Ancient Anatolia Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

Anatolia is generally the term that is used for the Asian part of Turkey, however, looking at the map will show that only a very small part of Turkey is considered to be part of Europe! Archaeological evidence suggests that people have been living in Anatolia since at least the Neolithic Age. European Turkey, which in ancient times was called Eastern Thrace, is believed to have been inhabited approximately 40,000 years ago.

Answer: Temple

Considered today to be the oldest known man-made religious structure, the site of Gobekli Tepe dates to approximately 10,000 BC. The site, first noted in 1963, was found on a hill that had been previously used for agriculture. Farmers had been uncovering rocks and placing them in piles for centuries before Klaus Schmidt, a German archaeologist, recognized that they were part of T-shaped pillars used for building.

He directed the excavation at the site from 1996 until his death in 2014.

Answer: It is the largest and best-preserved Neolithic site ever found.

It is believed that the site of Çatalhoyuk was inhabited from 7500 to 5700 BC. While some of the upper levels of the site show evidence of skill in agriculture and animal domestication, it is believed that the people who lived there relied heavily on hunting for food. In addition, it appears that the people traded obsidian tools for Mediterranean sea shells and flint from Syria.

Answer: Troy

Several archaeological levels have been found at Troy. Most historians believe the site which is called "Troy VII" corresponds with the city described by Homer. Dating from approximately 1300 BC to 950 BC, Troy VII has two sub-sites. Troy VIIa appears to have been destroyed by war.

There is evidence of fire, and human remains were found in the streets; it appears that Troy VIIb was abandoned approximately 950 BC, possibly due to fire. Troy was not resettled until 200 years later.

Answer: Mother Goddess

It is believed that the Hattians worshipped the earth and revered the Mother Goddess in order to insure not only good crops, but also the well-being of the people. Other deities worshiped by the Hattians included the storm god, Taru, and the sun-goddess, Furusemu. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Mother Goddess, Kattahha, was the mother of Taru.

Answer: Cuneiform

It is believed that the Hurrian language was not an Indo-European leanguage and may not be related to any other language, but cuneiform writing was adopted approximately 2000 BC when the Assyrians controlled areas in Anatolia. A letter has been found that was written by King Tushratta of the Mitanni to Pharaoh Amenhotep III; in addition, a collection of tablets written in Hurrian, which also contained a Hittite translation, was found at the Hittite capital of Hattusa in 1983.

Answer: They were built to hold three men.

The new chariot adopted by the Hittites really had two improvements. First, instead of four solid wheels, two spoked wheels were used. This made their chariot light and faster. In addition, the chariot was enlarged to hold three men, giving the Hittites a definite advantage in battle.

While one man drove, two others could fight! Hittite charioteers were renowned for their fighting and skill.

Answer: Making treaties and alliances

There is evidence that the Hitties attempted to form alliances and make treaties with many different people, although the famous Treaty of Kadesh, which was made with Egypt, is probably the best-known example. At the Battle of Kadesh, fought in approximately 1300 BC, both the Hittites and Egyptians claimed the victory! The great Ramses II, however, barely escaped defeat. Sixteen years later, he realized that he couldn't run the Hittites out of Syria; the Hittite king, Hattusilis III, realized that he did not care to waste time fighting the Egyptians when he needed to be more concerned about Assyrians in Antolia.

The two sides agreed on what is considered to be the first non-aggression pact in history. They would not wage war against each other, and if a third party attacked one, the other would provide military aid.

Answer: Midas

There are many legends concerning the ancient king Midas, however, there is historical evidence that suggests that a King Midas ruled Phrygia. Greek sources wrote that he married the Greek princess, Damodice, and traded extensively with the Greeks. He could be the King Midas that Herodotus said donated the throne to the Oracle of Delphi. Assyrian records stated that a King Midas led an attack on Assyria's eastern borders.

It is believed that King Midas committed suicide when the city of Gordium was attacked; archaeological evidence confirms that the city was burned in the late 600s BC.

Answer: Lydians

The general consensus among historians is that Lydians began making coins sometime around 700 BC to 550 BC; most believe that they were minted during the reign of King Alyattes. First made of electrum, an alloy of gold and silver, the coins were stamped with a lion's head, which was the king's symbol. The son of King Alyattes, Croesus, was known for his great wealth.