1.
When did the battle of Roncevaux happen?
Correct Answer
B. In 778
Explanation
The battle of Roncevaux happened in 778. This battle took place in the Pyrenees mountains between the Frankish army led by Charlemagne and the Basques. It resulted in a significant defeat for the Frankish forces, with many casualties including the death of Roland, a legendary knight. The battle has been immortalized in various medieval literary works, most notably in the epic poem "The Song of Roland." The year 778 marks an important historical event in the conflict between the Franks and the Basques.
2.
Who's Charlemagne's army fighting and where?
Correct Answer
B. The Muslims in Spain
Explanation
Charlemagne's army was fighting against the Muslims in Spain. This refers to the historical conflict known as the Reconquista, which took place during the medieval period. Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and later the Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, led military campaigns against the Muslim Moors who had conquered and occupied parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The goal of these campaigns was to reclaim these territories for Christian rule.
3.
What's the name of the last standing city in Spain?
Correct Answer
A. Saragossa
Explanation
Saragossa is the correct answer because it is the last standing city in Spain. This implies that all the other cities mentioned (Madrid, Barcelona, and Cadiz) have been destroyed or no longer exist.
4.
What did the Muslim's king Marsile offer Franks for leaving Spain?
Correct Answer
C. Treasure and his conversion to Christianity
Explanation
The Muslim king Marsile offered the Franks treasure and his conversion to Christianity as a way to entice them to leave Spain. This offer suggests that Marsile was willing to give up material wealth and even change his own religious beliefs in order to remove the Franks from his kingdom.
5.
Who informed the Saracens of a way to ambush Charlemagne's army?
Correct Answer
A. Ganelon
Explanation
Ganelon informed the Saracens of a way to ambush Charlemagne's army.
6.
What happened with Roland in the battle?
Correct Answer
D. He died while blowing a horn in his call for help
Explanation
Roland died while blowing a horn in his call for help. This suggests that Roland was in a dire situation during the battle and was trying to signal for assistance. Unfortunately, he was unable to receive the aid he needed and ultimately perished while sounding the horn.
7.
What's the name of the river where the Muslims drowned?
Correct Answer
A. Ebro
Explanation
The correct answer is Ebro. This river is known for its historical significance in the context of the Muslim conquest of Spain. During the Battle of the Ebro in 1212, the Muslim Almohad army suffered a major defeat against the combined forces of the Christian kingdoms. Many Muslim soldiers and leaders drowned while attempting to flee across the Ebro River, marking a turning point in the Reconquista.
8.
Who was Baligant?
Correct Answer
D. The emir of Babylon who arrived to help king Marsile
Explanation
Baligant was the emir of Babylon who arrived to help king Marsile. He is not Roland's stepbrother or traitor, nor is he king Marsile's greatest enemy. Baligant's role in the story is to provide support to king Marsile's army, indicating that he is an ally rather than an enemy.
9.
What happened to Ganelon the traitor?
Correct Answer
C. He was torn apart
Explanation
Ganelon, the traitor, faced a gruesome fate as he was torn apart. This suggests that he was subjected to a brutal punishment, possibly as a consequence of his treacherous actions. The phrase "torn apart" implies a violent and painful end for Ganelon, highlighting the severity of his betrayal.
10.
Which one of these is not a character in this song?
Correct Answer
A. Ludovik
Explanation
The question asks for a character that is not present in the song. The characters mentioned in the options are Ludovik, Naimon, Oliver, and Aude. Therefore, the correct answer is Ludovik, as it is the only character that is not part of the song.