Tales of Campania Trivia Quiz

Answer: Southwestern

With an area of approximately 13,590 square kilometers (5,247 square miles), Campania is located in southwestern Italy with the Tyrrhenian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, to its west. Its 350 kilometers (217 mi) of coastline have made Campania a popular destination since ancient times, with even Roman emperors enjoying time there.

The Osci, Aurunci, and Ausones are believed to be original inhabitants of the area; they were joined by Greek Cumaeans sometime during the 8th century BC.

Answer: Naples

Considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the area around Naples has been occupied since the Neolithic Age. Greek colonists began coming to the area in the second millennium BC; they did not, however, establish the city of Neápolis until the 6th century BC.

It is known that Neápolis was an important ally of the Roman Republic during the Punic Wars, and that the famous Hannibal attempted and failed to penetrate the city walls during the Second Punic War.

Answer: Capri

The three islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida are part of Campania. While Ischia is known for its thermal spas, hot springs, and mud baths, Procida, with an area less than 4.1 square kilometers (1.6 square miles), has been used as the set of over thirty movies, including "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999). Archaeological excavations show that people have been living on Capri since the Neolithic Age; by the time of Emperor Augustus, however, the island became an important resort area for wealthy Romans. Augustus beautified the area with gardens and began many building projects there.

His heir, Tiberius, also built a private villa on the island, and lived there during the last five years of his reign. Today it is an important resort area, and tourists may enjoy shopping, great food, beautiful views, and the Blue Grotto while visiting.

Answer: Magna Gracia

Hampered by a lack of resources and experiencing problems with overpopulation, the Greek city-states sent colonizers out to many different locations. The southwestern part of Italy was not yet under the control of the Etruscans, the dominant group in the region, and possessed good harbors, which attracted settlement. It became one of the favorite colonizing areas of the ancient Greeks. Because there were so many Greek colonies eventually founded in the area, the region became known as Magna Gracia, or Great Greece.

Answer: Paestum

Greek colonists founded Poseidonia in approximately 600 BC; it was, however, eventually conquered by another Italian tribe called the Lucanians before being taken over by the Romans, who renamed the city. The three temples at Paestum were built from 550-450 BC, and were dedicated to Hera (Juno), Athena (Minerva) and Poseidon (Neptune). After the Romans took control of the city in 273 BC, they added a Roman-style forum, amphitheater, and other temples. The city has a fine archaeological museum, which contains artifacts from its Greek, Lucanian, and Roman occupation.

Answer: Campania felix

"Campania felix" means "fertile countryside" in English. The Romans, of course, established themselves in areas that could provide food for their growing empire. Although the area served as an important naval base, as well as a playground for the wealthy, it was also known for its production of grain. Today the rich volcanic soil still grows fertile pastures for grazing, as well as an abundance of food crops, including cereal grains, fruits, and, according to locals, the best-tasting tomatoes in the world!

Answer: Samnites

The Samnites were a tribe from Central Italy that moved into Campania about 800 BC. They eventually took over an area of Campania that was highly coveted for its fertile land. As the Romans expanded their sphere of influence in Italy, they came into contact with the Samnites, and fought three wars with them. During the First Samnite War (343-341 BC) the Romans came to the rescue of Capua, a city that had been attacked by the Samnites. The two remaining wars, the Second Samnite War (326- 304 BC) and the Third Samnite War (298- 290 BC), were fought for control of Campania.

Answer: Vesuvius

While Etna, Stromboli, and Volcano are part of an area called the Campanian volcanic arc, they are not part of the region of Campania. There are, however, several volcanoes in Campania, with Mt. Vesuvius being perhaps the most famous due to its eruption in 79 AD, and the subsequent discovery of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Vesuvius is still an active volcano; its last eruption was in 1944.

In western Naples there is an area called the Phlegraean Fields, which still shows signs of volcanic activity, and Mount Epomeo is found on the island of Ischia.

Its last eruption was in 1302. There is also an area south of Mt. Vesuvius in which undersea volcanoes can be found; once believed to be dormant, there is quite a bit of discussion today regarding the status of one called Marsili.

Answer: Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, a popular tourist destination, is known for its warm summers and mild winters. Comprised of a steep shoreline, the only way to reach the area by land is by using a 40-kilometer (25 mile) road that runs from Positano in the west to Vietri sul Mare in the east.

The ride on the twisting road, known as the "road of 1001 turns", features some absolutely breathtaking sights, and gives a very interesting view of the daily lives of the people who live in the area. The entire coast became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Answer: Rome

There are 20 administrative regions in Italy; Rome is in the Lazio region and is its capital and largest city; it is the largest city and capital of Italy as well. The Lazio region, which does border Campania to the north, is comprised of four provinces and one metropolitan city.

Historically, the word Lazio is connected to "Latium", the area in ancient times that was most populated by the Latins. In 509 BC the Latins overthrew the Etruscans who originally built the city of Rome, and took over control of the city, beginning the Roman Republic