Can You Pass the Test?

The Weekly Wisdom Quiz

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

Nothing less than gods and emperors.

That’s what we’ve been looking at this week. So, you know, just the small stuff!

As omnipresent as they may have been in the ancient world, nowadays knowledge about them is much less common…

So now’s your chance to show your stuff and prove you’re the exception with the Weekly Wisdom Quiz.

As always, all questions are based on articles and resources published this week on Classical Wisdom. A full roundup of these is available after the quiz, along with the answers.

So let’s get to it!

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1. In the mythic contest between Athena and Poseidon, what gift did Athena give to the Athenians?
A. A spring of salt water
B. A golden chariot
C. An olive tree
D. A white horse

2. According to Dr. Maria Kasmirli, why is philosophy particularly suitable for children?
A. They are natural skeptics with limited imagination.
B. They absorb new perspectives more easily.
C. They memorize better than adults.
D. They already understand complex theories.

3. Which famous physician served as Commodus’ personal doctor?
A. Galen
B. Hippocrates
C. Dioscorides
D. Celsus

4. In the Athenian myth, what was Poseidon’s gift to the people?
A. A horse
B. A fountain of saltwater
C. A golden trident
D. A sacred oak tree

5. What economic policy did Commodus use to fund his games?
A. Increasing taxes on provinces
B. Devaluing Roman coinage
C. Looting Greek temples
D. Selling citizenship rights

6. Which historical conflict weakened Athens and eroded confidence in Athena’s protection?
A. The Peloponnesian War
B. The Trojan War
C. The Persian Wars
D. The Macedonian conquest

7. According to the podcast discussion with Dr. Maria Kasmirli, what does teaching philosophy help children realize about truth?
A. Everyone’s opinion is equally valid.
B. Honesty does not always equal truth.
C. Truth is impossible to know.
D. Truth can only be found in religion.

8. Which method did conspirators finally use to kill Commodus?
A. Poisoned wine
B. Stabbing in the Senate
C. Strangulation by the wrestler Narcissus
D. Burning his villa

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Answers

1. C) An olive tree (Why Athens Abandoned Its Own Goddess)

2. B) They absorb new perspectives more easily (From Plato to the Playground)

3. A) Galen (The Gladiator Emperor)

4. B) A fountain of saltwater (Why Athens Abandoned Its Own Goddess)

5. B) Devaluing Roman coinage (The Gladiator Emperor)

6. A) The Peloponnesian War(Why Athens Abandoned Its Own Goddess)

7. B) Honesty does not always equal truth (From Plato to the Playground)

8. C) Strangulation by the wrestler Narcissus (The Gladiator Emperor)

The Wisdom Scale 🏛️

1 - 2 correct: 🌿 Olive Sapling of Athena
Wisdom has begun to root, like the sacred olive tree of Athens. With care, your knowledge will flourish.

3 - 4 correct: 🎭 Budding Philosopher
You grasp the the logic of the Agora, and you’re beginning to find your way.

5 - 6 correct: 🏛️ Athenian Sage
You stand in the Parthenon of knowledge, debating with Plato while guiding the youth. Few can match your understanding.

7 - 8 correct: 🌞 Philosopher-King (or Queen!)
Like Marcus Aurelius, you rule with reason, justice, and the brilliance of wisdom. The ancients salute you!

So, how did it go this week? Let us know in the comments below!

Until next time…

All the best,

Sean Kelly

Managing Editor

Classical Wisdom