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Hoplites Trivia Quiz

A quiz on hoplites and things relating to them. This quiz includes questions on the founding, equipment, and so on of the hoplites.

A multiple-choice quiz by Jordan99259. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Jordan99259

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
257,436

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
2105

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. How long was the original spear of a hoplite? Hint

3 metres

3.7 metres

1.5 metres

2.7 metres

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Question 2 of 10

2. What was the Greek name for a hoplite spear? Hint

Aspis

Scutum

Gladius

Doru

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is the name of the shield they use? Hint

Hoplon

Hypolyte

Scutum

Phalanx

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Question 4 of 10

4. What formation were the Spartans known to use? Hint

Murmillo formation

Lykergus formation

Spartan formation

Phalanx formation

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Question 5 of 10

5. Who was the first and only leader of the "300 Spartans"? Hint

King Xerxes

King Lykergus

King Liuctra

King Leonidas

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Question 6 of 10

6. What man both was believed to be a god, and had a deep-seated hatred for King Leonidas? Hint

Xerxes

Pellopenessian

Athen

Xiphos

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which battle saw the "300 Spartans" perish? Hint

The Battle of Liuctra

The Battle of Thracian

The Battle of Pellepenesus

The Battle of Thermopylae

8. During the battle at Thermopylae, as a few Spartans remained standing; they witnessed the great King Leonidas fall and tried desperately to retrieve the body, but they were eventually felled by arrows. King Xerxes had a great disdain for Leonidas and ordered ... what? Hint

Crucifixion

Decapitation and that his head be stuck on a pole

Decapitation and crucifixion of his body

That his arms and legs be cut off and body crucified

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Question 9 of 10

9. Roughly, when are the hoplites said to have been founded? Hint

400BC

700BC

500BC

600BC

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Question 10 of 10

10. The hoplites often carried a small, straight blade around 60cm long. What was this called? Hint

Gladius

Xiphos

Doru

Kopis

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. How long was the original spear of a hoplite?

Answer: 2.7 metres

They were 2.7 metres at first, but they were eventually exchanged for smaller weapons such as javelins or daggers to allow greater mobility.

2. What was the Greek name for a hoplite spear?

Answer: Doru

This was the first weapon used by a hoplite or Spartan hoplite.

3. What is the name of the shield they use?

Answer: Hoplon

A hoplon is a round and heavy shield and was used only by hoplites.

4. What formation were the Spartans known to use?

Answer: Phalanx formation

This formation contributed dearly to the "300" Spartan's first battle against the Persians. It was believed to be almost impenetrable, but was vulnerable to arrows.

5. Who was the first and only leader of the "300 Spartans"?

Answer: King Leonidas

King Leonidas was the leader of the "300".

6. What man both was believed to be a god, and had a deep-seated hatred for King Leonidas?

Answer: Xerxes

In the "300 Spartans" movie Xerxes is portrayed as a tall, huge, bald man who towered over his rivals - though he actually had hair and a beard. He was considered a god by many but did not consider himself such - as depicted in "300".

7. Which battle saw the "300 Spartans" perish?

Answer: The Battle of Thermopylae

At the Battle of Thermopylae, the "300 Spartans" died, including Leonidas after he abjured the 'god' Xerxes and claimed his right to freedom. The Spartans were like a big family, and they refused to be slaves to anyone.

Answer: Decapitation and crucifixion of his body

Lord Xerxes did not want any trace of King Leonidas left. He only wished that himself be remembered and did not want anyone to know of the shame King Leonidas had distributed to him that day.

9. Roughly, when are the hoplites said to have been founded?

Answer: 700BC

It may be argued that the hoplite officials were founded in the 5th century, due to the creation of the "300 Spartans", but the exact year the Spartans were founded is unknown. Historical records suggest that they appeared as early as about 700BC.

10. The hoplites often carried a small, straight blade around 60cm long. What was this called?

Answer: Xiphos

The Xiphos was a double-edged, single-hand sword that was only used by hoplites. The Spartan hoplites, however, are believed to have created a smaller sword, allowing greater mobility. It was about 30cm long, thus halving that of the Xiphos. It was unnamed but is believed just simply a more modern Xiphos. You may see Leonidas wielding a spartan Xiphos in the film "300 Spartans".

Source: Author Jordan99259

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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