Ancient History: Greece : The Hellenistic Period (323- 146 BCE)

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Ancient History: Greece

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Example Questions

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Example Question #1 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

Why did King Oedipus blind himself?

Possible Answers:

He incorrectly answered the riddle of the Sphinx

He discovered that he had murdered his father and married his mother

His sons were murdered

His army was defeated by Queen Cleopatra of Egypt

Zeus ordered him to

Correct answer:

He discovered that he had murdered his father and married his mother

Explanation:

King Oedipus blinded himself when he discovered that (unbeknownst to him), he had murdered his father and married his mother. He was so upset that he blinded himself in shame. It is helpful to remember that there is a concept in psychology called the "Oedipus Complex," which describes an individual's sexual attraction to the parent of the opposite sex. This concept is derived from the story of King Oedipus. 

Example Question #2 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

What was Jason looking for on his quest with the Argonauts? 

Possible Answers:

The Cyclops

His father

Queen Circe

Pegasus

The Golden Fleece

Correct answer:

The Golden Fleece

Explanation:

Jason and the Argonauts were searching for the Golden Fleece. When Jason was a baby his throne was stolen by his half-uncle Pelias. As an adult, Jason challenged Pelias for the throne and Pelias only agreed to step down if Jason presented him with the mythical Golden Fleece.

Example Question #3 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

Epicurus is most notable for his contributions to __________.

Possible Answers:

philosophy

chemistry

mathematics

political theory

engineering

Correct answer:

philosophy

Explanation:

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived in the fourth and third centuries BCE in Athens. He is most famous for founding the school of philosophy, Epicureanism, which bears his name. Epicurus advocated for a philosophy built around the pursuit of pleasure through knowledge acquisition. He sought freedom from fear and release from pain.

 

Example Question #4 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, Greece's conquered lands were divided among _______________.

Possible Answers:

Athens and Sparta equally

Alexander's children, also known as the Diadochoi

None of these

Alexander's generals, also known as the Diadochoi

Correct answer:

Alexander's generals, also known as the Diadochoi

Explanation:

Following the death of Alexander, the lands he conquered were divided among his generals. These nations, now no longer a part of the Greek Empire, eventually settled into 3 main dynasties: the Ptolemies (Egypt), the Seleucids (Syria/Persia), and the Antigonids (Macedonia).

Example Question #5 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

Hellenistic rule over the former Persian Empire was overthrown by the rise of the __________.

Possible Answers:

Seljuk Turks

Parthian Empire

Neo-Babylonian Empire

Roman Empire

Sassanid Empire

Correct answer:

Parthian Empire

Explanation:

Hellenistic rule over the former Persian Empire began in the late fourth century BCE, with the successful conquests of Alexander the Great. However, Hellenistic rule over Persia did not last long. The Parthian Empire (who would become longtime rivals to the Roman Empire) emerged and overthrew the Hellenistic rulers of Persia in the third century BCE.

Example Question #6 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

What was an agora in ancient Greece?

Possible Answers:

None of these answers accurately describes an agora

A shallow harbor designed to prevent naval invasions

A fortified area on top of hill, often used for ceremonial purposes

An open space designated for public meetings

A defensive fortification designed to protect against land-based invasions

Correct answer:

An open space designated for public meetings

Explanation:

In ancient Greece, an agora was an open space designated for use as a marketplace or as a place where public meetings could be carried out. Agoras were vital for the development of Athenian democracy and the spread of the notion of civic participation in Greek society.

Example Question #1 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

Among the Romans, the god of commerce was called Mercury. What was Mercury called among the Greeks? 

Possible Answers:

Ares

Zeus

Odysseus

Dionysus

Hermes

Correct answer:

Hermes

Explanation:

The Ancient Greeks called Mercury by the name Hermes. Hermes was known as the "winged god" due to the wings on his sandals.

Example Question #7 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

The Fates were three sisters who controlled the destiny of both mortals and gods alike. What material did the Fates use to measure a life?

Possible Answers:

Sand

Thread

Music

Fire

Water

Correct answer:

Thread

Explanation:

The Fates used thread to measure a life. One sister wove the thread, the second sister measured it, and the third sister cut it with shears, denoting the end of that individual's life. It is helpful to remember that the Fates used a material to measure life, and it is harder to measure a length of anything using music, sand, water, or fire. 

Example Question #8 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

The Titan Prometheus was credited with the creation of humans as upright creatures, as well as with giving them fire. Why did Prometheus give people these gifts? 

Possible Answers:

He believed man needed special defenses against earth's other creatures

There were no good qualities left after the Titans created all other creatures

He wanted man to build great temples in his honor

He wanted to make the other Titans jealous

He knew men were destined to rule the mortal world

Correct answer:

There were no good qualities left after the Titans created all other creatures

Explanation:

Prometheus made people stand upright and gave them the gift of fire because there were no other good qualities left over after Prometheus's brother gave them to the other creatures of the earth (flight, the ability to swim, speed, etc). Later, Prometheus continued to favor humans, protecting the race against other gods and re-giving them the gift of fire after Zeus took it away. 

Example Question #9 : The Hellenistic Period (323 146 Bce)

To which goddess did Paris, Prince of Troy, give the golden Apple of Discord?

Possible Answers:

Helen

Athena

Ceres

Aphrodite

Hera

Correct answer:

Aphrodite

Explanation:

Paris gave the Apple of Discord to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Paris was asked to give the apple to the fairest of the goddesses, and when he couldn't decide they each offered him a bribe - Paris eventually picked Aphrodite, who offered him "the most beautiful woman in the world." The most beautiful woman in the world was Queen Helen of Sparta, whom Paris stole from her husband to start the Trojan War. 

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