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Mount Lykaion is located in the region of Attica, Greece.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates Mount Lykaion is situated in Arcadia, Greece, not Attica.
The northern peak of Mount Lykaion, known as St. Ilias, is higher than the southern peak, Stefani.
Answer: False
Explanation: The northern peak, Stefani, is 1,421 meters high, while the southern peak, St. Ilias (Agios Ilias), is 1,382 meters high, making the northern peak higher.
Which peak of Mount Lykaion is noted as the location of the altar of Zeus?
Answer: Agios Ilias
Explanation: The altar of Zeus is situated on the southern peak of Mount Lykaion, known as St. Ilias (Agios Ilias).
What is the elevation of the northern peak of Mount Lykaion, Stefani?
Answer: 1,421 meters (4,662 feet)
Explanation: The northern peak, Stefani, has an elevation of 1,421 meters (4,662 feet).
Mount Lykaion was primarily sacred to the god Apollo in ancient Greek culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mount Lykaion was primarily sacred to Zeus Lykaios, not Apollo.
According to legend, consuming the flesh of a human sacrifice on Mount Lykaion would transform a person into a lion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legend states that consuming a portion of a human sacrifice on Mount Lykaion would transform a person into a wolf, not a lion.
The sacred precinct (*temenos*) of Zeus on Mount Lykaion was a place where it was believed that anyone entering would gain enhanced longevity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Beliefs associated with the *temenos* of Zeus on Mount Lykaion included that anyone entering would die within a year or that creatures within cast no shadow, not enhanced longevity.
According to Arcadian tradition, Zeus was believed to have been born in a cave on Mount Lykaion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Arcadian tradition specifically cited Cretea, located atop Mount Lykaion, as the birthplace of Zeus, not a cave.
Pelasgus, son of Zeus, is credited with instituting the worship of Zeus at Mount Lykaion and giving him the epithet Lykaios.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lycaon, son of Pelasgus, is credited with instituting the worship of Zeus at Mount Lykaion and giving him the epithet Lykaios.
Roman poet Ovid claimed Lycaon was punished by being turned into a bear.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ovid, among other sources, described Lycaon's punishment as being transformed into a wolf.
A seal ring from the Late Minoan period was discovered at Mount Lykaion, potentially connecting it to Crete, another cited birthplace of Zeus.
Answer: True
Explanation: The discovery of a Late Minoan seal ring at Mount Lykaion suggests a connection to Crete, a location also cited as Zeus's birthplace.
Plato's account suggests that consuming animal meat mixed with human flesh during a ritual on Mount Lykaion would transform a person into a wolf for ten years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Plato's account suggests the transformation into a wolf lasted for nine years, not ten.
To which ancient Greek deity was Mount Lykaion primarily sacred?
Answer: Zeus Lykaios
Explanation: Mount Lykaion was primarily sacred to Zeus Lykaios.
What legendary consequence was associated with the ritual involving human sacrifice on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: The person who received a portion of the victim was transformed into a wolf.
Explanation: The legend states that consuming a portion of a human sacrifice on Mount Lykaion would transform the person into a wolf.
What peculiar belief was associated with the sacred precinct (*temenos*) of Zeus on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: It was thought that all creatures within its boundaries cast no shadow.
Explanation: A peculiar belief associated with the *temenos* of Zeus on Mount Lykaion was that all creatures within its boundaries cast no shadow.
According to Arcadian tradition, where on Mount Lykaion was Zeus believed to have been born?
Answer: At Cretea, located atop the mountain
Explanation: According to Arcadian tradition, Zeus was believed to have been born at Cretea, located atop Mount Lykaion.
Who is credited with instituting the worship of Zeus at Mount Lykaion and giving the god the epithet Lykaios?
Answer: Lycaon, son of Pelasgus
Explanation: Lycaon, son of Pelasgus, is credited with instituting the worship of Zeus at Mount Lykaion and giving the god the epithet Lykaios.
What was Lycaon's alleged transgression that led to his punishment, according to the *Bibliotheca*?
Answer: He mixed human flesh into a sacrifice to test Zeus's omniscience.
Explanation: According to the *Bibliotheca*, Lycaon's transgression was mixing human flesh into a sacrifice to test Zeus's omniscience.
Roman poet Ovid described Lycaon's punishment as what?
Answer: Transformation into a wolf
Explanation: Roman poet Ovid described Lycaon's punishment as being transformed into a wolf.
What artifact found at Mount Lykaion suggests a potential connection to Crete, a location also cited as Zeus's birthplace?
Answer: A Minoan seal ring from the Late Minoan period
Explanation: A Minoan seal ring from the Late Minoan period found at Mount Lykaion suggests a potential connection to Crete, another cited birthplace of Zeus.
According to Plato's account, what was the duration of the wolf transformation for those who consumed human flesh in the Mount Lykaion ritual?
Answer: Nine years
Explanation: According to Plato's account, the wolf transformation lasted for nine years.
The *temenos* of Zeus on Mount Lykaion was believed to have a peculiar characteristic regarding shadows. What was it?
Answer: No shadows were cast within the precinct.
Explanation: A peculiar belief about the *temenos* of Zeus on Mount Lykaion was that no shadows were cast within its precinct.
What artifact found at Mount Lykaion suggests a potential connection to Crete, which is also cited as Zeus's birthplace?
Answer: A Minoan seal ring from the Late Minoan period
Explanation: A Minoan seal ring from the Late Minoan period found at Mount Lykaion suggests a potential connection to Crete, a location also cited as Zeus's birthplace.
The altar of Zeus on Mount Lykaion is situated on its northern peak, Stefani.
Answer: False
Explanation: The altar of Zeus is located on the southern peak of Mount Lykaion, known as St. Ilias (Agios Ilias).
The altar of Zeus on Mount Lykaion is described as a large mound of ashes with a retaining wall.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pausanias and archaeological findings describe the altar as a mound of ashes with a retaining wall.
Pausanias describes the altar of Zeus Lykaios as a mound of earth with two pillars that once held golden eagles.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pausanias describes the altar of Zeus Lykaios as a mound of earth featuring two pillars that were formerly topped with golden eagles.
The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is a circular structure approximately 1.5 meters high and 30 meters in diameter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological descriptions characterize the ash altar as a circular structure measuring approximately 1.5 meters in height and 30 meters in diameter.
Excavations found artifacts like miniature tripods and statuettes of Zeus in the *temenos* near the altar, confirming cult activity from the late 7th century BCE.
Answer: True
Explanation: Artifacts such as miniature tripods and statuettes of Zeus found in the *temenos* confirm cult activity dating back to the late 7th century BCE.
The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is similar to the one at Delphi, suggesting shared customs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is noted for its similarity to the altar at Olympia, not Delphi, suggesting shared customs between these two sites.
Stratigraphic analysis indicates prehistoric human activity at the ash altar site, suggesting continuous use from the Late Neolithic period through the Hellenistic era.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stratigraphic analysis indicates the ash altar site was in continuous use from the Late Neolithic period through the Hellenistic era, showing prehistoric human activity.
The discovery of drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats dating to the Late Helladic period indicates Mycenaean rituals at the altar.
Answer: True
Explanation: The discovery of drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats from the Late Helladic period indicates Mycenaean drinking and feasting rituals at the altar.
What did Pausanias note about the altar of Zeus on Mount Lykaion, besides its composition?
Answer: It had two pillars that were once topped with golden eagles.
Explanation: Pausanias noted that the altar of Zeus on Mount Lykaion had two pillars that were once topped with golden eagles.
What is the physical description of the ash altar at Mount Lykaion?
Answer: A circular structure of blackened earth, approximately 1.5 meters high and 30 meters in diameter.
Explanation: The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is described as a circular structure of blackened earth, approximately 1.5 meters high and 30 meters in diameter.
What evidence indicates cult activity at the Lykaion altar from the late 7th century BCE?
Answer: Animal bones, miniature tripods, knives, and statuettes of Zeus.
Explanation: Artifacts found in the *temenos* near the altar, including animal bones, miniature tripods, knives, and statuettes of Zeus, indicate cult activity from the late 7th century BCE.
The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is suggested to be similar to the one at which other significant ancient site?
Answer: Olympia
Explanation: The ash altar at Mount Lykaion is suggested to be similar to the one found at Olympia, a nearby significant ancient site.
Stratigraphic analysis of the ash altar site suggests continuous human use from which periods?
Answer: Late Neolithic period through the Hellenistic era
Explanation: Stratigraphic analysis suggests continuous human use of the ash altar site from the Late Neolithic period through the Hellenistic era.
What findings from the Late Helladic period at the ash altar suggest Mycenaean rituals?
Answer: Drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats
Explanation: The discovery of drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats dating to the Late Helladic period suggests Mycenaean drinking and feasting rituals at the altar.
The discovery of drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats dating to the Late Helladic period at the ash altar suggests what type of rituals?
Answer: Mycenaean drinking and feasting rituals
Explanation: The discovery of drinking vessels and bones from sheep and goats from the Late Helladic period suggests Mycenaean drinking and feasting rituals at the ash altar.
The Lykaia were religious festivals held annually on Mount Lykaion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lykaia were athletic games held every four years, not annually.
Pausanias describes a sanctuary of Apollo on Mount Lykaion that contained a hippodrome.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pausanias describes a sanctuary of Pan on Mount Lykaion that contained a hippodrome, not a sanctuary of Apollo.
Ancient literary records indicate that the athletic competitions at Lykaion were held annually.
Answer: False
Explanation: Literary records indicate the athletic competitions at Lykaion were held every four years, not annually.
Aristotle and Pausanias agreed that the Lykaion games were among the earliest athletic institutions.
Answer: False
Explanation: There is disagreement among ancient authors; Aristotle is said to have ranked the Lykaion games fourth in order of institution, contrasting with Pausanias's view of their priority.
Pliny the Elder stated that the games at Lykaion were the last to introduce gymnastic competition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pliny the Elder stated that the games at Lykaion were the first to introduce gymnastic competition.
The ancient Greek lyric poet Pindar recorded victories at Mount Lykaion in his *Victory Odes*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The lyric poet Pindar recorded victories at Mount Lykaion in his *Victory Odes*, providing literary evidence of the games.
The Mount Lykaion hippodrome is significant as it is the only extant hippodrome from Roman antiquity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Mount Lykaion hippodrome is significant as it is the only extant hippodrome from Greek antiquity, not Roman.
Stone blocks identified as starting line markers were found in the middle of the Mount Lykaion hippodrome, suggesting it also served as a stadium racecourse.
Answer: True
Explanation: The discovery of stone blocks identified as starting line markers in the hippodrome suggests it also functioned as a stadium racecourse.
Inscriptions from the Lykaian Games indicate contests such as chariot races, boxing, and wrestling were held.
Answer: True
Explanation: Inscriptions from the Lykaian Games confirm the inclusion of contests such as chariot races, boxing, and wrestling.
The Lykaian Games included contests such as footraces for men and boys, and various chariot races.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lykaian Games featured contests including footraces for men and boys, and multiple types of chariot races.
How frequently were the Lykaia, the athletic games hosted by the sanctuary of Zeus, held?
Answer: Every four years
Explanation: The Lykaia, the athletic games hosted by the sanctuary of Zeus, were held every four years.
What distinction did Pliny the Elder attribute to the games held at Lykaion?
Answer: They were the first to introduce gymnastic competition.
Explanation: Pliny the Elder attributed the distinction to the games held at Lykaion that they were the first to introduce gymnastic competition.
The Mount Lykaion hippodrome is significant because it is the only extant hippodrome from what period?
Answer: Greek antiquity
Explanation: The Mount Lykaion hippodrome is significant as it is the only extant hippodrome from Greek antiquity.
What evidence suggests that the Mount Lykaion hippodrome may have also served as a stadium racecourse?
Answer: All of the above.
Explanation: Evidence such as starting line markers, inscriptions mentioning both horse and foot-races, and the enclosure of a stadium within the hippodrome area suggests its dual use.
What types of contests were held at the Lykaian Games, as indicated by inscriptions?
Answer: Footraces, chariot races, boxing, wrestling, and a pentathlon.
Explanation: Inscriptions indicate that the Lykaian Games featured contests such as footraces, chariot races, boxing, wrestling, and a pentathlon.
Which ancient author is said to have ranked the Lykaion games fourth in order of institution, contrasting with Pausanias's view?
Answer: Aristotle
Explanation: Aristotle is said to have ranked the Lykaion games fourth in order of institution, contrasting with Pausanias's view of their priority.
The 2nd-century Greek geographer Strabo provides the most extensive information about Mount Lykaion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2nd-century Greek geographer Pausanias provides the most extensive literary account of Mount Lykaion.
Mount Lykaion is only mentioned in the writings of Pausanias.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Pausanias offers the most detailed account, Mount Lykaion is also mentioned by other ancient authors such as Plato and Virgil.
The *Bibliotheca* attributes Lycaon's punishment to his attempt to test Zeus's omniscience by offering a human sacrifice.
Answer: True
Explanation: The *Bibliotheca* recounts that Lycaon tested Zeus's omniscience by mixing human flesh into a sacrifice, leading to his punishment.
Virgil references the Lupercal in the *Aeneid* as being named after the Parrhasian worship of Lykaian Pan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Virgil's *Aeneid* references the Lupercal, connecting it to the Parrhasian worship of Lykaian Pan.
Which ancient Greek geographer provides the most detailed literary account of Mount Lykaion?
Answer: Pausanias
Explanation: The 2nd-century Greek geographer Pausanias provides the most detailed literary account of Mount Lykaion.
Pausanias describes a sanctuary of which deity on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: Pan
Explanation: Pausanias describes a sanctuary dedicated to Pan on Mount Lykaion.
Which Roman poet referenced the Lupercal in the *Aeneid* as being named after the Parrhasian worship of Lykaian Pan?
Answer: Virgil
Explanation: The Roman poet Virgil referenced the Lupercal in the *Aeneid*, connecting it to the worship of Lykaian Pan.
Which of the following ancient authors is NOT mentioned as referencing Mount Lykaion?
Answer: Homer
Explanation: While Plato, Virgil, and Horace are mentioned as referencing Mount Lykaion, Homer is not listed among them.
The first archaeological excavations at Mount Lykaion were conducted in the early 20th century by the University of Pennsylvania.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first excavations were in 1897 by K. Kontopoulos for the Greek Archaeological Service, followed by K. Kourouniotes. The University of Pennsylvania was not involved in the initial work.
The modern Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project is a collaboration between Oxford University and the University of Arizona.
Answer: False
Explanation: The modern project is a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Arizona.
The primary objective of the modern Mt. Lykaion project was to excavate the summit of Mount Lykaion for Zeus's temple.
Answer: False
Explanation: The project's primary objective was a comprehensive topographical and architectural analysis of the altar, the *temenos*, and the nearby valley where the Lykaian Games were held.
Archaeological work on Mount Lykaion has identified and mapped structures such as the stadium, a bathhouse, and a stoa.
Answer: True
Explanation: Excavations have indeed identified and mapped structures including the stadium, bathhouse, stoa, altar, *temenos*, and hippodrome.
Many excavated buildings on Mount Lykaion were found to be aligned with features like the hippodrome and fountains, indicating a deliberate layout.
Answer: True
Explanation: The alignment of buildings such as the baths and stoa with the hippodrome and fountains suggests a deliberate and planned layout for the sanctuary complex.
Early European travelers like Charles Beulé and L. Ross explored the Peloponnese after Greece's independence and studied Mount Lykaion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following Greece's independence, travelers like Charles Beulé and L. Ross explored the Peloponnese, including Mount Lykaion, contributing to its study.
K. Kourouniotes's excavations confirmed the altar was a raised mound of blackened earth and recovered artifacts like burnt stones and animal bones.
Answer: True
Explanation: K. Kourouniotes's excavations confirmed the altar's description as a raised mound of blackened earth and yielded artifacts such as burnt stones and animal bones.
The Mount Lykaion hippodrome is constructed on a north-south orientation with a retaining wall along its western side.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hippodrome is constructed on a north-south orientation with a retaining wall along its eastern side.
In 2016, excavations at the ash altar revealed the skeleton of an adult male, approximately 3000 years old, thought to be evidence of human sacrifice.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2016, excavations at the ash altar revealed the skeleton of an adolescent boy, approximately 3000 years old, interpreted as evidence of human sacrifice.
The provided image caption describes a view from the summit of Mount Lykaion, looking westward towards the stoa and the hippodrome.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image caption describes a view from the summit looking eastward towards the stoa and hippodrome.
The ash altar's composition suggests it may date from after the migration of Indo-European peoples into the region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ash altar's composition suggests it may date from before the migration of Indo-European peoples into the region.
The *xenon* (hotel) and several rows of seats were among the structures identified and mapped on Mount Lykaion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological work has identified and mapped structures including the *xenon* (hotel) and several rows of seats.
Who conducted the first archaeological excavations at Mount Lykaion in 1897?
Answer: K. Kontopoulos
Explanation: The first archaeological excavations at Mount Lykaion in 1897 were conducted by K. Kontopoulos for the Greek Archaeological Service.
Which two universities are collaborating on the modern Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project?
Answer: University of Pennsylvania and University of Arizona
Explanation: The modern Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project is a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Arizona.
What was a primary objective of the Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project?
Answer: To conduct a comprehensive topographical and architectural analysis of key areas.
Explanation: A primary objective of the Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Survey Project was to conduct a comprehensive topographical and architectural analysis of the altar, *temenos*, and nearby valley.
Which of the following structures was NOT identified and mapped through archaeological excavations on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: The Acropolis of Athens
Explanation: The Acropolis of Athens was not identified or mapped during excavations on Mount Lykaion; structures like the Hagno fountain, stadium, and *xenon* were.
The alignment of buildings like the baths and stoa with features such as the hippodrome suggests what about the sanctuary complex?
Answer: There was a deliberate layout and planning.
Explanation: The alignment of buildings such as the baths and stoa with features like the hippodrome suggests a deliberate layout and planning of the sanctuary complex.
What significant discovery was made at the ash altar in 2016, interpreted as evidence of human sacrifice?
Answer: The skeleton of an adolescent boy
Explanation: In 2016, excavations at the ash altar revealed the skeleton of an adolescent boy, approximately 3000 years old, interpreted as evidence of human sacrifice.
What did K. Kourouniotes's excavations confirm about the altar at Mount Lykaion?
Answer: It was a raised mound of blackened earth.
Explanation: K. Kourouniotes's excavations confirmed that the altar at Mount Lykaion was a raised mound of blackened earth.
The composition of the ash altar at Mount Lykaion suggests it may date from:
Answer: Before the migration of Indo-European peoples into the region.
Explanation: The composition of the ash altar at Mount Lykaion suggests it may date from before the migration of Indo-European peoples into the region.
What did early traveler L. Ross describe at Mount Lykaion, locally known as the Skaphidia?
Answer: A bathhouse with ancient cisterns
Explanation: Early traveler L. Ross described a bathhouse with ancient cisterns at Mount Lykaion, locally known as the Skaphidia.
An inscribed pillar (*stele*) near the altar of Zeus commemorated the victory of Aristocrates of Arcadia in the Second Messenian War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The inscribed pillar near the altar of Zeus commemorated the execution of Aristocrates of Arcadia, not a victory.
Spartan king Pleistoanax lived in exile on Mount Lykaion and built his house straddling the sacred precinct to avoid persecution.
Answer: True
Explanation: King Pleistoanax of Sparta lived in exile on Mount Lykaion and reportedly built his house straddling the sacred precinct to avoid further persecution.
In 294 BC, Mount Lykaion was the site of a battle between the Achaean League and Demetrius of Macedon.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 294 BC, Mount Lykaion lay between the camps of the Spartans and Demetrius of Macedon, with Demetrius's forces winning.
Polybius and Plutarch describe a battle in 227 BC at Mount Lykaion where the Spartans under Cleomenes III defeated the Achaean League.
Answer: True
Explanation: Polybius and Plutarch describe the battle in 227 BC at Mount Lykaion where the Spartans under Cleomenes III defeated the Achaean League led by Aratus.
What historical event is associated with an inscribed pillar (*stele*) erected near the altar of Zeus on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: The commemoration of the execution of Aristocrates of Arcadia.
Explanation: An inscribed pillar (*stele*) near the altar of Zeus commemorated the execution of Aristocrates of Arcadia.
During which war did Spartan king Pleistoanax live in exile on Mount Lykaion?
Answer: The Peloponnesian War
Explanation: Spartan king Pleistoanax lived in exile on Mount Lykaion during the Peloponnesian War.
In 294 BC, Mount Lykaion lay between the camps of which two forces?
Answer: Spartans and Demetrius of Macedon
Explanation: In 294 BC, Mount Lykaion was situated between the camps of the Spartans and Demetrius of Macedon.
According to Polybius and Plutarch, who led the Spartans in the battle at Mount Lykaion in 227 BC?
Answer: Cleomenes III
Explanation: Polybius and Plutarch state that Cleomenes III led the Spartans in the battle at Mount Lykaion in 227 BC.
What was the reported reason for Spartan king Pleistoanax building his house straddling the sacred precinct (*temenos*) of Zeus during his exile?
Answer: To avoid further persecution.
Explanation: The reported reason for Spartan king Pleistoanax building his house straddling the sacred precinct (*temenos*) of Zeus during his exile was to avoid further persecution.
The battle in 227 BC at Mount Lykaion, cited by Polybius and Plutarch, resulted in the defeat of which group?
Answer: The Achaean League
Explanation: The battle in 227 BC at Mount Lykaion, cited by Polybius and Plutarch, resulted in the defeat of the Achaean League by the Spartans under Cleomenes III.
What is Mount Lykaion primarily recognized for in ancient Greek culture?
Answer: Its historical and religious significance.
Explanation: Mount Lykaion is primarily recognized for its significant historical and religious importance in ancient Greek culture.