Historic and Ancient Ruins IV Trivia Quiz

Answer: Morocco

Lixus, located in Northern Morocco, started out as a Phoenician colony sometime in 7th century BC. Garum was an important export commodity in ancient times and ruins of a garum factory can be seen in modern Lixus. When Cyrus the Great conquered Phoenicia in 539 BC, many Phoenicians fled to their colonies. Carthage then began to expand westwards and absorbed cities like Lixus and ended somewhere near Essaouira, famous for its purple dye from Murex snails. Phoenician in Greek means "purple dye".

Answer: Algeria

With Mount Chenoua in its backdrop, Tipaze had been an important stopover used by Phoenicians en route to other trading cities and settlements in the "Pillars of Hercules", also known as Strait of Gibraltar. The inhabitants remained mainly pagan despite Tipaza being a bishop's see.

There was this story where Salsa, a Christian woman, had thrown the head of a serpent idol into the sea. This caused an uproar among the inhabitants who proceeded to stone her and throw her into the sea. Her body was then recovered and buried in the chapel on the hill.

Answer: Caesarea Maritima

Caeserea Maritima was a deep artificial port city with breakwaters (made from hydraulic cement) 500 metres away from shore. The huge volume of trade brought prosperity to the region and pleased the Romans. Hippodrome was built for athletics, a 3500-seat theatre, along with a Roman pagan temple. This was considered a "pagan playground" by the Jews. King Herod was an Arab, but had converted to Judaism and married a Jewish wife. A non-pure Jew, however, was not considered legitimate for the throne. Also, his father's ancestry was from Edom, and the Bible was not in favour of Edomites. (Genesis 25:19-34 and Numbers 24:15-19).

Reference: "Herod the Great" (Part 1) History Channel International (youtube.com)

Answer: Denmark

Aggersborg is located in Denmark and is about 288 metres in its outer diameter. This made it one of the largest Viking ring castles in Denmark. There were 48 longhouses constructed inside, altogether able to house a total of about 5000 people. It was protected by a wall about 11 metres thick and a moat about four metres wide.

The role of Aggersborg, whether it was used as a barracks for soldiers or a governing centre to control trade routes, remains unclear.

Answer: Greece

There were many frescoes painted onto the walls of Knossos Palace. Among them was a "Bull Leaping" fresco, showing a man fighting a bull. There was also a throne room, and the oldest throne in Europe was found at the site.

Minos' wife, Pasiphae, apparently gave birth to Minotaur after she copulated with the bull. A labyrinth was built beneath Knossos Palace to house it. Androgeus, son of Minos, was killed by jealous Athenians at the Panathenaic festival for winning so many games. Thus as a punishment, seven Athenian boys and seven Athenians girls were chosen to be devoured by the Minotaur every nine years. This went on until the third sacrifice when the founder-king of Athens, Theseus, managed to slay the Minotaur.

Reference: "Clash of the Gods - Minotaur" (part 1/5), History.Com (youtube.com)

Answer: Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi was an amazing archaeological find in India. It was located in the state of Haryana. Excavations revealed evidences of the usage of writing, and buildings built using wedge-shaped bricks and town planning. Extensive antiquities and artifacts were found, like terracotta statues, weights and bronze vessels.

It was situated on Saraswati River, which had dried up due to river capture and sandstorms. The legends and myths associated with Saraswati River were mentioned in the Vedic Texts. These stories have lent an aura of mystery and speculation surrounding the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Answer: Canada

With the discovery of L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada in 1960 AD, the accounts of the fabled Icelandic sagas of the Norse explorations of Vinland resurfaced once again. Two Icelandic sagas ("Saga of the Greenlanders" and "Saga of Eric the Red") recounted how Bjarni Herjólfsson was blown off course and discovered new lands during his trip to Greenland in 985 AD. Ten years later, Leif Erickson launched an expedition to this new land.

He called it Vinland, and returned with grapes and timber. Norsemen began to settle in Vinland; however, the Native Americans conducted raids against the new settlers.

This caused the Norse visitors to return back to Greenland.

Answer: Yoshinogari

The Yayoi Period was an interesting transition from the earlier Jômon period in history. The Yayoi people were richer, more complex, and physically taller on average by about an inch. Their weapons and agricultural equipment were made out of iron. Also, pottery was made on the potter's wheel.

The period between Jômon and Yayoi was marked by a movement of people from the mainland. Also, paddy rice cultivation resulted in an increase of the population. Many structures at the Yoshinogari site were reconstructed, showing buildings as they were in the Yayoi period.

Answer: Tintagel

The sea around Tintagel gave off a greenish tint caused by slate with copper content. After years of rough coastal erosion, a narrow strait of land was all that was left connecting to Tintagel Castle. A bridge was built to facilitate access to Tintagel Castle.

Legends abound about Tintagel as the birthplace of King Arthur. In 1998, the "Arthur Stone" was found. Also, Merlin's supposed cave was located beneath the castle, which is where some claim that Merlin lived. It was said that the voice of Merlin could be heard echoing in the cave. Whether the existence of King Arthur is a myth, fact or a combination remains a mystery.

Answer: Italy

In 80 AD, the construction of Colosseum was completed. The opening highlight of the show was between two slaves who became gladiators. Roman poet Martial recorded the event, which is the most vivid account of fights between gladiators that has survived. The two gladiators, Verus and Priscus, fought bravely and displayed great skills. Gladiators' fights seldom ended in draws. However, to the spectators, their skills, passion and gallantry had symbolised the fighting spirit of Rome. Titus declared the event to be a draw, with huge applause from the spectators. Both were given their freedom thereafter.

Reference: "Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story" (Part 1 of 6), BBC (youtube.com)