Sparta And The Battle Of Thermopylae
Explore the pivotal Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where King Leonidas of Sparta and his force faced Xerxes and the Persian army. This quiz covers key facts, including the strength of the Persian forces and the role of the Spartan king, enhancing knowledge of ancient military history.
- 1.
When did the Battle of Thermopylae take place?
- A.
280 CE
- B.
380 BCE
- C.
580 BC
- D.
480 BC
Correct Answer
D. 480 BCExplanation
The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BC.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who was the King of the Persians?
- A.
Leonidas
- B.
Xerxes
- C.
Darius
- D.
Pericles
Correct Answer
B. XerxesExplanation
Xerxes is the correct answer because he was the King of the Persians. He ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 486 to 465 BC. Xerxes is known for his military campaigns, including the failed invasion of Greece in 480 BC, which was famously depicted in the movie "300". He was the son of Darius I and is considered one of the most powerful Persian kings in history.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Persian army was reputedly made up of _____________.
- A.
250,000 men
- B.
25,000 men
- C.
2,500 men
- D.
250 men
Correct Answer
A. 250,000 menExplanation
The Persian army was reputedly made up of 250,000 men. This suggests that the Persian army was a large and formidable force, capable of waging war on a grand scale. With such a large number of soldiers, the Persians would have had a significant advantage in terms of manpower and could potentially overwhelm their opponents in battle. This also indicates that the Persians had a strong military infrastructure and the ability to mobilize and maintain such a large army.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who was the King of Sparta?
- A.
Pericles
- B.
Darius
- C.
Leonidas
- D.
Xerxes
Correct Answer
C. LeonidasExplanation
Leonidas was the King of Sparta. He is famously known for his leadership during the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian Empire. Leonidas and his small army of Spartans fought bravely against overwhelming odds, sacrificing themselves to delay the Persian advance and protect Greece. His leadership and courage have made him a legendary figure in history.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The King of Sparta was about _____ years old at the time of the Battle of Thermopylae.
- A.
50
- B.
60
- C.
30
- D.
40
Correct Answer
A. 50Explanation
The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BCE, and the King of Sparta at that time was Leonidas I. According to historical records, Leonidas I was in his 60s when he led the Spartans into battle against the Persians. Therefore, the correct answer, 50, is incorrect as it does not align with historical facts.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the name of the Persians' elite soldiers?
- A.
Hoplites
- B.
Archers
- C.
Legionnaires
- D.
Immortals
Correct Answer
D. ImmortalsExplanation
The correct answer is Immortals. The Immortals were the elite soldiers of the Persians. They were a group of highly trained and skilled warriors who served as the personal bodyguards of the Persian kings. The name "Immortals" comes from the fact that their numbers were always maintained at exactly 10,000, so that if any member was killed or injured, they would be immediately replaced to maintain the unit's strength. The Immortals were known for their discipline, bravery, and loyalty, and played a crucial role in many Persian military campaigns.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which statement is true?
- A.
The Spartans were lightly armed but very brave.
- B.
The Spartans were more heavily armed than the Persians.
- C.
The Persians did not use bows and arrows.
- D.
The Spartans outnumbered the Immortals.
Correct Answer
B. The Spartans were more heavily armed than the Persians.Explanation
The correct answer is "The Spartans were more heavily armed than the Persians." This statement implies that the Spartans had a greater amount of weapons and armor compared to the Persians. It suggests that the Spartans were well-equipped for battle, which could have given them an advantage in combat.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did the Spartans reportedly do before the Battle of Thermopylae, according to a Persian scout?
- A.
They combed their hair.
- B.
They fasted for a day.
- C.
They went swimming to cleanse themselves before the Battle.
- D.
They confessed their sins.
Correct Answer
A. They combed their hair.Explanation
According to a Persian scout, the Spartans reportedly combed their hair before the Battle of Thermopylae. This suggests that the Spartans took pride in their appearance and wanted to present themselves in a disciplined and organized manner on the battlefield. Combing their hair could also symbolize their determination and readiness for battle, as they wanted to look their best before facing their enemies.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The 300 men in the Spartan army at Thermopylae all had ________________.
- A.
Living wives at home
- B.
Living daughters at home
- C.
Living sons at home
- D.
Living fathers at home
Correct Answer
C. Living sons at homeExplanation
The correct answer is "living sons at home". This is because Spartan society placed a strong emphasis on producing strong and capable warriors. Spartan men were expected to marry and have children, particularly sons, who would be raised to become soldiers. Therefore, it can be inferred that the 300 men in the Spartan army at Thermopylae had living sons at home, as they would have been fulfilling their societal duty to produce future warriors.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The word "Thermopylae" means ___________.
- A.
Hot gates
- B.
Cold springs
- C.
Mineral springs
- D.
Fierce fighting
Correct Answer
A. Hot gatesExplanation
The word "Thermopylae" is derived from the Greek words "thermo" meaning hot and "pylae" meaning gates. Therefore, the correct answer is "hot gates". This refers to the narrow passage in Greece where the Battle of Thermopylae took place, known for its hot and humid climate due to the surrounding mountains, creating a natural bottleneck for military defense.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What was the first test of strength in a Spartan child's life?
- A.
Being checked as a baby to ensure you were strong
- B.
Completing demanding training in your barracks
- C.
Living in the wild in your teenage years
- D.
Your first battle as an adult hoplite
Correct Answer
A. Being checked as a baby to ensure you were strongExplanation
In Spartan society, the first test of strength in a child's life was being checked as a baby to ensure they were strong. This practice was known as the "exposure" or "inspection" of newborns. If a baby was deemed weak or unhealthy, they would be left to die. This harsh selection process was a way to ensure that only the strongest and most robust individuals would grow up to become Spartan warriors.Rate this question:
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- 12.
About how many Spartan male citizens were there at the time of the Battle?
- A.
90
- B.
900
- C.
9000
- D.
90,000
Correct Answer
C. 9000Explanation
During the time of the Battle, there were approximately 9000 Spartan male citizens. This suggests that the Spartan society consisted of a relatively small population of male citizens who were trained for warfare and played a crucial role in battles. The number 9000 indicates a significant but manageable force, highlighting the importance of Spartan military prowess and their reputation as formidable warriors.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The slaves in Sparta were known as ___________.
- A.
Immortals
- B.
Hoplites
- C.
Mortals
- D.
Helots
Correct Answer
D. HelotsExplanation
The correct answer for this question is "helots." In ancient Sparta, helots were the slaves who were owned by the Spartan citizens. They were primarily agricultural workers and were considered to be the property of the state. The helots played a significant role in the Spartan economy and were subjected to harsh treatment and control by the Spartan ruling class.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who were the Messenians?
- A.
Another word for hoplites
- B.
The conquered people who became slaves of the Spartans
- C.
A group within the Persian army
- D.
A group within the Athenian army
Correct Answer
B. The conquered people who became slaves of the SpartansExplanation
The Messenians were a group of people who were conquered by the Spartans and subsequently became slaves. This answer accurately describes the historical context and relationship between the Spartans and the Messenians.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who won the Battle of Thermopylae?
- A.
Persia
- B.
Sparta
- C.
Rome
- D.
Athens
Correct Answer
A. PersiaExplanation
The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between the Persian Empire and an alliance of Greek city-states led by Sparta. Despite the valiant efforts of the Greeks, the Persians emerged victorious in this battle. Therefore, the correct answer is Persia.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How old were the Spartan boys when they left their homes to begin military training?
- A.
11
- B.
9
- C.
7
- D.
5
Correct Answer
C. 7Explanation
Spartan boys began their military training at the age of 7. At this age, they were taken from their homes and placed in military barracks, where they would undergo rigorous physical and mental training. This early start to their training was aimed at creating strong and disciplined soldiers who would be loyal to Sparta. The boys would continue their training until the age of 20, when they would officially become full-fledged Spartan soldiers.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In the barracks, the boys had _______________.
- A.
Luxurious conditions
- B.
Not enough food to eat
- C.
As much food as they could ever need
- D.
Beautiful, warm clothing made by their slaves
Correct Answer
B. Not enough food to eatExplanation
The boys in the barracks did not have enough food to eat. This suggests that they were experiencing scarcity or a lack of sufficient food supply.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Long before the Battle of Thermopylae, the Spartans' slaves had risen up to fight against their oppressive overlords. The best word for this is a ___________.
- A.
Battle
- B.
Revolution
- C.
Rebellion
Correct Answer
C. RebellionExplanation
The best word to describe the situation where the Spartans' slaves rose up to fight against their oppressive overlords is "rebellion." This term accurately captures the act of resisting or opposing authority, which is precisely what the slaves did in this context. The word "battle" refers to a conflict between opposing forces, which may not fully encompass the aspect of defiance against oppression. While "revolution" can also be applicable, it typically implies a more extensive and systemic change, whereas "rebellion" focuses on the act of resistance itself.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Persian threat caused several city-states of ancient Greece to __________________________.
- A.
Establish schools to teach the Persian language
- B.
Surrender unconditionally
- C.
Continue fighting against each other
- D.
Become allies
Correct Answer
D. Become alliesExplanation
The Persian threat posed a common enemy for the city-states of ancient Greece, leading them to form alliances. Faced with the potential invasion and dominance of the Persian Empire, the city-states recognized the need to unite and pool their resources and military strength in order to effectively defend themselves. This common goal of self-preservation against the Persian threat ultimately led to the formation of alliances among the city-states.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which skill would a Spartan child never learn?
- A.
Reading
- B.
A trade
- C.
Writing
- D.
Dancing
Correct Answer
B. A tradeExplanation
A Spartan child would never learn a trade because their society was focused on military training and preparing for war. Trades were seen as unnecessary and were left to the helots, who were enslaved by the Spartans. Spartan children were instead taught physical fitness, combat skills, and discipline to become strong warriors. This emphasis on military training meant that they did not have the time or need to learn a trade.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Boys were encouraged to steal without being caught. This was considered a sign of _______________.
- A.
Resourcefulness
- B.
Dishonesty
- C.
Cowardice
- D.
Immorality
Correct Answer
A. ResourcefulnessExplanation
In this context, boys were encouraged to steal without being caught because it was seen as a demonstration of their resourcefulness. This suggests that they were expected to be clever and cunning in order to obtain what they needed or wanted without getting into trouble. It implies that being resourceful and able to think on their feet was valued in their society.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Spartan King sent the rest of the Greek soldiers away. This gave them the opportunity to ________________.
- A.
Return to Sparta with news of the Spartans' courage
- B.
Return to Athens and strengthen its defences
- C.
Evacuate Athens and regroup for a later battle
- D.
Flee into the mountains, leaving the people in Athens to their fate
Correct Answer
C. Evacuate Athens and regroup for a later battleExplanation
The correct answer is to evacuate Athens and regroup for a later battle. By sending the rest of the Greek soldiers away, the Spartan King allowed them to leave Athens and gather their forces elsewhere in order to prepare for another battle in the future. This decision would have enabled the soldiers to regroup, strategize, and potentially come back stronger to continue the fight against their enemies.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The wall-like formation of the Spartans, in which they stood in 18 rows with their shields against the backs of the men in front, was called a/n ______________.
- A.
Attack
- B.
Retreat
- C.
Battle wall
- D.
Phalanx
Correct Answer
D. PhalanxExplanation
The correct answer is phalanx. The phalanx was a military formation used by the Spartans, where soldiers would stand in close formation with their shields overlapping, creating a wall-like structure. This formation provided excellent protection and allowed the Spartans to advance and engage the enemy effectively. It was a key element of Spartan warfare and played a significant role in their military success.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Persians were finally able to defeat the Spartans, partially because _____________________.
- A.
The Persians were stronger soldiers, despite having fewer men
- B.
The Persians were braver than the Spartans and were utterly fearless
- C.
A traitor told Xerxes of a narrow path by which the Persian forces could get behind the Spartans
- D.
The Persians were more heavily armed and also used bows and arrows to their advantage
Correct Answer
C. A traitor told Xerxes of a narrow path by which the Persian forces could get behind the SpartansExplanation
The Persians were finally able to defeat the Spartans because a traitor informed Xerxes about a narrow path that could be used to flank the Spartan forces. This gave the Persians a strategic advantage and allowed them to attack the Spartans from behind, leading to their defeat. The other options provided in the question, such as the Persians being stronger soldiers or braver than the Spartans, or having better weaponry, are not mentioned as factors contributing to their victory.Rate this question:
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- 25.
When the Persians arrived in Athens, they ___________________________.
- A.
Destroyed the Parthenon
- B.
Burned Athens to the ground
- C.
Slaughtered Athens' citizens, who were caught unawares
- D.
Killed the soldiers who had retreated from the Battle of Thermopylae
Correct Answer
B. Burned Athens to the groundExplanation
When the Persians arrived in Athens, they burned Athens to the ground. This suggests that the Persians set fire to the city, causing extensive damage and destruction.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The Persian king was called ______________.
Correct Answer
XerxesExplanation
The Persian king was called Xerxes. Xerxes was a prominent Persian ruler who reigned from 486 to 465 BC. He was known for his military campaigns, particularly the invasion of Greece in 480 BC. Xerxes is also remembered for his construction projects, including the famous canal at Mount Athos. His reign marked a significant period in Persian history and his name has become synonymous with Persian kingship.Rate this question:
- 27.
The Spartan king was called _____________.
Correct Answer
Leonidas
Leonidas I
Leonidas 1Explanation
The Spartan king was known as Leonidas, Leonidas I, or Leonidas 1.Rate this question:
- 28.
The wall-of-shields formation was called a _______________.
Correct Answer
phalanxExplanation
The correct answer is "phalanx". In ancient warfare, a phalanx was a military formation where soldiers stood closely together in a tight formation, overlapping their shields to create a wall-like barrier. This formation provided a strong defense and allowed for coordinated attacks. The phalanx formation was commonly used by ancient Greek and Macedonian armies, and it was highly effective in battles.Rate this question:
- 29.
Athens and Sparta were both ______________ of ancient Greece.
Correct Answer
city-states
city statesExplanation
The correct answer for this question is "city-states" or "city states". Athens and Sparta were both independent and self-governing entities within ancient Greece. They were not just cities, but also had their own territories, governments, and laws. These city-states had their own distinct cultures, economies, and military systems, and often competed or fought against each other. This term accurately describes the political structure of both Athens and Sparta in ancient Greece.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 20, 2014Quiz Created by
Roslyn Green