Question 1: This venerable olive tree grows in front of the Temple of Concordia. Where are we?
- Turkey
- Greece
- Italy
Correct Answer: Italy
Fact: The Temple of Concordia is the best-preserved and largest Doric temple in Sicily, Italy. This temple is located in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on Sicily's south coast. Sunny coastal regions of the Mediterranean also happen to be where olive trees thrive. The people of these regions have cultivated olives since the beginning of recorded history. Able to withstand heat and drought and poor soil, olive trees can live for thousands of years and bear fruit for many centuries. As such they have come to be seen as symbols of peace and harmony.
Question 2: The Great Seal of the United States features an eagle clutching an olive branch in the talons of its right foot, symbolizing the power of peace. What is it grasping in the talons of its other foot?
- Arrows
- Snake
- Scroll
Correct Answer: Arrows
Fact: The eagle on our national seal clutches a bundle of arrows in the talons of its left foot, symbolizing war. But the eagle's head is turned in the direction of its other foot holding the olive branch to symbolize our nation's preference for peace over war. The reverse side of the seal features an unfinished pyramid topped by the Eye of Providence. The seal was first used in 1782.
Question 3: In Greek mythology, the goddess of wisdom claimed possession of Athens by planting an olive tree at the Acropolis. What is the name of this goddess?
- Aphrodite
- Athena
- Artemis
Correct Answer: Athena
Fact: Athena won her claim to Athens in a competition with Poseidon, god of the sea. He stuck his trident into the Acropolis, creating a gushing well of sea water. Athena planted the first olive tree beside the well. The jury of gods and goddesses ruled that Athena had given the better gift to Athens and gave her possession of it.