What Do You Know About Paganism? Trivia Quiz

The term "omens" refers to signs or events that are believed to be messages from the gods. In ancient times, people would interpret these omens as indications of future events or guidance from the divine. These messages were considered significant and could often be seen as warnings or predictions. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that omens were messages from the gods.

The given statement suggests that it is time to end the semester. The phrase "It's about time" indicates that there has been a delay or a need for something to happen, and the statement "Let's bring this semester to a close" implies that the semester should be ended. Therefore, the correct answer is true, indicating agreement with the statement.

The opposite of the Dionysian concept is the concept that Apollo represents. This is because the Dionysian concept is associated with wild, chaotic, and unrestrained behavior, while Apollo represents order, reason, and harmony. Apollo is often seen as the god of music, poetry, and the arts, which require discipline and structure. Therefore, Apollo can be seen as the antithesis of the Dionysian concept.

The statement suggests that in ancient times, many priesthoods were either political positions or appointments made by higher authorities. This implies that these positions were not solely based on religious qualifications or spiritual calling, but also involved political power and influence. Therefore, the answer "True" is appropriate as it aligns with the information provided.

The correct answer is all of the preceding. In the Dionysian concept, life, death, ecstasy, and violence are all interconnected and intertwined. This concept symbolizes the wild and chaotic aspects of human existence, where life and death, ecstasy and violence, are all part of the same continuum. It represents the primal and instinctual forces that drive human behavior, celebrating both the joys and the destructive aspects of life.

Euripides was the author of the Bacchae. He was a Greek playwright who lived during the 5th century BCE. The Bacchae is one of his most famous plays, which explores the themes of religious ecstasy, madness, and the conflict between rationality and irrationality. Euripides is known for his innovative and psychological approach to drama, and his works often challenge traditional Greek beliefs and values.

The given answer suggests that the author of Bacchae ended his days in Macedonia because he was possibly exiled there. This implies that he may have been forced to leave his homeland and live in Macedonia as a form of punishment or banishment.

The question is asking whether Dionysus was born an immortal or if he became one. The correct answer is "became" because according to Greek mythology, Dionysus was born to a mortal mother and a god father, making him a demigod. He later became immortal through various means, such as being granted immortality by Zeus or by being resurrected after his death. Therefore, Dionysus was not born an immortal, but rather became one.

Sex scenes did appear in ancient ceramic wear, but they were not frowned upon by the ancient Greek and Roman cultures. In fact, these cultures celebrated and embraced sexuality in their art and literature. Erotic scenes were commonly depicted on pottery, frescoes, and sculptures, and were seen as a natural part of human life. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that all of the ancient philosophical schools of thought did indeed originate in the eastern half of the Mediterranean basin. This region was home to civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt, which were known for their significant contributions to philosophy. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emerged from this area and laid the foundation for Western philosophy. Therefore, it is true that the ancient philosophical schools of thought originated in the eastern half of the Mediterranean basin.

In pagan cults, the interior section of most temples was open only to priests. This suggests that the general public or worshippers were not allowed access to this area, highlighting the exclusivity and sacredness of the space. The restriction of access to only priests implies that they were responsible for performing rituals and ceremonies within the temple, while the worshippers would have to participate from outside or in designated areas.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement suggests that the Homeric Hymns were not intended to be used in religious ceremonies or rituals, but rather were created as literary works. This implies that they were not written with the purpose of invoking or praising specific deities, unlike the Orphic Hymns which were believed to have a more practical and ritualistic function.

In Greek and Roman antiquity, the prime directive for adult men and women was to have a family with children. This was considered a societal expectation and a way to ensure the continuation of the family line. It was seen as a duty and responsibility for individuals to marry and have children, as it was believed to contribute to the stability and prosperity of society. Having a family with children was valued and prioritized over other options such as owning a business, owning slaves, learning to read, or buying property.

The correct answer is the Theatre. The question is asking about something that played a significant role in emphasizing and spreading the Dionysiac spirit or concept in cities and towns all over the Mediterranean basin. The theatre is known for its association with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility, and it was a central place for performing Dionysian rituals and plays. The theatre provided a platform for the expression of Dionysiac themes and allowed for the dissemination of this spirit to the wider population.

The phallus was considered a symbol of fertility and potency in many cultures. It represented the power of creation and the ability to procreate. Additionally, the phallus was also seen as a symbol of domination, representing the power and control that men held over women and society. Therefore, options a and b, which state that the phallus was a symbol of fertility and potency as well as domination, are both correct.

The correct answer is "the body". The Dionysian concept focuses on the physical and sensual aspects of life, embracing pleasure, ecstasy, and the celebration of the body. In our culture, which tends to prioritize rationality and control, this emphasis on the physical can be seen as alien, distasteful, and unsettling.

The given statement suggests that the philosophical thought and writings of Plato had no relevance or use for philosophical development and dialogue in western culture. However, the correct answer is False, indicating that this statement is incorrect. This means that Plato's philosophical thought and writings did have relevance and use for philosophical development and dialogue in western culture.

In the play "The Bacchae," Pentheus represents rigidity. Throughout the story, Pentheus is depicted as a stubborn and inflexible character, unwilling to accept change or new ideas. He resists the worship of Dionysus and the freedom and chaos associated with it, instead clinging to his own strict beliefs and rules. This rigidity ultimately leads to his downfall as he is unable to adapt to the shifting dynamics of the play.

The term 'sparagmos' refers to tearing to pieces. This term is often used in reference to rituals or practices where a sacrificial animal is torn apart as an offering to the gods. It is a violent and destructive act that symbolizes the breaking down of barriers and the release of primal energy. The other options, such as messages from the gods, depression, and recklessness, are not related to the term 'sparagmos'.

Alexander the Great was one of the several political celebrities in antiquity who formed an 'alliance' with Dionysus. Alexander the Great was not only a renowned military leader but also known for his admiration and adoption of Greek culture and religion. Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and celebration, was an important deity in Greek mythology. Alexander's alliance with Dionysus could refer to his promotion and integration of Greek culture and religion in the regions he conquered, including the spread of Dionysian rituals and festivals.

In ancient Greek/Roman paganism, friendship was highly valued and considered sacred. Violating or betraying a friendship was seen as a major wrongdoing or sin. This is because friendship was seen as a bond of trust and loyalty, and violating that bond was seen as a betrayal of those values.

This statement is false because Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry, did cease to exist in the fifth century AD. The worship of Dionysus declined during this time period, and the influence of Christianity in the Roman Empire led to the suppression of pagan religions, including the worship of Dionysus. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that none of the aspects of Dionysus existed in the fifth century AD.

The term "bacchanalia" refers to wild and drunken celebrations, typically associated with the Roman god Bacchus. Since the question asks for the city from which the current meaning of the term seems to originate, the correct answer is Rome. Rome was the center of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of Bacchus worship and the bacchanalian traditions. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the modern understanding of "bacchanalia" stems from its historical association with Rome.

The word "cult" comes from the Latin word "cultus" which means nurturing. This suggests that the correct answer is e) nurturing.

The correct answer is incense. In many of the orphic hymns of Dionysus, the use of incense is mentioned, presumably in the reciting or singing of hymns. Incense is often used in religious or spiritual rituals to create a pleasant aroma and symbolize purification or offering to the deity. It is burned, releasing fragrant smoke that is believed to carry prayers or intentions to the divine realm. The mention of incense in the context of hymns suggests that it was an important element in the worship of Dionysus.

The word "bacchanalia" in our language today refers to excessive indulgence in various forms, including excess, food and drink, orgies, and the idea of "letting it all hang out." Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the preceding," as all of these meanings are encompassed by the word "bacchanalia."

The suppression of the rites of Bacchus that Livy wrote about reveals that the Roman authorities were perhaps not so much disturbed at the cult's rites but instead at the cult's acquisition of real property.

The correct answer is healing. In Alexander the False Prophet, the snake Glycon was believed to be a new manifestation of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. Asclepius was worshipped for his ability to cure diseases and promote good health. The false prophet Alexander claimed that Glycon was a divine entity with healing powers, using this belief to gain followers and deceive people.

The Epicureans believed that the universe is infinite and perishable. They were followers of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who taught that the universe is made up of atoms and void, and that it has no beginning or end. According to Epicurean philosophy, the universe is constantly changing and evolving, and everything in it is subject to decay and destruction. This belief in the perishable nature of the universe is in contrast to other philosophical schools, such as the Pythagoreans, Platonists, and Stoics, who held different views on the nature and eternity of the universe. Therefore, the correct answer is Epicureans.

The color purple was expensive to produce because it came from sea snails. Extracting purple dye from sea snails was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Large quantities of sea snails were required to produce a small amount of dye, making it a rare and costly commodity. Additionally, the process of extracting the dye was complex and required specialized knowledge and techniques, further adding to its expense.

Cynicism is a philosophical school of thought that focuses on questioning and criticizing societal norms and institutions. It is known for its skepticism and distrust towards authority and power structures. This makes it particularly relevant and appealing to disenfranchised and un-empowered individuals who may feel marginalized or oppressed by these structures. Therefore, it can be argued that cynicism is the only philosophical school that directly addresses the concerns and experiences of such individuals.

The original meaning of the word "cynic" referred to a dog. This is because the Greek word "kynikos" means "dog-like" and the early Cynics were called so because of their dog-like behavior and lifestyle. They believed in living a simple and self-sufficient life, much like dogs who are independent and free-spirited. Therefore, the correct answer is "dog".

In pagan antiquity, the concept of real property was just as important as it is with us today. This means that the ownership and possession of physical land and belongings held the same significance in ancient times as it does in our modern society.

Politicians were interested in allying themselves to Dionysus because the concepts he personified would give them the support of the population as a whole. Dionysus was associated with festivities, wine, and pleasure, which appealed to the general public. By aligning themselves with Dionysus, politicians could gain popularity and support from a wide range of people, ultimately increasing their chances of success in their political endeavors.

The statement suggests that the ancient pagan government of Rome had a thorough screening and moderation process for all business operations, including cult operations, to prevent fraud, cheating, and corruption. However, this statement is not accurate. While the Roman government did have some regulations and laws in place to address these issues, it did not have a comprehensive system to thoroughly screen and moderate all business and cult operations. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The statement suggests that in most ancient pagan cults, there were 'holy' books for the laity to read for spiritual edification. However, the correct answer is false. The statement is not supported by historical evidence or scholarly research. Ancient pagan cults often relied on oral traditions, rituals, and practices rather than written texts. The concept of 'holy' books for the laity to read is more commonly associated with organized religions like Christianity or Islam.

In most ancient pagan cults, sermons were not frequent. Sermons are typically associated with organized religions such as Christianity, where religious leaders deliver speeches or teachings to the congregation. Pagan cults, on the other hand, often had different forms of worship and rituals that did not involve regular sermons. Therefore, the statement that sermons were frequent in most ancient pagan cults is false.

The statement suggests that ancient cults focused on various issues, with individual morality being one of the most significant. However, the correct answer is False. The given statement implies that ancient cults prioritized individual morality, but it is not necessarily true. It is possible that ancient cults addressed other issues that they considered more important than individual morality.

The word "ecstasy" does not mean any of the given options. It refers to a state of intense happiness, excitement, or pleasure. It is not related to being drunk, stupidity of action and/or thought, serenity of mind, or duty to a deity. Therefore, the correct answer is "none".

The word "religion" does not come from any of the preceding root words mentioned in the options. The etymology of the word "religion" is derived from the Latin word "religio," which means "reverence for the gods" or "binding oneself to a higher power." Therefore, none of the preceding options accurately represents the root word meaning of "religion."