In 1835, John L. Stephens traveled to Missilonghi, a city with significant historical importance. What major event happened there that Stephens visited the site for?
- The death of Sultan Mahmud II
- The assassination of Marco Bozzaris
- The birth of Lord Byron
- The Battle of Thermopylae
Correct Answer: The death of Lord Byron
Correct Answer Explanation: Lord Byron was a famous English poet who became a prominent figure in the Greek Revolution. He died in Missilonghi in 1824, and Stephens visited the city to see the site of his death and pay his respects.
Stephens observes a strong sense of gratitude and admiration for American aid towards Greece during its revolutionary struggle. What specific type of aid did America provide to Greece?
- Military forces
- Financial contributions
- Medical supplies
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The United States provided significant support to Greece during its war for independence from the Ottoman Empire. This support included financial contributions, military supplies, and medical aid.
Stephens’s journey through Turkey reveals the empire’s tumultuous transition. What significant event of the Ottoman Empire occurred just a few years before his visit?
- The Great Fire of Constantinople
- The invasion of Egypt
- The fall of the Janissaries
- The Selim III Reforms
Correct Answer: The fall of the Janissaries
Correct Answer Explanation: The Janissaries were a powerful military force in the Ottoman Empire, but they posed a threat to the sultan’s authority. Sultan Mahmud II ordered the massacre of the Janissaries in 1826, effectively eliminating this powerful force. Stephens visited Turkey just a few years after this event, and he observed the lingering effects of this transition.
Stephens recounts a harrowing encounter with a slave market in Constantinople. What was the primary source of slaves for this market?
- The Balkans
- The Caucasus
- Africa
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The slave market in Constantinople was a grim reality of the Ottoman Empire. Slaves were brought from various regions, including the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa. This trade involved the forced labor and exploitation of many individuals, particularly women and children.
While traveling through Russia, Stephens encounters a unique form of transportation. What was the name of the horse-drawn carriage he used in Russia?
- Droshky
- Pyroscaphe
- Knickerbockers
- Lazaretto
Correct Answer: Droshky
Correct Answer Explanation: Droshkies were a common form of horse-drawn transportation in Russia. These carriages were typically lightweight and designed for quick travel. Stephens mentions using a droshky during his travels, which highlights the various modes of transportation he encountered in different regions.
Stephens documents a significant American influence on the education system in Athens. What specific educational institution established by Americans did Stephens visit?
- The American School of Classical Studies at Athens
- The American College of Greece
- The American University of Athens
- The American Missionary School in Athens
Correct Answer: The American Missionary School in Athens
Correct Answer Explanation: The American Missionary School in Athens was established in 1831 by American missionaries. This school played a significant role in promoting education and cultural exchange in Greece. Stephens visited the school and noted its importance in shaping the nation’s educational landscape.
What does Stephens use as a unit of measurement when describing distances in Russia?
- Mile
- Kilometer
- Verst
- Nautical mile
Correct Answer: Verst
Correct Answer Explanation: A verst is a Russian unit of measurement that is approximately equal to 0.66 miles. Stephens utilizes this unit of measurement throughout his travels in Russia, which reflects the local customs and traditions of the region.
Stephens encountered a range of historical sites during his travels, including one that stands out as a symbol of Greek heroism. What is the name of the site where he saw the tomb of Marco Bozzaris?
- The Acropolis of Athens
- The Acropolis of Corinth
- Missilonghi
- The Isthmian Games
Correct Answer: Missilonghi
Correct Answer Explanation: Marco Bozzaris was a Greek military leader who played a significant role in the Greek Revolution. He died defending Missilonghi against the combined forces of the Turks and Egyptians. Stephens visited his tomb in Missilonghi, highlighting the enduring memory of Greek heroism and the lingering impact of the revolution.
Stephens makes note of the “Maid of Athens,” a woman who caught the attention of Lord Byron. What is the name of this woman that was immortalized by Lord Byron?
- Theresa Makri
- Aspasia
- Helen
- Sappho
Correct Answer: Theresa Makri
Correct Answer Explanation: Theresa Makri, known as the “Maid of Athens,” was a young woman who caught the attention of Lord Byron during his time in Greece. He wrote about her in his poems and letters, making her a celebrated figure in Greek history and literature.
Stephens describes a type of person he encounters in Turkey who speaks multiple languages and acts as a guide. What is the name for this type of person who acts as an interpreter?
- Janissary
- Dragoman
- Eparchos
- Seraskier Pacha
Correct Answer: Dragoman
Correct Answer Explanation: Dragomans were multilingual interpreters who played a crucial role in facilitating communication and trade between travelers and locals. Stephens often relied on the help of dragomans during his travels, highlighting the importance of these individuals in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
In his book, Stephens uses a term to refer to older Armenian men, comparing them to a specific community in New York. What term does Stephens use?
- Janissaries
- Knickerbockers
- Dragomans
- Eparchos
Correct Answer: Knickerbockers
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens uses the term “Knickerbockers” to refer to older Armenian men, drawing a comparison to the Dutch community in New York. This playful term highlights the cultural and social observations Stephens made during his travels, as he compared the people he met to familiar groups from his own background.
During his travels through the Ottoman Empire, Stephens describes a specific type of building often used to prevent the spread of disease. What is the name of this type of building used for quarantine?
- Knickerbockers
- Droshky
- Lazaretto
- Pyroscaphe
Correct Answer: Lazaretto
Correct Answer Explanation: A lazaretto was a quarantine station, typically located near a port, where individuals suspected of carrying contagious diseases were isolated. These buildings were essential for controlling the spread of diseases, particularly the plague, which was a common threat in the Ottoman Empire and other parts of the Mediterranean.
In his travels through Russia, Stephens encounters a new mode of transportation that uses steam power. What is the Russian word for steamboat?
- Droshky
- Lazaretto
- Pyroscaphe
- Knickerbockers
Correct Answer: Pyroscaphe
Correct Answer Explanation: Pyroscaphe is the Russian word for a steamboat. This term reflects the adoption of modern technology in Russia during Stephens’s time and highlights the evolving transportation landscape of the region.
Stephens’s account of the “Seven Towers” in Constantinople reveals the ruthlessness of the Ottoman state. What was the primary function of the “Seven Towers”?
- A place of worship
- A market for goods
- A prison for political prisoners and a place of execution
- A royal palace
Correct Answer: A prison for political prisoners and a place of execution
Correct Answer Explanation: The Seven Towers in Constantinople served as a prison for political prisoners and a place of execution. The towers symbolized the Ottoman state’s power and its willingness to suppress dissent. This site highlights the harsh realities of life under Ottoman rule.
Stephens describes a specific type of mosque in Constantinople that was once a Christian church. What is the name of this mosque?
- The Hagia Sophia
- The Blue Mosque
- The Süleymaniye Mosque
- The Selimiye Mosque
Correct Answer: The Hagia Sophia
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hagia Sophia was originally a magnificent Christian church built in Constantinople in the 6th century. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque, reflecting the religious shift in the city and the power of the Ottoman Empire.
Stephens provides a glimpse into the Ottoman court and describes the Sultan’s self-perception. How does the Sultan refer to himself?
- The Shadow of God upon Earth
- The Caliph of Islam
- The King of Kings
- The Great Sultan
Correct Answer: The Shadow of God upon Earth
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sultan often referred to himself as the “shadow of God upon earth,” emphasizing his authority and divine right to rule. This title reflected the Sultan’s belief in his own power and his position as the supreme leader of the Ottoman Empire.
Stephens observes the launch of a ship built by an American in Constantinople. What was the name of this American shipbuilder?
- Mr. Rhodes
- John L. Stephens
- Commodore Porter
- Marco Bozzaris
Correct Answer: Mr. Rhodes
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Rhodes was an American shipbuilder who worked in Constantinople. He was responsible for the construction and launching of a large ship for the Ottoman navy, showcasing American engineering skills and entrepreneurial spirit in a foreign land. This event highlights the growing international connections during Stephens’s time.
Stephens describes a popular method of execution used by the Ottoman Empire. What was this method of execution?
- Beheading
- Burning at the stake
- Stoning
- Bowstring
Correct Answer: Bowstring
Correct Answer Explanation: The bowstring was a common method of execution employed by the Ottoman Empire. This method involved strangulation with a bowstring, symbolizing the sultan’s absolute power and the ruthlessness of the state.
Stephens’s account of the slave market in Constantinople provides a disturbing glimpse into the practice of slavery in the Ottoman Empire. What was the typical price of a Circassian slave girl in this market?
- $100
- $250
- $500
- $1,000
Correct Answer: $250
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens notes that the price of a Circassian slave girl in the Constantinople slave market was 250 dollars. This price reflects the economic realities of the slave trade and the value placed on these individuals.
Stephens describes the enduring animosity between Muslims and Christians in the Ottoman Empire. What derogatory term did Turks often use to refer to Christians?
- Infidels
- Unbelievers
- Dogs
- Heathens
Correct Answer: Dogs
Correct Answer Explanation: The Turks often referred to Christians as “dogs,” highlighting the animosity and prejudice towards Christianity. This term reflects the religious tensions and societal divisions present in the Ottoman Empire.
Stephens describes a specific city in Southern Russia that was rapidly growing into a major port city. What is the name of this city?
- Moscow
- St. Petersburg
- Odessa
- Rostov-on-Don
Correct Answer: Odessa
Correct Answer Explanation: Odessa, founded in the late 18th century, rapidly became a major port city and a center for commerce and trade in Southern Russia. Stephens visited Odessa and observed its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and growing population, reflecting the economic dynamism of the region.
Stephens provides some insights into the political structure of the Ottoman Empire, mentioning various officials. What is the title of the Ottoman Minister of Foreign Affairs?
- Reis Effendi
- Grand Vizier
- Seraskier Pacha
- Eparchos
Correct Answer: Reis Effendi
Correct Answer Explanation: The Reis Effendi was the Ottoman Minister of Foreign Affairs. This official played a critical role in managing diplomatic relations with other countries and representing the Ottoman Empire on the international stage.
What was the approximate population of Constantinople in the 1830s, as mentioned by Stephens?
- 100,000
- 500,000
- 1 million
- 5 million
Correct Answer: 1 million
Correct Answer Explanation: Constantinople, the Ottoman capital, had a population of over one million in the 1830s. This makes it one of the largest cities in the world at the time and highlights the significance of the city as a center of trade, culture, and power.
During his visit to Constantinople, Stephens witnesses a significant event that highlights the Ottoman Empire’s desire to modernize its military. What event did Stephens witness in Constantinople?
- The launch of a great ship
- The Siege of Constantinople
- The destruction of the Seven Towers
- The fall of the Janissaries
Correct Answer: The launch of a great ship
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens witnessed the launch of a large ship built for the Ottoman navy by the American shipbuilder Mr. Rhodes. This event reflects the Ottoman Empire’s efforts to modernize its military and adopt new technologies. It also highlights the role of American entrepreneurship in a foreign land.
Stephens describes the role of American consuls in the Ottoman Empire. What salary did Stephens suggest for American consuls in order to attract qualified individuals?
- $500 per year
- $1,000 per year
- $1,500 per year
- $2,000 per year
Correct Answer: $1,500 per year
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens argues that paying American consuls a salary of $1,500 per year would elevate the position and attract qualified candidates. This reflects the importance of diplomatic representation and the need for skilled individuals to fulfill these roles.
Stephens mentions the devastation of a specific Greek island during the Greek Revolution. What is the name of this island?
- Crete
- Rhodes
- Cyprus
- Scio
Correct Answer: Scio
Correct Answer Explanation: The island of Scio, also known as Chios, suffered a devastating massacre in 1822 at the hands of the Turks. This event resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Greeks and left the island in ruins. Stephens’s visit to Scio highlights the brutal realities of the Greek Revolution and the lasting impact of violence on the region.
Stephens describes the importance of a specific location outside of Constantinople for the Sultan. What is the name of this location where the Sultan maintained a grand palace?
- The Seven Towers
- The Sweet Waters
- The Hagia Sophia
- The Bosphorus
Correct Answer: The Sweet Waters
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sultan maintained a grand palace at Sweet Waters, a picturesque location outside of Constantinople. This location was known for its natural beauty and provided a place of retreat for the Sultan and his court.
In his travels through the Ottoman Empire, Stephens encounters a diverse range of people, including a significant Jewish community. Which city did Stephens visit with a large Jewish population?
- Smyrna
- Constantinople
- Odessa
- Missilonghi
Correct Answer: Smyrna
Correct Answer Explanation: Smyrna, now known as İzmir, had a significant Jewish population during Stephens’s time. He visited the city and observed the bustling Jewish quarter, highlighting the diversity and cultural richness of the Ottoman Empire.
Stephens’s observations about the Greek Revolution reveal the challenges faced by the newly independent nation. What specific challenge did Greece face immediately after achieving independence?
- Rebuilding its infrastructure
- Rebuilding its economy
- Establishing a stable government
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Greece faced a range of challenges after achieving independence from the Ottoman Empire. These challenges included rebuilding its infrastructure, restoring its economy, and establishing a stable government. Stephens’s account reflects these difficulties and the ongoing struggles of a nation in transition.
Stephens describes a specific type of building used for the burial of the dead. What type of building did he visit in Constantinople that served as an Armenian burying ground?
- Mosque
- Church
- Cemetery
- Palace
Correct Answer: Cemetery
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens visited the Armenian burying ground in Constantinople, highlighting the diverse cultures and religious practices of the city. This site provides a glimpse into the religious traditions of the Armenian community and their presence in the Ottoman Empire.
Stephens’s observations about the Ottoman Empire highlight the complexities of its transition. What ongoing practice did Stephens observe in Constantinople that exposed the exploitation of women and children?
- The slave trade
- The Janissary system
- The use of bowstrings
- The Seraskier Pacha
Correct Answer: The slave trade
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens witnessed the slave trade in Constantinople, observing the plight of women and children sold into servitude. This practice highlights the enduring injustices and exploitation that existed within the Ottoman Empire, despite the empire’s attempts at modernization.
Stephens describes the dangers faced by travelers in the Levant. What three “miseries” did Stephens mention that were common concerns for travelers?
- Plague, fire, and the dragoman
- Earthquakes, floods, and bandits
- Disease, poverty, and corruption
- War, famine, and pestilence
Correct Answer: Plague, fire, and the dragoman
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens lists three “miseries” of the Levant as plague, fire, and the dragoman. These dangers were common concerns for travelers in the region, highlighting the challenging conditions they faced.
What is the name of the first American chargé d’affaires to the Ottoman Empire, mentioned by Stephens?
- John L. Stephens
- Mr. Rhodes
- Commodore Porter
- Marco Bozzaris
Correct Answer: Commodore Porter
Correct Answer Explanation: Commodore David Porter served as the first American chargé d’affaires to the Ottoman Empire. This appointment reflects the growing diplomatic relations between the United States and the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.
Stephens’s account of the “Maid of Athens” highlights the allure of Greece for foreign visitors. What specific historical site associated with the “Maid of Athens” did Stephens visit during his travels?
- The Acropolis of Athens
- The Acropolis of Corinth
- Missilonghi
- The Isthmian Games
Correct Answer: The Acropolis of Athens
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Maid of Athens” was a symbol of Greek beauty and charm for foreign visitors, including Lord Byron. The Acropolis of Athens, a symbol of ancient Greece, stands as a testament to the nation’s history and culture. Stephens visited the Acropolis during his travels, which provides a connection to the “Maid of Athens” and the broader cultural significance of ancient Greece.
Stephens’s account of his travels through Greece, Turkey, and Russia provides valuable insights into the historical context of the 1830s. What year did the Greek Revolution end, just a few years before Stephens’s travels?
- 1821
- 1824
- 1829
- 1835
Correct Answer: 1829
Correct Answer Explanation: The Greek Revolution, a struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire, ended in 1829. Stephens’s travels just a few years later provide a glimpse into the ongoing effects of the revolution and the challenges faced by the newly independent nation.
Stephens’s travels through various regions reveal the diverse landscapes and cultures of the time. What specific location did Stephens encounter that was known for its rich history and the ruins of ancient Ephesus?
- Missilonghi
- The Acropolis of Athens
- The Sweet Waters
- Ephesus
Correct Answer: Ephesus
Correct Answer Explanation: Ephesus was an ancient Greek city located in what is now Turkey. The city was renowned for its grandeur and its historical significance, and it became a popular destination for travelers like Stephens. During his visit, Stephens encountered the ruins of Ephesus and marveled at the city’s past.
What is the name of the specific site Stephens visits in Greece, known for its ruined houses and the lingering impact of the Greek Revolution?
- The Acropolis of Athens
- The Acropolis of Corinth
- Missilonghi
- The Isthmian Games
Correct Answer: Missilonghi
Correct Answer Explanation: Missilonghi was a city that played a significant role in the Greek Revolution. During the revolution, Missilonghi was besieged by the Ottoman forces and ultimately fell after a long and arduous defense. This event left the city in ruins, and Stephens’s visit to Missilonghi highlights the lasting impact of the revolution and the city’s resilience.
What specific historical games held on the Isthmus of Corinth did Stephens mention?
- The Olympic Games
- The Pythian Games
- The Nemean Games
- The Isthmian Games
Correct Answer: The Isthmian Games
Correct Answer Explanation: The Isthmian Games were ancient Greek games held on the Isthmus of Corinth. These games were a significant event in Greek history and culture, showcasing athletic competition and religious rituals. Stephens’s mention of the Isthmian Games reflects his interest in exploring the rich historical legacy of ancient Greece.
Stephens describes a range of experiences during his travels, including a unique encounter with an animal. What animal did Stephens encounter in the ruins of Ephesus?
- A lion
- A snake
- A wolf
- A bear
Correct Answer: A wolf
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens encountered a wolf emerging from the ruins of Ephesus, adding a symbolic dimension to the site’s desolation and historical significance. The wolf, often associated with wildness and untamed nature, represents the contrast between the grandeur of the past and the decay of the present.
Stephens’s observations about the Ottoman Empire highlight the clash between tradition and modernization. What specific practice did Stephens observe in a Turkish coffee house that reflects the persistence of traditional customs?
- Smoking hookah
- Drinking Turkish coffee
- Playing backgammon
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens’s visit to a Turkish coffee house provides a glimpse into Ottoman daily life and the persistence of traditional customs. The practices of smoking hookah, drinking Turkish coffee, and playing backgammon were all common activities in Ottoman society, reflecting a blend of tradition and leisure.