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Ordovices Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Ordovices: Ancient British Tribe and Geological Period

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The Ordovices: Ancient British Tribe and Geological Period Study Guide

Origins and Etymology of the Ordovices

The Ordovices were a Germanic tribe inhabiting southern Britain during the Roman era.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ordovices were a Celtic tribe, not Germanic, who inhabited territories primarily in North Wales and parts of England during the Roman period.

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The name "Ordovices" is believed to mean "river dwellers" in the Common Brittonic language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name "Ordovices" is widely understood to derive from proto-Celtic terms meaning "hammer fighters," not "river dwellers."

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The name "Ordovices" is linguistically linked to proto-Celtic words for "hammer" and "fight".

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic analysis connects the name "Ordovices" to proto-Celtic terms for "hammer" (e.g., Irish *ord*) and "fight" (e.g., Old Irish *fichid*).

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Historian John Edward Lloyd proposed a connection between the Ordovices' name and the Welsh place name Dinas Dinorwig.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Edward Lloyd suggested a potential link between the tribe's name and the place name Dinas Dinorwig in North Wales.

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Melville Richards agreed with John Edward Lloyd's theory about the origin of the place name Dinas Dinorwig.

Answer: False

Explanation: Melville Richards later rejected the proposed connection between the Ordovices' name and the place name Dinas Dinorwig, challenging Lloyd's theory.

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The Ordovices are listed among the tribes of Iron Age Britain in navigational templates.

Answer: True

Explanation: Navigational templates categorizing Iron Age tribes of Britain include the Ordovices, placing them within the broader historical context of the period.

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The Welsh word 'gordd' is linguistically related to the proto-Celtic term for "hammer" found in the Ordovices' name.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Welsh word 'gordd' (hammer) is considered a cognate of the proto-Celtic root believed to form part of the Ordovices' name, featuring a prothetic 'g'.

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What is the etymological meaning of the name "Ordovices"?

Answer: Hammer Fighters

Explanation: The name "Ordovices" is derived from Common Brittonic and is understood to mean "hammer fighters," supported by linguistic connections to proto-Celtic words for hammer and fight.

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What linguistic evidence supports the meaning "hammer fighters" for the name Ordovices?

Answer: Proto-Celtic words like Irish *ord* (hammer) and Old Irish *fichid* (fight).

Explanation: The etymological interpretation of "hammer fighters" for the Ordovices is supported by proto-Celtic terms such as the Irish *ord* (hammer) and Old Irish *fichid* (fight), along with related words in Welsh and Breton.

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Which historian rejected the proposed link between the Ordovices' name and the place name Dinas Dinorwig?

Answer: Melville Richards

Explanation: Melville Richards was the historian who rejected the theory proposed by John Edward Lloyd regarding the connection between the Ordovices' name and the place name Dinas Dinorwig.

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Which statement accurately reflects the linguistic support for the Ordovices' name meaning?

Answer: It is supported by Welsh *gordd* (hammer) and Irish *fichid* (fight).

Explanation: Linguistic evidence, including Welsh *gordd* and Irish *fichid*, supports the etymological meaning of "hammer fighters" for the Ordovices.

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Geography and Tribal Neighbors

The Ordovices occupied lands primarily in modern-day Southern England, south of the Silures.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ordovices primarily inhabited North Wales and parts of England, situated geographically between the Silures to the south and the Deceangli to the northeast, not in Southern England.

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The exact territorial boundaries of the Ordovices are precisely defined in historical records.

Answer: False

Explanation: The precise territorial boundaries of the Ordovices are not definitively known and remain subject to interpretation among historians.

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One interpretation suggests the Ordovices' territory extended into the English Midlands.

Answer: True

Explanation: Some scholarly interpretations propose that the Ordovices' territory may have extended into areas of the modern English Midlands.

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The Ordovices tribe bordered the Deceangli to the south and the Silures to the northeast.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ordovices bordered the Deceangli to the northeast and the Silures to the south, not the other way around.

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The Ordovices tribe was located entirely within modern-day Wales.

Answer: False

Explanation: While their core territory was in North Wales, interpretations suggest the Ordovices' lands also extended into parts of modern-day England.

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The Ordovices tribe bordered the Deceangli to the south and the Silures to the northeast.

Answer: Silures and Deceangli

Explanation: The Ordovices were bordered by the Silures to the south and the Deceangli to the northeast.

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The Ordovices tribe inhabited territories that included parts of which modern country?

Answer: England and Wales

Explanation: The territories inhabited by the Ordovices included regions of both modern-day Wales (primarily North Wales) and parts of England.

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Roman Conquest and Resistance

The Ordovices readily accepted Roman authority and offered minimal resistance compared to neighboring tribes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that the Ordovices were known for their fierce resistance against Roman rule, contrasting with the more compliant attitudes of some neighboring tribes.

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Gnaeus Julius Agricola successfully subjugated the Ordovices in 77-78 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Roman governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola led a decisive campaign in 77-78 CE that resulted in the subjugation of the Ordovices, culminating in the conquest of their strongholds on Anglesey.

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The final strongholds of the Ordovices were located on the Isle of Wight.

Answer: False

Explanation: The final strongholds of the Ordovices, which were overrun by Agricola's forces, were located on the island of Anglesey, not the Isle of Wight.

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Caratacus sought refuge with the Ordovices after being defeated by Gnaeus Julius Agricola.

Answer: False

Explanation: Caratacus sought refuge with the Ordovices after being defeated by the Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula, not Gnaeus Julius Agricola. Agricola later campaigned against the Ordovices.

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The Ordovices were known for their peaceful integration into the Roman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ordovices were characterized by their fierce resistance to Roman rule, rather than peaceful integration.

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The Ordovices were initially strengthened in their resistance by the exiled leader Caratacus.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ordovices' resistance efforts were indeed bolstered by the presence and leadership of Caratacus, an exiled Celtic leader who sought refuge among them.

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Caratacus was declared a Roman public enemy in the 60s AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Caratacus was declared a Roman public enemy in the 50s AD, during his leadership against Roman forces, not in the 60s AD.

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In the 70s CE, the Ordovices destroyed a Roman infantry cohort, prompting a Roman response.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 70s CE, the Ordovices destroyed a Roman cavalry squadron, not an infantry cohort, which provoked a significant Roman response.

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Tacitus describes Agricola ordering his troops to attack the Ordovices from a lower elevation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tacitus describes Agricola ordering his troops to advance up a hill to attack the Ordovices, not from a lower elevation.

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Immediately after defeating the Ordovices, Agricola conquered the region of Caledonia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Immediately after defeating the Ordovices, Agricola launched a campaign to conquer the island of Anglesey, not Caledonia.

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The hill-fort of Dinas Dinorwig is considered a potential archaeological site for the battle where Agricola defeated the Ordovices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The hill-fort of Dinas Dinorwig is identified as a potential archaeological location for the battle in which Agricola defeated the Ordovices.

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The historian Tacitus provides the primary account of Agricola's campaign against the Ordovices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historian Tacitus is the principal source for the detailed account of Gnaeus Julius Agricola's military campaigns, including his actions against the Ordovices.

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Which Roman governor was responsible for the final subjugation of the Ordovices?

Answer: Gnaeus Julius Agricola

Explanation: Gnaeus Julius Agricola, as Roman governor, was responsible for the final subjugation of the Ordovices during his campaigns in 77-78 CE.

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In which geographical location were the final strongholds of the Ordovices located when overrun by Agricola?

Answer: The island of Anglesey

Explanation: The final strongholds of the Ordovices, which were decisively overcome by Agricola's forces, were situated on the island of Anglesey.

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How did the Ordovices' general attitude towards Roman rule contrast with that of the Deceangli?

Answer: The Ordovices exhibited fierce resistance, unlike the Deceangli who accepted Roman authority with minimal opposition.

Explanation: Historical accounts suggest the Ordovices were characterized by strong resistance to Roman authority, whereas the neighboring Deceangli appear to have integrated with less opposition.

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Who was the Celtic leader who sought refuge with the Ordovices and led them against the Romans after his own defeat?

Answer: Caratacus

Explanation: Caratacus, after suffering defeat and exile, found refuge with the Ordovices and subsequently led them, along with the Silures, in their resistance against the Roman forces.

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What specific military action did the Ordovices undertake in the 70s CE that provoked a significant Roman response?

Answer: They destroyed a Roman cavalry squadron.

Explanation: In the 70s CE, the Ordovices provoked a strong Roman reaction by destroying a Roman cavalry squadron.

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How did Agricola personally motivate his troops during the battle against the Ordovices, according to Tacitus?

Answer: He personally led the charge up the hill against the enemy.

Explanation: According to Tacitus, Agricola personally led his troops up the hill against the Ordovices, thereby inspiring them and demonstrating his own courage in the face of danger.

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What was the fate of Caratacus after his final battle?

Answer: He was captured and transported to Rome.

Explanation: Following his final defeat by the Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula, Caratacus was captured and taken to Rome as a prisoner.

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Which ancient historian is cited as the source for the account of Agricola's campaign against the Ordovices?

Answer: Tacitus

Explanation: The primary historical account of Gnaeus Julius Agricola's campaign, including his actions against the Ordovices, is provided by the Roman historian Tacitus.

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The Ordovices were declared a Roman public enemy during the leadership of which individual?

Answer: Caratacus

Explanation: Caratacus, while leading the resistance including the Ordovices, was declared a Roman public enemy during the 50s AD.

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What action did Agricola take immediately after decisively defeating the Ordovices?

Answer: He launched a campaign to conquer the island of Anglesey.

Explanation: Following his decisive victory over the Ordovices, Agricola immediately proceeded with the conquest of the island of Anglesey.

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The source suggests that the Ordovices' resistance was initially bolstered by which exiled Celtic leader?

Answer: Caratacus

Explanation: The Ordovices' initial resistance efforts were significantly strengthened by the presence and leadership of the exiled Celtic leader, Caratacus.

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Historical and Classical Sources

Ptolemy's writings transliterate the Ordovices' name into Greek as *Ordouikhes*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ancient geographer Ptolemy recorded the name of the Ordovices in Greek transliteration as Ὀrdoúikhes.

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Ptolemy attributed the cities of Branogenium and Mediolanum to the Ordovices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The geographical records of Ptolemy mention two cities, Branogenium and Mediolanum, as being associated with the Ordovices.

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Branogenium, associated with the Ordovices, is identified with modern-day Chester.

Answer: False

Explanation: Branogenium, one of the cities attributed to the Ordovices by Ptolemy, is generally identified with modern-day Leintwardine, not Chester.

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The distances of Ordovices settlements from London are given in kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The distances of Ordovices settlements, such as Branogenium and Mediolanum, from London are recorded in Roman miles, not kilometers.

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According to Ptolemy's geographical records, which of the following cities was associated with the Ordovices?

Answer: Branogenium

Explanation: Ptolemy's geographical records associate the city of Branogenium with the Ordovices tribe.

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What was the approximate distance of Branogenium from London, according to Ptolemy's records?

Answer: 195 Roman miles

Explanation: Ptolemy's records indicate that Branogenium was situated approximately 195 Roman miles from London.

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According to Ptolemy, the Ordovices occupied lands described as being:

Answer: Westward among tribes south of the Brigantes

Explanation: Ptolemy's geographical descriptions place the Ordovices in the westward lands among tribes situated south of the Brigantes.

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What was the approximate distance of Mediolanum from London, as recorded by Ptolemy?

Answer: 200 Roman miles

Explanation: Ptolemy's records state that Mediolanum was approximately 200 Roman miles distant from London.

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The description of the Ordovices' territory by Ptolemy places them geographically:

Answer: Between the Silures and the Deceangli

Explanation: Ptolemy's geographical accounts place the Ordovices' territory situated between the Silures (to the south) and the Deceangli (to the northeast).

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Which of the following is true regarding the city of Mediolanum associated with the Ordovices?

Answer: Its exact location remains uncertain, though its distance from London was recorded.

Explanation: While Ptolemy recorded Mediolanum's distance from London as 200 Roman miles, its precise archaeological location remains uncertain.

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The Ordovician Geological Period

The geological period named after the Ordovices was established by Charles Lapworth in the 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ordovician geological period was named by the geologist Charles Lapworth in 1879, drawing upon the territory of the ancient Ordovices tribe.

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Charles Lapworth named the Ordovician period after the Ordovices because their territory was rich in coal deposits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lapworth named the Ordovician period after the tribe because the geological strata he studied were located within their former lands in North Wales, not due to coal deposits.

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The geological period named after the Ordovices was established based on rock strata studied in which region?

Answer: North Wales

Explanation: Charles Lapworth based his naming of the Ordovician geological period on his studies of rock strata located within the former territories of the Ordovices in North Wales.

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What was the primary reason Charles Lapworth chose the Ordovices for naming the geological period?

Answer: The rock strata he studied were located within their former lands.

Explanation: Charles Lapworth selected the Ordovices for naming the geological period because the specific rock strata he was examining were situated within the historical territory of this tribe in North Wales.

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Ancillary Information

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a related topic in the "See also" section regarding the Ordovices?

Answer: The Brigantes tribe

Explanation: The "See also" section typically lists broader related topics like "List of Celtic tribes" and "Prehistoric Wales." The Brigantes tribe, while a contemporary, is not explicitly mentioned as a "See also" topic in the provided context.

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The image accompanying the source material provides geographical context related to:

Answer: The tribes of Wales during the Roman invasion and the modern Anglo-Welsh border

Explanation: The accompanying image illustrates the tribal distribution in Wales during the Roman invasion period and delineates the modern Anglo-Welsh border, providing geographical context.

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