Q 01/05

What does the Greek word 'acropolis' mean?

A) Highest city

B) Stone fortress

C) Sacred hill

D) Temple of the gods

Answer · why

A) Highest city

From akron, 'highest point', and polis, 'city' — many Greek cities had one, but Athens' is the acropolis.

Q 02/05

In ancient times the Acropolis of Athens was also known as Cecropia, after which legendary figure?

A) Erechtheus, the earth-born king

B) Theseus, slayer of the Minotaur

C) Cecrops, the serpent-man first king

D) Cecrops, a Cretan sea god

Answer · why

C) Cecrops, the serpent-man first king

Homer's 'strong-built house of Erechtheus' is thought to refer to the Mycenaean fortress on the rock.

Q 03/05

Which Athenian statesman coordinated the fifth-century BC building programme that produced the Parthenon, Propylaea, the porch-of-maidens temple and the Temple of Athena Nike?

A) Solon

B) Cleisthenes

C) Themistocles

D) Pericles

Answer · why

D) Pericles

He lived from about 495 to 429 BC and presided over what is called the Golden Age of Athens.

Q 04/05

How high above sea level does the Acropolis rock rise?

A) 80 m

B) 120 m

C) 100 m

D) 150 m

Answer · why

D) 150 m

Its flattish top covers about 3 hectares, and its limestone was thrust over the softer Athens schist by tectonic forces.

Q 05/05

The massive Bronze Age wall around the Acropolis, up to 10 m high, was built in which style?

A) Polygonal

B) Ashlar

C) Opus incertum

D) Cyclopean

Answer · why

D) Cyclopean

It was 760 m long and served as the rock's main defence until the 5th century BC.