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Phocaea Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Phocaea: An Ancient Ionian City

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Phocaea: An Ancient Ionian City Study Guide

Geographical Context and Foundation

Phocaea was an ancient city located on the southern coast of Anatolia, known primarily for its agricultural output.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information consistently emphasizes Phocaea's prominence as a maritime power and its extensive seafaring activities, rather than its agricultural output. Its location on the western coast of Anatolia is also a key identifier.

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Phocaea's strategic position placed it south of the Gulf of Smyrna and north of the Gulf of Cyme.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phocaea was situated north of the Gulf of Smyrna and south of the Gulf of Cyme, bordering Aeolis. The statement incorrectly reverses this geographical relationship.

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The two natural harbors of Phocaea, featuring numerous small islands, were detrimental to its development as a naval power.

Answer: False

Explanation: The presence of two natural harbors, enhanced by numerous small islands, was a significant asset that facilitated Phocaea's development into a major naval power, rather than being detrimental.

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Archaeological evidence, including descriptions of city walls spanning several stadia by Herodotus, suggests Phocaea was a small settlement during the archaic period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Herodotus's descriptions of Phocaea's city walls spanning several stadia indicate a substantial size, contradicting the notion that it was a small settlement during the archaic period.

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Pausanias recorded that Phocaea was founded by colonists from Attica, led by the Spartans.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Pausanias, Phocaea was founded by colonists originating from Phocis, not Attica, and they were led by Athenian figures, not Spartans.

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Pottery remains indicate an Ionian presence in the Phocaea region starting as early as the 10th century BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Archaeological evidence suggests an Aeolian presence by the 9th century BC, with an Ionian presence emerging around the end of the 9th century BC, indicating settlement likely occurred around this later period, not as early as the 10th century BC.

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The map included in the source material shows Phocaea's location within modern-day Greece.

Answer: False

Explanation: The map provided in the source material illustrates Phocaea's location within modern-day Turkey, not Greece.

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"Phokaia" is mentioned as an alternative name for Phocaea, specifically in its Ancient Greek form.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Phokaia' is indeed presented as an alternative name for Phocaea, representing its designation in Ancient Greek.

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According to the source, what was Phocaea's primary identity and geographical location?

Answer: An ancient Ionian Greek city on the western coast of Anatolia.

Explanation: The source consistently identifies Phocaea as an ancient Ionian Greek city situated on the western coast of Anatolia, near modern Foça in Turkey.

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Which geographical feature marked the northern boundary of the Ionian region where Phocaea was located?

Answer: The area known as Aeolis

Explanation: Phocaea was the northernmost city of Ionia, bordering the region known as Aeolis to its north.

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What characteristic of Phocaea's harbors significantly contributed to its rise as a major power?

Answer: Their natural formation with numerous small islands, aiding navigation and defense.

Explanation: Phocaea possessed two natural harbors characterized by numerous small islands, which proved advantageous for navigation and defense, thereby significantly contributing to its maritime prominence.

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What historical figure provided evidence suggesting Phocaea's substantial size during the archaic period through descriptions of its city walls?

Answer: Herodotus

Explanation: The ancient historian Herodotus provided descriptions of Phocaea's city walls spanning several stadia, which serve as evidence for its considerable size during the archaic period.

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According to Pausanias, Phocaea was founded by colonists originating from which region of Greece?

Answer: Phocis

Explanation: Pausanias recorded that Phocaea was founded by colonists who originated from Phocis, a region in central Greece.

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Archaeological findings of pottery suggest the settlement of Phocaea likely occurred around which period?

Answer: 9th century BC, following the emergence of Ionian presence.

Explanation: Pottery remains indicate an Aeolian presence by the 9th century BC and an Ionian presence emerging around the end of the 9th century BC, suggesting the settlement of Phocaea likely occurred during this timeframe.

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What does the inclusion of Phocaea in the 'Ancient settlements in Turkey' navbox signify?

Answer: Its status as a significant historical site within modern-day Turkey.

Explanation: The inclusion of Phocaea in the 'Ancient settlements in Turkey' navigation box signifies its recognition as a historically important site located within the geographical boundaries of modern-day Turkey.

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Phocaea's admission into the Ionian League, according to Pausanias, was conditional upon accepting which royal line?

Answer: The Athenian line of Codrus

Explanation: Pausanias noted that Phocaea's admission into the Ionian League was contingent upon its acceptance of the Athenian line of Codrus as its royal lineage.

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Which of the following ancient authors is cited in the source regarding the founding of Phocaea?

Answer: Pausanias

Explanation: The ancient geographer Pausanias is cited in the source material as providing information regarding the founding of Phocaea.

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Maritime Expansion and Colonization

Herodotus identified the Phocaeans as pioneers in short coastal trading voyages within the Aegean Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: Herodotus characterized the Phocaeans as pioneers of extensive long sea voyages, exploring regions far beyond the Aegean, including the Adriatic, Tyrrhenia, and Spain, not merely short coastal trips.

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King Arganthonios of Tartessus offered the Phocaeans land to settle and a large sum of money to build a wall around their city.

Answer: True

Explanation: King Arganthonios of Tartessus, impressed by the Phocaeans' seafaring capabilities, offered them land and wealth. When they declined to settle, he provided funds for them to fortify their own city.

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Massalia (Marseille) and Emporion (Empúries) were significant colonies established by the Phocaeans in Italy and North Africa, respectively.

Answer: False

Explanation: Massalia (Marseille) and Emporion (Empúries) were indeed significant colonies founded by the Phocaeans. However, Massalia was established in Gaul (modern France), and Emporion in Hispania (modern Spain), not Italy and North Africa.

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Phocaea engaged in trade with the Egyptian settlement of Naucratis and assisted in establishing colonies like Amisos on the Black Sea.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical record indicates Phocaea's engagement in trade with Naucratis in Egypt and its role in the establishment of colonies such as Amisos on the Black Sea, reflecting its broad maritime network.

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Which foreign ruler was so impressed by the Phocaeans' seafaring prowess that he offered them wealth and land?

Answer: King Arganthonios of Tartessus

Explanation: King Arganthonios of Tartessus, recognizing the Phocaeans' extensive seafaring capabilities, offered them substantial wealth and land.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a major colony established by Phocaea?

Answer: Syracuse (Sicily)

Explanation: The major colonies established by Phocaea mentioned in the source include Massalia, Emporion, and Elea. Syracuse in Sicily is not listed as a Phocaean foundation.

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Political History: Archaic to Hellenistic

Phocaea first lost its independence and came under foreign control during the reign of the Persian King Cyrus the Great.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phocaea initially came under Lydian control during the reign of King Croesus. Its subsequent subjugation by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great marked a further loss of independence.

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In 546 BC, Phocaea was conquered by Cyrus the Great, marking the beginning of its integration into the Lydian Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Phocaea was conquered by Cyrus the Great in 546 BC, this event marked its integration into the Persian Empire, not the Lydian Empire, which had already fallen to the Persians.

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Upon Persian conquest, the majority of Phocaeans readily accepted Persian rule and remained in their city.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to readily accepting Persian rule, the majority of Phocaeans chose to abandon their city, seeking refuge in colonies or other islands, demonstrating a strong resistance to foreign domination.

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During the Ionian Revolt, Phocaea contributed the largest contingent of ships to the combined Ionian fleet at the Battle of Lade.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although Phocaea participated in the Ionian Revolt and had a commander appointed for the fleet, its contribution of only three ships to the Battle of Lade was notably small, indicating a decline in its naval strength rather than the largest contingent.

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After the Persian Wars, Phocaea joined the Delian League and paid an annual tribute of ten talents to Athens.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Persian Wars, Phocaea became a member of the Delian League and paid an annual tribute to Athens. However, the recorded tribute amount was two talents, not ten.

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Phocaea remained loyal to Athens throughout the Peloponnesian War, despite Spartan pressure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phocaea's loyalty to Athens wavered during the Peloponnesian War; it rebelled against Athenian control in 412 BC, indicating it did not remain steadfastly loyal.

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The Phocaeans successfully besieged the city of Kydonia on Crete in 343 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical record indicates that the Phocaeans undertook an unsuccessful siege of Kydonia on Crete in 343 BC, rather than a successful one.

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Phocaea's inclusion in the 'Ionian League' navbox signifies its role as a member of this ancient Greek confederation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inclusion of Phocaea in the 'Ionian League' navigation box correctly signifies its historical status as one of the twelve member cities of this significant confederation of Ionian Greek city-states.

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Phocaea fell under the control of which kingdom during the reign of King Croesus?

Answer: Lydia

Explanation: During the reign of King Croesus, Phocaea, along with other Ionian cities, came under the control of the Lydian kingdom.

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What significant event occurred in 546 BC involving Phocaea and the Persian Empire?

Answer: Phocaea was conquered by Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Empire.

Explanation: In 546 BC, Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Empire conquered Lydia and its subject cities, including Phocaea, marking a significant shift in regional power.

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How did the majority of the Phocaean population react to Persian rule after 546 BC?

Answer: They abandoned their city, seeking refuge in colonies or other islands.

Explanation: Rather than submit to Persian authority, the majority of Phocaeans evacuated their city, migrating to colonies such as Elea in Italy or seeking refuge elsewhere.

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What was Phocaea's obligation as a member of the Delian League after the Persian Wars?

Answer: To pay an annual tribute of two talents to Athens.

Explanation: As a member of the Delian League following the Persian Wars, Phocaea was obligated to contribute an annual tribute to Athens, assessed at two talents.

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In which year did Phocaea rebel against Athenian control during the Peloponnesian War?

Answer: 412 BC

Explanation: During the Peloponnesian War, Phocaea rebelled against Athenian control in the year 412 BC.

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The Peace of Antalcidas in 387 BC resulted in what change regarding Phocaea's political status?

Answer: Nominal Persian control over the Ionian cities, including Phocaea, was restored.

Explanation: The Peace of Antalcidas in 387 BC effectively restored nominal Persian control over the Ionian cities, including Phocaea, influencing their political status within the broader regional dynamics.

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What military action did the Phocaeans undertake during the Hellenistic period, which proved unsuccessful?

Answer: Besieging the city of Kydonia on Crete.

Explanation: During the Hellenistic period, the Phocaeans engaged in an unsuccessful military campaign, specifically the siege of Kydonia on Crete in 343 BC.

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What was the primary reason for the Phocaeans' abandonment of their city upon Persian conquest?

Answer: A desire to avoid submitting to Persian authority.

Explanation: The primary motivation for the majority of Phocaeans abandoning their city following the Persian conquest was their unwillingness to submit to Persian rule.

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Phocaea's participation in the Ionian Revolt is highlighted by the appointment of a Phocaean commander for the fleet, but the city's contribution of ships was notably small, indicating what?

Answer: A decline in the city's military strength compared to earlier periods.

Explanation: Phocaea's small contribution of only three ships to the Ionian fleet during the revolt, despite having a commander appointed, suggests a significant decline in its military capacity compared to its earlier maritime prominence.

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Economic and Numismatic Significance

During the Roman period, Phocaea was primarily known for its production of Phocaean red slip ware ceramics.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Roman period, Phocaea maintained its significance as a manufacturing center, notably for ceramic vessels, including the distinctive Phocaean red slip ware, confirming its economic importance in this era.

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Phocaea is recognized as one of the earliest adopters of coinage globally, using bronze for its initial issues.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phocaea is indeed recognized as an early adopter of coinage. However, its initial coins were minted from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, not bronze.

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The Griffin motif on Phocaean coinage from around 580 BC was chosen to represent the city's dominance over the sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Griffin motif, featured on Phocaean coinage around 580 BC, was a symbol associated with guardianship and wealth, not specifically with the city's dominance over the sea.

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Coinage from Phokaia between approximately 478 and 387 BC might feature a portrait of Satrap Tissaphernes wearing a satrapal headdress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Coinage from Phokaia dating between approximately 478 and 387 BC is known to potentially feature a portrait of Satrap Tissaphernes, identifiable by his characteristic satrapal headdress.

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During the Roman period, Phocaea was noted as an important center for the production of what type of goods?

Answer: Ceramic vessels, including red slip ware

Explanation: In the Roman period, Phocaea was recognized as a significant production center for ceramic vessels, notably including the characteristic Phocaean red slip ware.

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Phocaea is recognized as one of the earliest adopters of coinage globally. What material was used for its initial coins?

Answer: Electrum (a gold and silver alloy)

Explanation: Phocaea was among the earliest cities to adopt coinage, utilizing electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, for its initial issues.

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The Griffin motif on Phocaean coinage from around 580 BC was chosen to represent the city's dominance over the sea.

Answer: A griffin

Explanation: A stater coin from Phocaea, dating to approximately 580 BC, features the head of a Griffin, a mythical creature often associated with guardianship and wealth.

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Coinage from Phokaia between approximately 478 and 387 BC might depict which historical figure, identifiable by his headdress?

Answer: Tissaphernes

Explanation: Coinage from Phokaia minted between approximately 478 and 387 BC may feature a portrait of Satrap Tissaphernes, distinguished by his characteristic satrapal headdress.

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Cultural and Architectural Heritage

The Tas Kule tomb, a 4th-century BC structure located near Phocaea, exhibits architectural features that suggest significant foreign influence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tas Kule tomb, dated to the 4th century BC, displays architectural characteristics, particularly its stepped design, that are indicative of strong Persian influence, contrary to the assertion of no foreign influence.

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The image of the ancient theatre in Phocaea depicts a structure from the city's early Ionian period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ancient theatre depicted in the source material represents a structure from Phocaea's Hellenistic or Roman periods, not its early Ionian period.

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Phocaea is recognized as a titular see within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phocaea is recognized as a titular see within the Roman Catholic Church, not the Eastern Orthodox Church. A titular see signifies a historical bishopric without a current diocese.

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The Tas Kule tomb near Phocaea exhibits architectural features suggesting influence from which empire?

Answer: The Persian Empire

Explanation: The Tas Kule tomb, a 4th-century BC structure near Phocaea, displays architectural elements, such as its stepped design, that are strongly indicative of Persian influence.

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What is the significance of Phocaea being listed as a titular see in the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer: It signifies its historical importance as a bishopric, though without current territory.

Explanation: Phocaea's designation as a titular see in the Roman Catholic Church indicates its historical significance as a bishopric, even though it no longer functions as a territorial diocese.

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Later Periods and Modern Relevance

Benedetto Zaccaria, a Genoese ambassador, established a hereditary lordship over Phocaea, deriving wealth from its silver mines.

Answer: False

Explanation: Benedetto Zaccaria and his descendants established a hereditary lordship over Phocaea, amassing wealth primarily from the region's rich alum mines, not silver mines.

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Phocaea was conquered by the Turks in 1455, ending the rule of the Zaccaria family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rule of the Zaccaria family over Phocaea concluded with the conquest of the city by the Ottoman Turks in 1455, marking a significant transition in its political history.

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A massacre targeting ethnic Greek civilians occurred in Phocaea in 1914, carried out by Ottoman authorities.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1914, a massacre targeting ethnic Greek civilians did occur in Phocaea. However, the perpetrators were identified as Turkish irregular bands, not directly Ottoman authorities.

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Benedetto Zaccaria and his descendants gained control of Phocaea and derived wealth primarily from which resource?

Answer: Rich alum mines

Explanation: The Zaccaria family, who established a lordship over Phocaea, derived their considerable wealth primarily from the exploitation of the region's rich alum mines.

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Phocaea remained under Genoese control under the Zaccaria family until what event?

Answer: Its conquest by the Ottoman Turks in 1455.

Explanation: The rule of the Zaccaria family, representing Genoese influence, over Phocaea concluded with the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1455.

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What tragic event targeting ethnic Greeks occurred in Phocaea in 1914?

Answer: A massacre carried out by Turkish irregular bands.

Explanation: In 1914, Phocaea was the site of a tragic massacre targeting ethnic Greek civilians, perpetrated by Turkish irregular bands.

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