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Leiden's primary nickname, 'Sleutelstad,' translates to 'Key City' and originates from its coat of arms displaying two crossed red keys.
Answer: True
Leiden's primary nickname, 'Sleutelstad,' indeed translates to 'Key City.' This moniker is derived from the two crossed red keys prominently featured on the city's coat of arms, symbolizing the Keys of Heaven attributed to Saint Peter.
Leiden is located in the province of North Holland, near the major cities of Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Answer: False
Leiden is situated in the province of South Holland, not North Holland. While it is geographically proximate to major cities, its location is south of Amsterdam and northwest of Utrecht.
Leiden is approximately 20 kilometers south of The Hague and 40 kilometers north of Amsterdam.
Answer: True
The geographical positioning of Leiden is accurately described as being approximately 20 kilometers south of The Hague and roughly 40 kilometers north of Amsterdam.
Leiden's name originates from the Roman outpost 'Lugdunum Batavorum,' located near the city.
Answer: False
The assertion that Leiden's name originates from 'Lugdunum Batavorum' is historically inaccurate. While 'Lugdunum Batavorum' was a Roman settlement in the vicinity, the settlement directly associated with Leiden was known as Matilo. The city's name is derived from the Germanic word 'leitha,' meaning canal.
The Oude Rijn river splits into the Rijn and the Waal rivers within Leiden.
Answer: False
The Oude Rijn river flows through Leiden, but it splits into the 'Oude Rijn' (Old Rhine) and the 'Nieuwe Rijn' (New Rhine) within the city, not the Rijn and Waal rivers.
The Burcht van Leiden is a modern structure built at the confluence of the Oude and Nieuwe Rijn rivers.
Answer: False
The Burcht van Leiden is an ancient structure, a castle built on a mound, situated at the confluence of the Oude and Nieuwe Rijn rivers. It is not a modern construction.
Both the Zijlpoort and the Morspoort, two of Leiden's original city gates, still stand today.
Answer: True
Two significant historical city gates of Leiden, the Zijlpoort and the Morspoort, dating from the late 17th century, are preserved and remain standing today.
The 'Sleutelstad' nickname refers to Leiden's historical importance in the Dutch East India Company's spice trade.
Answer: False
The nickname 'Sleutelstad' (Key City) is derived from the keys on Leiden's coat of arms, symbolizing Saint Peter, and is not directly related to the Dutch East India Company's spice trade.
What is Leiden's primary nickname, and what does it mean?
Answer: Sleutelstad, meaning 'Key City'
Leiden's principal nickname is 'Sleutelstad,' which translates to 'Key City.' This designation originates from the two crossed keys depicted on the city's coat of arms.
From where does Leiden's nickname 'Sleutelstad' originate?
Answer: From the two crossed keys featured on the city's coat of arms, symbolizing Saint Peter.
The nickname 'Sleutelstad' originates from the two crossed keys displayed on Leiden's official coat of arms. These keys are symbolic of Saint Peter, the patron saint associated with the city's Pieterskerk.
In which Dutch province is Leiden located?
Answer: South Holland
Leiden is situated within the province of South Holland in the Netherlands.
Which two major Dutch cities are located approximately 20 km south and 40 km north of Leiden, respectively?
Answer: The Hague and Amsterdam
Leiden is geographically positioned approximately 20 kilometers south of The Hague and about 40 kilometers north of Amsterdam.
What is the correct historical understanding of the Roman settlement near Leiden, contrary to the 'Lugdunum Batavorum' association?
Answer: The settlement was called Matilo, and Lugdunum Batavorum was nearby.
Historical evidence indicates that the Roman settlement directly associated with Leiden was named Matilo. The settlement of Lugdunum Batavorum was situated nearby, near present-day Katwijk, and the city's name does not derive from it.
The Burcht van Leiden, an old castle, is situated at the junction of which two rivers?
Answer: Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn
The Burcht van Leiden, an ancient fortification, is strategically located at the confluence where the Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn rivers diverge and converge within the city.
Which of the following is NOT one of the original city gates of Leiden that still stand today?
Answer: Haarlemmerpoort
While the Zijlpoort and Morspoort are original city gates of Leiden that still stand, the Haarlemmerpoort is not among them.
The Siege of 1420 occurred because Leiden supported Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, against Duke John III of Bavaria.
Answer: False
The Siege of 1420 was primarily initiated because Leiden did not recognize Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, as the new Count of Holland. Duke John III of Bavaria besieged the city as a consequence of this political stance.
Duke John III of Bavaria used cannons and naval transport to systematically capture the citadels surrounding Leiden in 1420.
Answer: True
During the 1420 siege, Duke John III of Bavaria employed effective military tactics, including the use of cannons and the strategic deployment of troops and artillery via land and ship, to systematically capture the surrounding citadels.
Leiden surrendered after the 1420 siege, resulting in its burgrave being stripped of rights and living in captivity.
Answer: True
Following the two-month siege in 1420, Leiden capitulated. The city's burgrave, Filips of Wassenaar, was subsequently deprived of his offices and rights and spent his remaining years in captivity.
Leiden played a role in the Dutch Revolt, and the city was relieved during the 1574 siege by cutting dikes to allow ships access.
Answer: True
Leiden was a key participant in the Dutch Revolt. During the Spanish siege of 1574, the city's inhabitants were sustained and ultimately relieved when the dikes were breached, enabling the passage of ships carrying vital provisions.
During the 1574 siege, Leiden issued the first paper money in the world, using prayer books as the base material.
Answer: True
In a remarkable act of resourcefulness during the 1574 siege, Leiden produced what is considered the first instance of paper money in Europe. This currency was created from stamped prayer books when conventional currency reserves were depleted.
The '3 Oktober' festival commemorates Leiden's victory over the Spanish in 1574.
Answer: True
The annual '3 Oktober' festival in Leiden is a significant celebration that commemorates the city's successful resistance and the end of the Spanish siege in 1574.
The poem on Leiden's Stadhuis uses Arabic numerals to encode the year 1574, referencing the Black Famine.
Answer: False
The poem inscribed on Leiden's Stadhuis (City Hall) utilizes Roman numerals, not Arabic, to encode the year 1574, referencing the significant period of the Spanish siege and the associated hardships, often termed the 'Black Famine'.
What was the primary reason for the Siege of Leiden in 1420?
Answer: Leiden's failure to recognize Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, as the new Count of Holland.
The Siege of Leiden in 1420 was precipitated by the city's refusal to acknowledge Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut, as the legitimate ruler of Holland, leading to Duke John III of Bavaria's military intervention.
How did Duke John III of Bavaria conquer the citadels around Leiden in 1420?
Answer: Using cannons and moving troops/artillery by land and ship.
Duke John III of Bavaria effectively captured the citadels surrounding Leiden in 1420 by employing cannons and utilizing both land and naval transport for his forces and artillery.
How was Leiden relieved during the Spanish siege of 1574?
Answer: By cutting dikes to allow ships carrying provisions to reach the city.
The city of Leiden was relieved during the 1574 Spanish siege through the strategic breaching of dikes, which permitted ships laden with essential provisions to navigate to the besieged populace.
What unique form of currency did Leiden issue during the 1574 siege when silver reserves ran out?
Answer: Paper money derived from prayer books.
During the scarcity of silver reserves in the 1574 siege, Leiden issued paper money created from prayer books, stamped with official seals, marking an early instance of paper currency in Europe.
The poem on Leiden's Stadhuis (City Hall) uses Roman numerals to encode which significant year related to the city's history?
Answer: 1574 (Spanish Siege and Black Famine)
The poem inscribed on Leiden's Stadhuis employs Roman numerals to represent the year 1574, referencing the critical period of the Spanish Siege and the associated 'Black Famine'.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Leiden's economy was primarily driven by shipbuilding and trade.
Answer: False
While trade was important, Leiden's economy in the 16th and 17th centuries was predominantly characterized by its robust textile industry, particularly the production of broadcloth, and a significant printing and publishing sector.
Leiden's population significantly increased from the 17th century to around 70,000, but then declined to 30,000 by the early 19th century due to industrial growth.
Answer: False
While Leiden's population did increase significantly in the 17th century, potentially reaching around 70,000, the subsequent decline to approximately 30,000 by the early 19th century was primarily due to the decline of its textile industries, not industrial growth.
The Leiden gunpowder disaster of 1807 destroyed approximately 220 homes and killed 151 people.
Answer: True
The catastrophic gunpowder explosion in Leiden on January 12, 1807, resulted in the destruction of approximately 220 homes and claimed the lives of 151 individuals.
The Pesthuis building, constructed between 1657-1661, was successfully used to treat plague patients in Leiden.
Answer: False
The Pesthuis building, erected between 1657 and 1661, was intended for the treatment of plague patients. However, due to the absence of plague outbreaks in the Netherlands during its construction period, it was never utilized for its original purpose.
Flemish refugees arriving in the 17th century contributed significantly to the growth of Leiden's textile industry.
Answer: True
The influx of Flemish refugees during the 17th century provided a substantial impetus to Leiden's textile industry, contributing significantly to its economic prosperity and growth during that era.
Which industries were most significant in Leiden during the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer: Weaving (broadcloth) and printing/publishing
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Leiden's economy was primarily driven by its prominent weaving industry, particularly broadcloth production, and a flourishing printing and publishing sector.
What caused Leiden's population decline from a peak in the 17th century to the early 19th century?
Answer: The decline of its textile industries.
The significant population decrease observed in Leiden from its 17th-century peak to the early 19th century was primarily attributable to the decline of its once-thriving textile industries.
What was the immediate impact of the Leiden gunpowder disaster on January 12, 1807?
Answer: It killed 151 people, injured over 2,000, and destroyed about 220 homes.
The catastrophic Leiden gunpowder disaster on January 12, 1807, resulted in 151 fatalities, over 2,000 injuries, and the destruction of approximately 220 residences.
Leiden University, established in 1575, has been a significant scientific hub in Europe for over three centuries.
Answer: True
Founded in 1575, Leiden University has indeed maintained a prominent position as a center for scientific inquiry and academic excellence in Europe for well over four centuries, contributing significantly to various fields of study.
Leiden University was founded in 1575 as a reward for the city's resilience during the Spanish siege of 1574.
Answer: True
The establishment of Leiden University in 1575 by William I of Orange served as a recognition of the city's steadfast defense during the arduous Spanish siege of 1574. It is often recounted that the citizens opted for the university over tax exemptions.
Leiden University is associated with the invention of the Leyden jar, a precursor to the capacitor.
Answer: True
The Leyden jar, an early electrical capacitor, is indeed associated with Leiden and its university, having been invented there by Pieter van Musschenbroek in 1746.
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics, is associated with Leiden University for his work in cryogenics.
Answer: True
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, a Nobel laureate in Physics, is strongly associated with Leiden University due to his pioneering research in cryogenics, including the liquefaction of helium.
The 'Leiden scale' is a measurement used for extremely high temperatures, developed at Leiden University.
Answer: False
The 'Leiden scale' is associated with extremely low temperatures, reflecting the cryogenic research conducted at Leiden University, rather than high temperatures.
The Leyden jar, an early capacitor, was invented in Leiden by Pieter van Musschenbroek.
Answer: True
Pieter van Musschenbroek, associated with Leiden, is credited with the invention of the Leyden jar, an important early device for storing electrical charge, functioning as a capacitor.
Factor V Leiden is a gene mutation discovered in Leiden that increases the risk of developing cancer.
Answer: False
Factor V Leiden is a gene mutation identified in Leiden, but it is primarily associated with an increased risk of developing blood clots (thrombosis), not cancer.
The Hortus Botanicus Leiden, founded in 1587, is one of the oldest botanical gardens globally and vital for botanical study.
Answer: True
Established in 1587, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden ranks among the world's oldest botanical gardens and has remained a crucial institution for botanical research and education throughout its extensive history.
Leiden earned the title 'The Coldest Place on Earth' due to pioneering research in cryogenics at its university.
Answer: True
Leiden's university laboratories achieved temperatures so low, particularly through cryogenic research, that the city was temporarily recognized as 'The Coldest Place on Earth'.
The Leiden scale is named after the city and measures extremely low temperatures, related to Heike Kamerlingh Onnes's work.
Answer: True
The 'Leiden scale' is a temperature scale designated for measuring extremely low temperatures, named in honor of the city and its university's significant contributions to cryogenics, particularly the work of Heike Kamerlingh Onnes.
Leiden's reputation as a scientific center dates back to the establishment of which institution?
Answer: Leiden University in 1575
Leiden's long-standing prominence as a scientific hub is primarily attributed to the founding of Leiden University in 1575.
Why was Leiden University founded in 1575?
Answer: As a reward for the city's heroic defense during the 1574 siege.
Leiden University was established in 1575 by William I of Orange primarily as a reward and recognition for the city's courageous and resilient defense during the Spanish siege of 1574.
Which scientific discovery associated with Leiden University involves the liquefaction of helium and achieving extremely low temperatures?
Answer: Pioneering work in cryogenics by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes's groundbreaking work in cryogenics at Leiden University led to the liquefaction of helium and the achievement of extremely low temperatures, earning the city the moniker 'The Coldest Place on Earth' for a time.
The Nobel Prize winners Lorentz and Zeeman (1902) and Kamerlingh Onnes (1913) are associated with which Leiden institution for their physics research?
Answer: Leiden University
Nobel laureates in Physics such as Hendrik Lorentz, Pieter Zeeman, and Heike Kamerlingh Onnes conducted significant research associated with Leiden University.
What scientific concept is named after Leiden, reflecting its university's pioneering work in extremely low temperatures?
Answer: The Leiden Scale
The 'Leiden scale' is a unit of measurement for extremely low temperatures, named in recognition of the pioneering cryogenic research conducted at Leiden University.
The 'Leyden jar,' an early capacitor, is credited to which inventor associated with Leiden?
Answer: Pieter van Musschenbroek
The Leyden jar, an early electrical capacitor, is credited to Pieter van Musschenbroek, who was associated with Leiden.
Factor V Leiden, a gene mutation discovered in Leiden, is primarily associated with an increased risk of what condition?
Answer: Blood clots
Factor V Leiden, a gene mutation identified in Leiden, is primarily linked to an elevated risk of developing blood clots (thrombosis).
What is the historical significance of the Leiden University's Hortus Botanicus?
Answer: It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and crucial for botanical study.
Founded in 1587, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden is recognized as one of the world's oldest botanical gardens and has played a vital role in the study and advancement of botany for centuries.
The famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn was born and received his early education in Leiden.
Answer: True
Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most celebrated artists of the Dutch Golden Age, was born in Leiden and commenced his artistic education in the city.
The Pilgrims who later settled in North America lived in Leiden for a period in the early 17th century.
Answer: True
Leiden served as a residence for the group of English Separatists, known as the Pilgrims, during the early 17th century before their eventual voyage to North America.
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke wrote the Dutch Constitution in Leiden in 1848 at his residence on Rapenburg 71.
Answer: False
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke did author the Dutch Constitution in Leiden in 1848, but he did so at his residence located at Garenmarkt 9, not Rapenburg 71.
The annual festival '3 Oktober' in Leiden commemorates the city's founding in the 11th century.
Answer: False
The '3 Oktober' festival in Leiden commemorates the end of the Spanish siege in 1574, a pivotal event in the city's history, rather than its founding.
The Gravensteen, a 13th-century fortification in Leiden, has historically served as a library and a prison.
Answer: True
The Gravensteen, a fortification dating back to the 13th century, has indeed fulfilled various historical roles, including serving as a fortress, a residence, a library, and a prison.
The Pieterskerk in Leiden contains a monument to Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, the defender of the city.
Answer: False
While the Pieterskerk contains monuments to notable scholars like Joseph Justus Scaliger and Herman Boerhaave, the monument to Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, the defender of Leiden during the 1574 siege, is located in the Hooglandse Kerk.
The Marekerk was the first Protestant church built in Leiden after the Reformation.
Answer: True
The Marekerk holds the distinction of being the first Protestant church constructed in Leiden, and indeed in the province of Holland, following the period of the Reformation.
The Heilige Lodewijkkerk was the first Catholic church built in Leiden after the Reformation, established after the 1807 disaster.
Answer: True
The Heilige Lodewijkkerk holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church erected in Leiden subsequent to the Reformation. Its establishment was facilitated following the devastating gunpowder explosion of 1807.
Leiden University's Academy Building is housed in a former 17th-century palace.
Answer: False
The Academy Building of Leiden University is situated within a former 16th-century convent, not a 17th-century palace.
The SieboldHuis museum contains Philipp Franz von Siebold's Japanese collection, which formed the basis for the National Museum of Ethnology.
Answer: True
The SieboldHuis, also known as the Japan Museum Sieboldhuis, houses the significant Japanese collection of Philipp Franz von Siebold, which indeed served as the foundational nucleus for the National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde).
The Bibliotheca Thysiana, part of Leiden University, is known for its extensive collection of legal works and vernacular chronicles.
Answer: True
The Bibliotheca Thysiana, a notable component of the Leiden University Library system, is recognized for its substantial holdings of legal texts and vernacular chronicles, reflecting Leiden's historical scholarly importance.
The Stadstimmerwerf, built in 1612, was the city's main shipyard, designed by Lieven de Key.
Answer: False
The Stadstimmerwerf, constructed in 1612, served as the city's carpenter's yard or construction yard. While its master carpenter's residence was designed by Lieven de Key, it was not primarily a shipyard.
Leiden hosts the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Answer: True
Leiden is home to several prominent cultural institutions, including the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, which are significant repositories of historical and scientific collections.
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke, the author of the Dutch Constitution, was born in Leiden.
Answer: True
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke, the eminent statesman credited with authoring the Dutch Constitution in 1848, was indeed born in Leiden.
Armin van Buuren, a globally recognized DJ, was born in Rotterdam, not Leiden.
Answer: False
Armin van Buuren, the internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer, was born in Leiden, not Rotterdam.
Rembrandt van Rijn, the celebrated painter, was born in Leiden and is known for 'The Night Watch.'
Answer: True
Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most renowned painters of the Dutch Golden Age, was born in Leiden and is celebrated for masterpieces such as 'The Night Watch'.
The Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) began in 2006 and features US independent films.
Answer: True
The Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF), initiated in 2006, is an annual event that includes a focus on US independent cinema among its programming.
Leiden's wall poem project, initiated in 1992, features murals of poetry on approximately one hundred buildings.
Answer: True
The ongoing wall poem project in Leiden, commenced in 1992, adorns approximately one hundred buildings throughout the city with artistic murals depicting poetry, enhancing the urban landscape.
Kajsa Ollongren, a Dutch politician, was born in Amsterdam.
Answer: False
Kajsa Ollongren, a prominent Dutch politician, was born in Leiden, not Amsterdam.
Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden (ZZ Leiden) is the city's successful professional basketball club, winning multiple national titles.
Answer: True
Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden (ZZ Leiden) is indeed the city's prominent professional basketball team, having achieved considerable success with multiple national championship titles.
Kjeld Nuis, a gold medalist speed skater at the 2018 Winter Olympics, is from Leiden.
Answer: True
Kjeld Nuis, who secured gold medals in speed skating at the 2018 Winter Olympics, hails from Leiden.
Which famous Dutch Golden Age painter was born and educated in Leiden?
Answer: Rembrandt van Rijn
Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most celebrated painters of the Dutch Golden Age, was born and received his early artistic training in Leiden.
What is the connection between Leiden and the Pilgrims who later settled in North America?
Answer: The Pilgrims lived in Leiden for a period in the early 17th century.
Leiden served as a place of residence for the Pilgrims for a significant period in the early 17th century before their eventual migration to North America.
Who is credited with writing the Dutch Constitution in Leiden in 1848?
Answer: Johan Rudolf Thorbecke
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke is credited with authoring the Dutch Constitution in Leiden in 1848.
What does Leiden's main annual festival, '3 Oktober,' commemorate?
Answer: The end of the Spanish siege in 1574.
The primary annual festival in Leiden, known as '3 Oktober,' commemorates the successful conclusion of the Spanish siege in 1574, a significant event in the city's history.
What historical building in Leiden, originally built as a refuge against plague, was never used for its intended purpose?
Answer: The Pesthuis
The Pesthuis, constructed between 1657 and 1661 as a facility to treat plague victims, was never utilized for its intended purpose as no plague outbreaks occurred in the Netherlands during its construction.
Which museum in Leiden has a Japanese collection that formed the nucleus of the National Museum of Ethnology?
Answer: SieboldHuis (Japan Museum Sieboldhuis)
The SieboldHuis (Japan Museum Sieboldhuis) houses the extensive Japanese collection of Philipp Franz von Siebold, which served as the foundational collection for the National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde).
The Bibliotheca Thysiana, part of Leiden University Library, is particularly noted for its collection of what type of works?
Answer: Legal works and vernacular chronicles
The Bibliotheca Thysiana, a historic library within Leiden University, is distinguished by its significant collection of legal works and vernacular chronicles.
Which Dutch politician, born in Leiden, authored the Dutch Constitution in 1848?
Answer: Johan Rudolf Thorbecke
Johan Rudolf Thorbecke, the influential Dutch politician responsible for drafting the Dutch Constitution in 1848, was born in Leiden.
The 'wall poem project' in Leiden involves decorating buildings with murals of what?
Answer: Poetry
Leiden's 'wall poem project' features murals of poetry displayed on numerous buildings throughout the city, contributing to its cultural landscape.
Which Dutch speed skater, a gold medalist in the 1000m and 1500m at the 2018 Winter Olympics, was born in Leiden?
Answer: Kjeld Nuis
Kjeld Nuis, a distinguished Dutch speed skater who achieved gold medals in the 1000m and 1500m events at the 2018 Winter Olympics, was born in Leiden.
Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden (ZZ Leiden) is known for its success in which sport?
Answer: Basketball
Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden (ZZ Leiden) is the city's professional basketball club, recognized for its success in national competitions.
Eurotransplant, an international organization for organ donation management, has its headquarters located in Leiden.
Answer: True
Leiden serves as the administrative center for Eurotransplant, the international organization responsible for managing organ donation and transplantation procedures across multiple European countries.
Leiden is primarily served by the railway stations Leiden Centraal and Leiden Zuid.
Answer: False
Leiden is served by three intercity railway stations: Leiden Centraal, Leiden Lammenschans, and De Vink. Leiden Zuid is not a primary station serving the city.
Qbuzz provides local bus services in Leiden under contract with the province of Zuid-Holland.
Answer: True
Local bus transportation within Leiden is managed by Qbuzz, operating under a contractual agreement with the provincial authority of Zuid-Holland.
Which international organization, managing organ donation across Europe, is headquartered in Leiden?
Answer: Eurotransplant
Eurotransplant, the organization coordinating organ donation and transplantation across numerous European nations, maintains its headquarters in Leiden.