited at the Misis Mosaic Museum?

Answer: The story of Noah's Ark

Explanation: The mosaics displayed in the Misis Mosaic Museum primarily depict biblical narratives, such as the story of Noah's Ark.

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Ottoman Era and Modern Legacy

The city's modern name, Yakapınar, was adopted in the mid-20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The modern name for the village successor to Mopsuestia, previously known as Misis, is Yakapınar, which was adopted in the 1960s.

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In 1432, the French traveler Bertrandon reported Mopsuestia to be a thriving metropolis under Byzantine rule.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1432, the French traveler Bertrandon noted that Mopsuestia was under Muslim rule and had undergone considerable destruction, not that it was a thriving metropolis under Byzantine rule.

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Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia, along with the broader region of Cilicia, into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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After its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, Mopsuestia experienced growth and became a major trading hub.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to experiencing growth, Mopsuestia underwent a period of decline after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the small village of Misis.

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Fragments of Mopsuestia's medieval fortifications are still visible today.

Answer: True

Explanation: Today, remnants of Mopsuestia's medieval fortifications can still be observed, offering tangible evidence of its historical defensive structures.

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The French traveler Bertrandon observed Mopsuestia under Muslim rule and largely destroyed in 1432.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1432, the French traveler Bertrandon noted that Mopsuestia was under Muslim rule and had undergone considerable destruction.

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The modern village of Yakapınar was formerly known as Mopsuestia before being renamed Misis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ancient city of Mopsuestia was later known as Misis. The modern village of Yakapınar is the successor to Misis, having been renamed in the 1960s.

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Which Ottoman Sultan incorporated Mopsuestia into his empire in 1515?

Answer: True

Explanation: Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia, along with the broader region of Cilicia, into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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What happened to Mopsuestia after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire?

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to experiencing growth, Mopsuestia underwent a period of decline after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the small village of Misis.

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What name was given to the village of Misis in the 1960s?

Answer: Yakapınar

Explanation: The modern name for the village successor to Mopsuestia, previously known as Misis, is Yakapınar, which was adopted in the 1960s.

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Identify the Ottoman Sultan who incorporated Mopsuestia into the empire in 1515.

Answer: Selim I

Explanation: Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia, along with the broader region of Cilicia, into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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Describe the post-incorporation trajectory of Mopsuestia within the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: It experienced a steady decline.

Explanation: Contrary to experiencing growth, Mopsuestia underwent a period of decline after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the small village of Misis.

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What was the condition of Mopsuestia as observed by the French traveler Bertrandon in 1432?

Answer: Under Muslim rule and largely destroyed.

Explanation: In 1432, the French traveler Bertrandon noted that Mopsuestia was under Muslim rule and had undergone considerable destruction.

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Clarify the naming history of the modern village of Yakapınar in relation to Mopsuestia and Misis.

Answer: Mopsuestia was renamed Misis, and later Yakapınar.

Explanation: The ancient city of Mopsuestia was later known as Misis. The modern village of Yakapınar is the successor to Misis, having been renamed in the 1960s.

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Identify the Ottoman Sultan who incorporated Mopsuestia into the empire in 1515.

Answer: Selim I

Explanation: Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia, along with the broader region of Cilicia, into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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Describe the post-incorporation trajectory of Mopsuestia within the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: It experienced a steady decline.

Explanation: Contrary to experiencing growth, Mopsuestia underwent a period of decline after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the small village of Misis.

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What physical remnants of Mopsuestia's medieval past are observable in the present day?

Answer: Fragments of its medieval fortifications.

Explanation: Today, fragments of Mopsuestia's medieval fortifications can still be observed, offering tangible evidence of its historical defensive structures. An etching from the mid-19th century also provides a historical record of its walls and towers.

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What was the condition of Mopsuestia as observed by the French traveler Bertrandon in 1432?

Answer: Under Muslim rule and largely destroyed.

Explanation: In 1432, the French traveler Bertrandon noted that Mopsuestia was under Muslim rule and had undergone considerable destruction.

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Clarify the naming history of the modern village of Yakapınar in relation to Mopsuestia and Misis.

Answer: Mopsuestia was renamed Misis, and later Yakapınar.

Explanation: The ancient city of Mopsuestia was later known as Misis. The modern village of Yakapınar is the successor to Misis, having been renamed in the 1960s.

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Identify the Ottoman Sultan who incorporated Mopsuestia into the empire in 1515.

Answer: Selim I

Explanation: Sultan Selim I incorporated Mopsuestia, along with the broader region of Cilicia, into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

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Describe the post-incorporation trajectory of Mopsuestia within the Ottoman Empire.

Answer: It experienced a steady decline.

Explanation: Contrary to experiencing growth, Mopsuestia underwent a period of decline after its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, eventually becoming the small village of Misis.

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General Information and Geography

In which modern country and ancient region was the city of Mopsuestia situated?

Answer: True

Explanation: Mopsuestia is located in modern-day Turkey, within the historical region known as Cilicia Campestris.

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Mopsuestia's geographical coordinates are approximately 36°57′28″N 35°37′26″E.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mopsuestia is located at the geographical coordinates of approximately 36°57′28″N latitude and 35°37′26″E longitude.

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What are the approximate geographical coordinates of Mopsuestia?

Answer: 36°57′28″N 35°37′26″E

Explanation: Mopsuestia is located at the geographical coordinates of approximately 36°57′28″N latitude and 35°37′26″E longitude.

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