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Possidius Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Possidius of Calama: Life, Conflicts, and Literary Legacy

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Possidius of Calama: Life, Conflicts, and Literary Legacy Study Guide

Early Life and Episcopal Appointment

Possidius served as the Bishop of Calama, a city in the Roman province of Numidia, a role that typically involves leading a diocese and performing ordinations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Possidius held the ecclesiastical title of Bishop of Calama, a role that entails leading a diocese and performing ordinations, as stated in the source.

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Possidius was born in the Roman province of Apulia, located in Southern Italy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates Possidius was born in Northern Africa, not Apulia in Southern Italy.

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The precise dates of Possidius's birth and death are well-documented, with his death occurring exactly in 437 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The exact dates of Possidius's birth and death are not known; his death is only estimated to be around 437 AD.

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Before becoming a bishop, Possidius was one of the clergy of Augustine's monastery.

Answer: True

Explanation: Possidius's own account indicates that he was a member of the clergy in Augustine's monastery prior to his elevation to bishop.

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Tillemont estimates Possidius was promoted to the episcopate around 397 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historian Tillemont estimates Possidius's promotion to the episcopate occurred around 397 AD.

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After becoming bishop, Possidius established a prominent cathedral in Calama, rather than a monastery.

Answer: False

Explanation: After becoming bishop of Calama, Possidius established a monastery, following Augustine's example, not a prominent cathedral.

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The image caption refers to a photograph of the Roman Theatre in Guelma, visually connecting Possidius to his episcopal see in Calama, Numidia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image caption indeed refers to a photograph of the Roman Theatre in Guelma, which serves as a visual link to Possidius's episcopal see of Calama, Numidia.

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What ecclesiastical title did Possidius hold in the Roman province of Numidia?

Answer: Bishop of Calama

Explanation: Possidius served as the Bishop of Calama, a city within the Roman province of Numidia.

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According to the provided information, where was Possidius born?

Answer: Northern Africa

Explanation: The source material indicates that Possidius was born in Northern Africa.

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What is known about the specific dates of Possidius's birth and death?

Answer: The exact dates of his birth and death are not known.

Explanation: The precise dates of Possidius's birth and death are not recorded, though his death is estimated to be around 437 AD.

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Before becoming a bishop, what was Possidius's ecclesiastical position, according to his own account?

Answer: One of the clergy of Augustine's monastery

Explanation: Possidius, in his own writings, indicated that he was part of the clergy at Augustine's monastery before his elevation to bishop.

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According to Tillemont, approximately when was Possidius promoted to the episcopate?

Answer: Around 397 AD

Explanation: The historian Tillemont estimates Possidius's promotion to the episcopate occurred around 397 AD.

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After becoming bishop of Calama, what significant religious institution did Possidius establish?

Answer: A monastery

Explanation: After becoming Bishop of Calama, Possidius established a monastery, following Augustine's example.

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The image caption 'Possidius was bishop of Calama, Numidia' refers to a photograph of what, visually connecting Possidius to his episcopal see?

Answer: The Roman Theatre in Guelma.

Explanation: The image caption refers to a photograph of the Roman Theatre in Guelma, which visually connects Possidius to his episcopal see in Calama, Numidia.

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Relationship with Augustine of Hippo

Possidius was a close friend and a theological opponent of Augustine of Hippo.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius was a close friend of Augustine of Hippo, but the source does not indicate he was a theological opponent; rather, he was a supporter and biographer.

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Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* records that he maintained an unbroken friendship with Augustine for a period of twenty years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* states that he maintained an unbroken friendship with Augustine for forty years, not twenty.

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What was Possidius's relationship with Augustine of Hippo?

Answer: He was Augustine's close friend.

Explanation: Possidius is described as a close friend of Augustine of Hippo.

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According to Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini*, for how long did he maintain an unbroken friendship with Augustine?

Answer: Forty years

Explanation: Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* explicitly states that their unbroken friendship lasted for forty years.

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Ecclesiastical Conflicts and Political Engagements

Possidius attempted to resolve the conflict with Crispinus by challenging him to a public discussion at a council in Carthage, which Crispinus accepted.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius challenged Crispinus to a public discussion at a council in Carthage, but Crispinus refused the challenge.

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In 404 AD, Donatists beat Possidius and threatened his life, and also set fire to a house where he was visiting.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 404 AD, Donatists indeed dragged Possidius from his house, beat him, threatened his life, and set fire to a house he was visiting.

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Crispinus was acquitted of all charges after the legal proceedings, as there was insufficient evidence of his involvement in the violence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Crispinus was condemned for heresy and heavily fined after the legal proceedings, not acquitted.

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Possidius showed mercy by interceding on behalf of Crispinus, requesting that the heavy fine not be exacted.

Answer: True

Explanation: Possidius demonstrated mercy by interceding for Crispinus, requesting that the substantial fine imposed on him be waived.

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In 407 AD, Possidius served on a committee with Augustine and five other bishops to adjudicate an ecclesiastical matter.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 407 AD, Possidius, Augustine, and five other bishops were indeed appointed to a committee to adjudicate an ecclesiastical matter.

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Possidius faced a dangerous riot in Calama in 408 AD, which was incited by Donatist factions.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 408 AD, Possidius faced a dangerous riot in Calama, but it was incited by pagans, not Donatist factions.

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Possidius was sent to Italy in 409 AD to seek the emperor's protection against the Pelagians.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 409 AD, Possidius was sent to Italy to seek the emperor's protection against the Donatists, not the Pelagians.

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Possidius was one of the seven bishops representing the Catholic party at the *collatio* of 411 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Possidius was indeed one of the seven bishops chosen to represent the Catholic party at the *collatio* of 411 AD.

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At the Council of Milevum in 416 AD, Possidius assisted in addressing a synodal letter to Pope Innocent I regarding Arianism.

Answer: False

Explanation: At the Council of Milevum in 416 AD, Possidius assisted in addressing a synodal letter to Pope Innocent I regarding Pelagianism, not Arianism.

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Possidius joined Augustine and three other bishops in sending an additional letter to Pope Innocent I concerning Pelagianism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Possidius, along with Augustine and three other bishops, did send an additional letter to Pope Innocent I regarding Pelagianism.

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How did Possidius attempt to resolve the conflict with Crispinus, the Donatist Bishop of Calama, at a council in Carthage?

Answer: He challenged Crispinus to a public discussion.

Explanation: Possidius attempted to resolve the conflict by challenging Crispinus to a public discussion at a council in Carthage.

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Which of the following violent acts did Donatist factions commit against Possidius in 404 AD?

Answer: They dragged him from his house, beat him, and set fire to a house he was visiting.

Explanation: In 404 AD, Donatists violently attacked Possidius, beating him and setting fire to a house he was visiting.

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What was the outcome of the legal proceedings against Crispinus after the violence against Possidius?

Answer: Crispinus was condemned for heresy and heavily fined.

Explanation: Following the violence, Crispinus was condemned for heresy and subjected to a substantial fine.

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How did Possidius respond to the heavy fine imposed on Crispinus?

Answer: He interceded on Crispinus's behalf, requesting the fine not be exacted.

Explanation: Possidius interceded for Crispinus, requesting that the heavy fine not be exacted, demonstrating mercy.

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In 407 AD, Possidius served on a committee with Augustine and five other bishops for what purpose?

Answer: To adjudicate an ecclesiastical matter.

Explanation: In 407 AD, Possidius, Augustine, and five other bishops served on a committee appointed to adjudicate an ecclesiastical matter.

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In 408 AD, Possidius nearly lost his life in Calama due to a riot incited by which group?

Answer: Pagans

Explanation: Possidius's life was endangered in 408 AD during a riot in Calama incited by pagans.

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In 409 AD, Possidius was sent to Italy as one of four bishops to seek the emperor's protection against which group?

Answer: The Donatists

Explanation: In 409 AD, Possidius was dispatched to Italy to seek imperial protection against the Donatists.

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At the *collatio* of 411 AD, Possidius played what significant role?

Answer: He was one of the seven bishops representing the Catholic party.

Explanation: Possidius was among the seven bishops who represented the Catholic party at the *collatio* of 411 AD.

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At the Council of Milevum in 416 AD, Possidius assisted in addressing a synodal letter to Pope Innocent I concerning which theological doctrine?

Answer: Pelagianism

Explanation: At the Council of Milevum in 416 AD, Possidius assisted in drafting a synodal letter to Pope Innocent I concerning Pelagianism.

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Beyond the Council of Milevum, what further action did Possidius take with Augustine and other bishops concerning Pelagianism?

Answer: They sent an additional letter to Pope Innocent I on the subject.

Explanation: Possidius, Augustine, and other bishops sent an additional letter to Pope Innocent I regarding Pelagianism.

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Later Life, Persecution, and Death

Possidius died around 437 AD in Apulia, a region in Southern Italy, after being expelled from his see.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Possidius died around 437 AD in Apulia, Southern Italy, following his expulsion from his see by the Vandal king Gaiseric.

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During the Vandal invasion, Possidius sought refuge in Carthage, where he witnessed the death of Augustine.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Vandal invasion, Possidius sought refuge in Hippo, not Carthage, where he was present at Augustine's death.

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According to Prosper's Chronicle, Possidius was persecuted and expelled from his see by Gaiseric, the Vandal king, in 437 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prosper's Chronicle confirms that Possidius was persecuted and expelled from his see by Gaiseric, the Vandal king, in 437 AD.

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Gaiseric, the Vandal king, was a staunch supporter of orthodox Catholicism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gaiseric, the Vandal king, was an Arian, not a supporter of orthodox Catholicism.

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Possidius died in Northern Africa shortly after his expulsion by Gaiseric.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius died in Apulia, Southern Italy, shortly after his expulsion by Gaiseric, not in Northern Africa.

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Around what year and in which region did Possidius die?

Answer: 437 AD in Apulia

Explanation: Possidius is estimated to have died around 437 AD in Apulia, Southern Italy.

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During the Vandal invasion of Africa, where did Possidius seek refuge, and what significant event did he witness there?

Answer: Hippo, where he was present at the death of Augustine.

Explanation: During the Vandal invasion, Possidius sought refuge in Hippo, where he witnessed the death of Augustine.

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According to Prosper's Chronicle, what persecution did Possidius face in 437 AD?

Answer: He was persecuted and expelled from his see by Gaiseric.

Explanation: Prosper's Chronicle records that Possidius was persecuted and expelled from his see by Gaiseric, the Vandal king, in 437 AD.

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What was the religious affiliation of Gaiseric, the Vandal king who persecuted Possidius?

Answer: Arian

Explanation: Gaiseric, the Vandal king, was an adherent of Arianism.

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After his expulsion by Gaiseric, where did Possidius die?

Answer: Apulia, Southern Italy

Explanation: Possidius died in Apulia, Southern Italy, shortly after his expulsion by Gaiseric.

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Literary Legacy

Possidius authored a biography of Augustine, *Vita S. Augustini*, and an *indiculus* listing Augustine's works.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Possidius authored both the *Vita S. Augustini* and an *indiculus* of Augustine's works.

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The *Vita S. Augustini* is a biography of Saint Augustine, composed by Possidius after the capture of Carthage in 439 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Vita S. Augustini* was composed by Possidius *before* the capture of Carthage in 439 AD.

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Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* is included in all editions of Augustine's works and in Hurter's 'Opusc. SS. Patr.'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Vita S. Augustini* is indeed included in all editions of Augustine's works and in Hurter's 'Opusc. SS. Patr.'.

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Possidius's *indiculus* is a detailed theological treatise on Pelagianism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius's *indiculus* is a list of Augustine's works, not a detailed theological treatise on Pelagianism.

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The *indiculus* can be found in the last volume of Migne's edition of Augustine's works and in the tenth volume of the Benedictine edition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *indiculus* is indeed located in the last volume of Migne's edition and the tenth volume of the Benedictine edition of Augustine's works.

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Which two literary works did Possidius author about Augustine of Hippo?

Answer: *Vita S. Augustini* and an *indiculus* of Augustine's works

Explanation: Possidius authored the biography *Vita S. Augustini* and an *indiculus* (list) of Augustine's works.

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What is the *Vita S. Augustini*, and when was it composed by Possidius?

Answer: A biography of Saint Augustine, composed before the capture of Carthage in 439 AD.

Explanation: The *Vita S. Augustini* is a biography of Saint Augustine, which Possidius composed before Carthage was captured in 439 AD.

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In which publications can Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* be found?

Answer: In all editions of Augustine's works and Hurter's 'Opusc. SS. Patr.'.

Explanation: Possidius's *Vita S. Augustini* is included in all editions of Augustine's works and in Hurter's 'Opusc. SS. Patr.'.

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What is Possidius's *indiculus*?

Answer: A list of Augustine's works.

Explanation: Possidius's *indiculus* is a list, or index, of Augustine's works.

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Where can Possidius's *indiculus* be accessed in published editions?

Answer: In the last volume of Migne's edition and the tenth volume of the Benedictine edition.

Explanation: The *indiculus* is found in the last volume of Migne's edition and the tenth volume of the Benedictine edition of Augustine's works.

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Veneration and Sainthood

Possidius is venerated as a saint exclusively within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, not exclusively the Eastern Orthodox Church.

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Pope Innocent I canonized Possidius on August 19, 1672, recognizing him as a saint.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius was canonized on August 19, 1672, but by Pope Clement X, not Pope Innocent I.

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Saint Possidius's feast day is observed annually on May 16.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explicitly states that Saint Possidius's feast day is observed on May 16.

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Devotion to Possidius was officially confirmed on August 19, 1672.

Answer: True

Explanation: The devotion to Possidius was officially confirmed on August 19, 1672, as stated in the source.

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Pope Clement X confirmed the devotion to Possidius.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Clement X was the pontiff who confirmed the devotion to Possidius.

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Alypius of Thagaste, a friend of Saint Augustine, had his devotion confirmed alongside Possidius.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alypius of Thagaste, a fellow North African bishop and friend of Saint Augustine, had his devotion confirmed at the same time as Possidius.

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In which Christian church is Possidius venerated as a saint?

Answer: The Catholic Church

Explanation: Possidius is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church.

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Who officially canonized Possidius on August 19, 1672?

Answer: Pope Clement X

Explanation: Pope Clement X officially canonized Possidius on August 19, 1672.

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What is the designated feast day for Saint Possidius?

Answer: May 16

Explanation: Saint Possidius's feast day is observed annually on May 16.

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When was devotion to Possidius officially confirmed?

Answer: 1672 AD

Explanation: Devotion to Possidius was officially confirmed in 1672 AD.

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Who confirmed the devotion to Possidius?

Answer: Pope Clement X

Explanation: Pope Clement X was responsible for confirming the devotion to Possidius.

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Which other North African bishop had his devotion confirmed alongside Possidius?

Answer: Alypius of Thagaste

Explanation: Alypius of Thagaste, a friend of Saint Augustine, had his devotion confirmed concurrently with Possidius.

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