Cities of Israel: Letter A Quiz | Asia

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What two lettered city was destroyed by Joshua and never rebuilt?

Answer: Ai

It's pronounced like the word 'eye'. The ruins of this city have been located in Samaria with all certainty but the archaeological evidence differs than the biblical account. Apparently the great city of Ai was long destroyed before Joshua ever arrived and possibly it was being renovated at the time of the attack.

2. This "A" city was conquered by Alexander the Great, the Arabs and than the Crusaders who made this one of their primary ports. Obviously it is located on the coast but what is the name?

Answer: Ashkelon

Ashkelon is situated in the geographical region of the Western Negev. The Negev is best known for the desert bearing the same name but obviously there is some water although it's not advisable to drink it as it is salt water. The city has a long history of being sacked by the Canaanites, the Philistines, the Babylonians, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Muslims and the Crusaders.

It was finally destroyed by the Mameluke's in the late 13th century. Today it's a sizable city of 120,000 people and it's the largest Israeli city near Gaza.

3. Now located on Highway 1 going up to Jerusalem this city has had a long distinguished existence. Being at a key strategic location the Roman Legion built a fort here but the name that it's known by now comes from a Bedouin sheik who also controlled the area in the early 1800's. Who was this sheik that loaned his name to this village?

Answer: Abu Ghosh

In modern Israeli history Abu Ghosh has a unique feature that most Arab towns do not. During the war of Independence- 1948, this village sided with the Jews by not taking up arms and safe housing several Jews during the events that led up to the war. On a different note the village is also known by Israelis as having some delicious hummus restaurants.

4. This location has just been made a national park (2007). It has been the sight of a terrible massacre by the Romans during the Great Revolt and it would have provided an excellent vantage point to view the Crusader campaign at The Battle of Hittin. Where would this be?

Answer: Arbel

Mount Arbel has a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee on the western shore and it is one of several places where the intensity of the Jordan Valley Rift can be seen. The Jordan Valley Rift extends from Turkey in the north clear down to Mozambique in Africa covering some 1,800 miles.

5. Second for its size as a port after Haifa this city dates clear back to the Stone Age. It's a two syllable word combing an American hard wood tree with the Hebrew word for 'uncle'. What is the name?

Answer: Ashdod

This city combined with four others Ekron, Gaza, Ashkelon and Gath was the central existence of the Philistine People. The Bible records that this area was known for giants called "anakim".

6. The kibbutz named "Alonim" is after a particular type of tree. If you travel around Israel you will even see a chain of gas stations that bears the name 'Alon' with the emblem on the sign. The question is what type of tree is it?

Answer: Oak

There are three particular varieties of oak in the State of Israel and all are indigenous. Two of these varieties would be called scrub brush in North America while the third is a shade tree bearing acorns like all oaks but its height is limited to thirty feet and it is not abundant for lumber production.

7. This part of Jerusalem is well known for its hotel and amenities but it was originally founded as a Christian Utopian society in the late nineteenth century. Where am I referring too?

Answer: American Colony

It's a pretty interesting story of how the American Colony got under way. Started by a group of Americans who later were joined by Swedish Christians they set out to do good works in the name of Jesus creating soup kitchens, orphanages and hospitals. Having endured great persecution they continued in their work and brought relief to many thousands of people who would have more than likely died without them.

8. Here's a city that existed both in biblical times and present. It's in the Negev and while the city itself is Jewish the surrounding areas are populated by the Bedouin. Which city fits this description?

Answer: Arad

Arad is the home of one of Israel's most prolific authors- Amos Oz. His books are gripping and give an interesting insight to Israeli life through fictitious stories.

9. You'll have to know your stuff to get this one! This village is near another 'A' city which is bigger than the one in question. It was founded in 1953 by Jews who emigrated from Iran, Turkey and Kurdistan. What is the place? Here's a hint: it's in the region of Gilboa.

Answer: Avital

The name Avital can be found in the bible in the book of Second Samuel 3:4. Translated literally it means "father of dew" or conveying 'freshness', I'm not sure how that applies to David's wife but that was her name.

10. Did you know that Israel has a micro nation inside its borders? Well we do. It's located north of Nahariya and close to the border of Lebanon. Now that I told you that do you know the name of this mini nation?

Answer: Akhzivland

Stuff like this is too bizarre to make up. Basically take one eccentric Israeli who turns squatter and when the government tries to evict him he declares the area as his own sovereign nation. This all happened in 1970. Now thirty-eight years later he is still prospering and stamping passports with his own seal. My hat goes off to Eli Avivi the founder of Akhzivland.

Source: Author dovbear

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor minch before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Cities of Israel: Letter A Trivia Quiz

This is the beginning of a series of quizzes that is meant to stump as well as teach you about some of Israel's beautiful places.

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