The issue of the parentage of Jesus in the Talmud affects also the view of his mother. However the Talmud does not mention Mary by name and is considerate rather than only polemic. The story about Panthera is also found in the Toledot Yeshu, the literary origins of which can not be traced with any certainty and given that it is unlikely to go before the 4th century, it is far too late to include authentic remembrances of Jesus. The Blackwell Companion to Jesus states that the Toledot Yeshu has no historical facts as such, and was perhaps created as a tool for warding off conversions to Christianity. The name Panthera may be a distortion of the term parthenos (virgin) and Raymond E. Brown considers the story of Panthera a fanciful explanation of the birth of Jesus which includes very little historical evidence. Robert Van Voorst states that given that Toledot Yeshu is a medieval document and due to its lack of a fixed form and orientation towards a popular audience, it is "most unlikely" to have reliable historical information.

Where in Jewish literature is the story about Panthera found?

the Toledot Yeshu

According to the Blackwell Companion to Jesus, for what purpose was the Toledot Yeshu written?

warding off conversions to Christianity

What is the meaning of the term "parthenos?"

virgin

During what historical period was the Toledot Yeshu written?

medieval

What event does Raymond E. Brown believe the Toledot Yeshu describes?

the birth of Jesus

Who wrote the medieval document the Toledot Yeshu?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote the story of Panthera?

I'm not sure.

What affects how Jesus views his mother?

I'm not sure.

In what century was The Blackwell Companion written?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote The Blackwell Companion?

I'm not sure.


The gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament describe Mary as a virgin (Greek: παρθένος, parthénos) and Christians believe that she conceived her son while a virgin by the Holy Spirit. This took place when she was already betrothed to Joseph and was awaiting the concluding rite of marriage, the formal home-taking ceremony. She married Joseph and accompanied him to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary could have been betrothed at about 12, however, there is no direct evidence of Mary's age at betrothal or in pregnancy. The term "betrothal" is an awkward translation of kiddushin; according to the Jewish law those called "betrothed" were actually husband and wife.

How old was Mary when she met Joseph?

I'm not sure.

Where did Mary first meet Joseph?

I'm not sure.

How old was Mary when she conceived?

I'm not sure.

Where was Mary born?

I'm not sure.


Since the angel Gabriel had told Mary (according to Luke 1:36) that Elizabeth—having previously been barren—was then miraculously pregnant, Mary hurried to see Elizabeth, who was living with her husband Zechariah in "Hebron, in the hill country of Judah". Mary arrived at the house and greeted Elizabeth who called Mary "the mother of my Lord", and Mary spoke the words of praise that later became known as the Magnificat from her first word in the Latin version.[Luke 1:46-55] After about three months, Mary returned to her own house.[Lk 1:56-57]

What language did Mary speak?

I'm not sure.

Where did Mary first meet the angel Gabriel?

I'm not sure.

Where did Elizabeth first meet Zechariah?

I'm not sure.

What language did Elizabeth speak?

I'm not sure.

What did the angel Gabriel tell Elizabeth whom Mary was?

I'm not sure.


Christian Marian perspectives include a great deal of diversity. While some Christians such as Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox have well established Marian traditions, Protestants at large pay scant attention to Mariological themes. Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutherans venerate the Virgin Mary. This veneration especially takes the form of prayer for intercession with her Son, Jesus Christ. Additionally it includes composing poems and songs in Mary's honor, painting icons or carving statues of her, and conferring titles on Mary that reflect her position among the saints.

Who did Jesus paint icons and carve statues of?

I'm not sure.

Who wrote poems and songs for Mary?

I'm not sure.

Which church first wrote the Mariological themes?

I'm not sure.

Who do the saints compose poems and songs about?

I'm not sure.


The main passenger airport serving the metropolis and the state is Melbourne Airport (also called Tullamarine Airport), which is the second busiest in Australia, and the Port of Melbourne is Australia's busiest seaport for containerised and general cargo. Melbourne has an extensive transport network. The main metropolitan train terminus is Flinders Street Station, and the main regional train and coach terminus is Southern Cross Station. Melbourne is also home to Australia's most extensive freeway network and has the world's largest urban tram network.

What airport serves Melbourne?

Melbourne Airport (also called Tullamarine Airport)

What is the main metropolitan train terminus called in Melbourne?

Flinders Street Station

What is the main regional train and coach terminus in Melbourne?

Southern Cross Station

What city is known to be home to Australia's most extensive freeway network?

Melbourne

What country has the world's largest urban tram network?

Australia

What passenger airport serves Melbourne?

Melbourne Airport (also called Tullamarine Airport)

What is the busiest seaport in Melbourne?

Port of Melbourne

What is the name of the main metropolitan train terminus called in Melbourne?

Flinders Street Station

What is the name of the coach terminus in Melbourne?

Southern Cross Station

Who has the most extensive freeway network?

Australia

What is another name for Melborne Airport?

Tullamarine Airport

Which airport is the second busiest in Australia?

Melbourne Airport (also called Tullamarine Airport)

Which port in Melborne is the busiest seaport for containerised and general cargo?

Port of Melbourne

What is Melborne's main metropolitan train terminus?

Flinders Street Station

Where is the world's largest urban tram network located?

Melbourne


Between 1836 and 1842 Victorian Aboriginal groups were largely dispossessed[by whom?] of their land. By January 1844, there were said to be 675 Aborigines resident in squalid camps in Melbourne. The British Colonial Office appointed five Aboriginal Protectors for the Aborigines of Victoria, in 1839, however their work was nullified by a land policy that favoured squatters to take possession of Aboriginal lands. By 1845, fewer than 240 wealthy Europeans held all the pastoral licences then issued in Victoria and became a powerful political and economic force in Victoria for generations to come.

Between what year's did Victorian aboriginal groups dispossessed?

Between 1836 and 1842

In 1844 how many Aborigines resident in squalid camps in Melbourne?

Who appointed five Aboriginal Protectors for the Aborigines of Victoria in 1839?

The British Colonial Office

Who were the people that were power political and economic force in Victoria in 1845?

240 wealthy Europeans

How many Aborigines were said to be resident in squalid camps in Melbourne in January 1844?

How many Aboriginal Protectors for the Aborigines of Victoria were appointed in 1839?

five

By what year did fewer than 240 wealthy Europeans hold all the pastoral licenses?

During what years were Victorian Aboriginal groups largely displaced from their land?

Between 1836 and 1842


With the gold rush largely over by 1860, Melbourne continued to grow on the back of continuing gold mining, as the major port for exporting the agricultural products of Victoria, especially wool, and a developing manufacturing sector protected by high tariffs. An extensive radial railway network centred on Melbourne and spreading out across the suburbs and into the countryside was established from the late 1850s. Further major public buildings were begun in the 1860s and 1870s such as the Supreme Court, Government House, and the Queen Victoria Market. The central city filled up with shops and offices, workshops, and warehouses. Large banks and hotels faced the main streets, with fine townhouses in the east end of Collins Street, contrasting with tiny cottages down laneways within the blocks. The Aboriginal population continued to decline with an estimated 80% total decrease by 1863, due primarily to introduced diseases, particularly smallpox, frontier violence and dispossession from their lands.

When was the gold rush over in Melbourne?

How did Melbourne grow as major port for exporting the agricultural products?

gold mining

What was protected by high tarriffs?

wool

In 1863, why was Aboriginal population declining?

diseases, particularly smallpox, frontier violence and dispossession from their lands.

By what year was the gold rush largely over?

What was one of the major agricultural products of Victoria around 1860?

wool

What were some of the reasons the Aboriginal population continued to recline?

introduced diseases, particularly smallpox, frontier violence and dispossession from their lands

Which disease in particular caused the Aboriginal population to continue a decline?

smallpox

The Aboriginal population declined by what estimated percentage by 1863?


Melbourne (/ˈmɛlbərn/, AU i/ˈmɛlbən/) is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia and Oceania. The name "Melbourne" refers to the area of urban agglomeration (as well as a census statistical division) spanning 9,900 km2 (3,800 sq mi) which comprises the broader metropolitan area, as well as being the common name for its city centre. The metropolis is located on the large natural bay of Port Phillip and expands into the hinterlands towards the Dandenong and Macedon mountain ranges, Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. Melbourne consists of 31 municipalities. It has a population of 4,347,955 as of 2013, and its inhabitants are called Melburnians.

What is the most populas city in the Australian state of Victoria?

Melbourne

What is the second most populas city in Australia?

Oceania

Where is the Metropolis?

large natural bay of Port Phillip

What is the population of Melbourne?

4,347,955 as of 2013

What are inhabitants of Melbourne called?

Melburnians

Which city is the capital of Victoria?

Melbourne

Which city is the most populous city in Victoria?

Melbourne

Melbourne consists of how many municipalities?

What was Melbourne's population in 2013?

What are the inhabitants of Melbourne called?

Melburnians


A brash boosterism that had typified Melbourne during this time ended in the early 1890s with a severe depression of the city's economy, sending the local finance and property industries into a period of chaos during which 16 small "land banks" and building societies collapsed, and 133 limited companies went into liquidation. The Melbourne financial crisis was a contributing factor in the Australian economic depression of the 1890s and the Australian banking crisis of 1893. The effects of the depression on the city were profound, with virtually no new construction until the late 1890s.

When did severe depression hit Melbourne's city?

What went into liquidation in Melbourne around the 1890's?

16 small "land banks" and building societies collapsed, and 133 limited companies

When did new construction start in Melbourne?

late 1890s

When did Australia have a banking crisis?

During what decade did Melbourne suffer a sever economic depression?

early 1890s

How many "land banks" and building societies collapsed during the 1890s depression in Melbourne?

How many limited companies went into liquidation during the 1890s depression in Melbourne?

The Melbourne financial crisis was a contributing factor to what banking crisis in 1893?

Australian

When did new construction start to reimerge after the early 1890s depression in Melbourne?

late 1890s


An influx of interstate and overseas migrants, particularly Irish, German and Chinese, saw the development of slums including a temporary "tent city" established on the southern banks of the Yarra. Chinese migrants founded the Melbourne Chinatown in 1851, which remains the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western World. In the aftermath of the Eureka Stockade, mass public support for the plight of the miners resulted in major political changes to the colony, including changes to working conditions across local industries including mining, agriculture and manufacturing. The nationalities involved in the Eureka revolt and Burke and Wills expedition gave an indication of immigration flows in the second half of the nineteenth century.

What term is given to the slums established on the souther banks of the Yarra?

tent city

In what year was Melbourne Chinatown founded?

Which ethninticities contributed an influx of interstate and overseas migrants to Melbourne?

Irish, German and Chinese

Which community is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western World?

Melbourne Chinatown

During the second half of what century did the Burke and Wills expedition give an indication of immigration flows?

second half of the nineteenth century


The decade began with the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, held in the large purpose-built Exhibition Building. In 1880 a telephone exchange was established and in the same year the foundations of St Paul's, were laid; in 1881 electric light was installed in the Eastern Market, and in the following year a generating station capable of supplying 2,000 incandescent lamps was in operation. In 1885 the first line of the Melbourne cable tramway system was built, becoming one of the worlds most extensive systems by 1890.

In what year was a telephone exchange established in Melbourne?

When was the first electric light installed in the Eastern Market?

In what year was the first line of the Melbourne cable tramway system built?

In what building was the Melbourne Internation Exhibition of 1880 held?

Exhibition Building


Melbourne is also prone to isolated convective showers forming when a cold pool crosses the state, especially if there is considerable daytime heating. These showers are often heavy and can contain hail and squalls and significant drops in temperature, but they pass through very quickly at times with a rapid clearing trend to sunny and relatively calm weather and the temperature rising back to what it was before the shower. This often occurs in the space of minutes and can be repeated many times in a day, giving Melbourne a reputation for having "four seasons in one day", a phrase that is part of local popular culture and familiar to many visitors to the city. The lowest temperature on record is −2.8 °C (27.0 °F), on 21 July 1869. The highest temperature recorded in Melbourne city was 46.4 °C (115.5 °F), on 7 February 2009. While snow is occasionally seen at higher elevations in the outskirts of the city, it has not been recorded in the Central Business District since 1986.

What weather phrase has become part of local popular culture in Melbourne and concerns the city's rapid change in weather?

four seasons in one day

What is the lowest temperature on Melbourne's record?

−2.8 °C (27.0 °F)

On what date did the lowest temperature in Melbourne's records occur?

21 July 1869

What is Melbourne's highest temperature recorded?

46.4 °C (115.5 °F)

On what date was Melbourne's highest temperature recorded?

7 February 2009


Melbourne's CBD, compared with other Australian cities, has comparatively unrestricted height limits and as a result of waves of post-war development contains five of the six tallest buildings in Australia, the tallest of which is the Eureka Tower, situated in Southbank. It has an observation deck near the top from where you can see above all of Melbourne's structures. The Rialto tower, the city's second tallest, remains the tallest building in the old CBD; its observation deck for visitors has recently closed.

What is the tallest tower in Australia?

Eureka Tower

Which tower is Melbourne's second tallest?

The Rialto

Is the observation deck in The Rialto currently opened or closed?

closed

On which of Melbourne's banks is the Eureka Tower located?

Southbank

What building is the tallest building in the old CBD?

The Rialto tower


Since the mid-1990s, Melbourne has maintained significant population and employment growth. There has been substantial international investment in the city's industries and property market. Major inner-city urban renewal has occurred in areas such as Southbank, Port Melbourne, Melbourne Docklands and more recently, South Wharf. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Melbourne sustained the highest population increase and economic growth rate of any Australian capital city in the three years ended June 2004. These factors have led to population growth and further suburban expansion through the 2000s.

To what areas has Melbourne dedicated substantial international investment?

industries and property market

In what areas has major inner-city urban renewal occurred?

Southbank, Port Melbourne, Melbourne Docklands and more recently, South Wharf

Melbourne has sustained the highest population increase and economic growth rate in any Australian city according to what organization?

Australian Bureau of Statistics

How many years did Melbourne sustain the highest population increase and economic growth?

three


Melbourne is experiencing high population growth, generating high demand for housing. This housing boom has increased house prices and rents, as well as the availability of all types of housing. Subdivision regularly occurs in the outer areas of Melbourne, with numerous developers offering house and land packages. However, after 10 years[when?] of planning policies to encourage medium-density and high-density development in existing areas with greater access to public transport and other services, Melbourne's middle and outer-ring suburbs have seen significant brownfields redevelopment.

What is generating high demand for housing in Melbourne?

high population growth

What effect has the housing boom had on house prices and rents?

increased

Which of Melbourne's suburbs have seen significant brownfields redevelopment in recent years?

middle and outer-ring

What types of surburban development did Melbourne policies promote?

medium-density and high-density


Founded by free settlers from the British Crown colony of Van Diemen's Land on 30 August 1835, in what was then the colony of New South Wales, it was incorporated as a Crown settlement in 1837. It was named "Melbourne" by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Richard Bourke, in honour of the British Prime Minister of the day, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. It was officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847, after which it became the capital of the newly founded colony of Victoria in 1851. During the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, it was transformed into one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities. After the federation of Australia in 1901, it served as the nation's interim seat of government until 1927.

Who was Melbourne named by?

the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Richard Bourke

Who was Melbourne named in honor of?

the British Prime Minister of the day, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne

What year was Melbourne officially declared a city?

What year did Melbourne cease in serving as the nations interim seat of government?

Melbourne became the capital of what colony in 1851?

Victoria


In response to attribution of recent climate change, the City of Melbourne, in 2002, set a target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2020 and Moreland City Council established the Zero Moreland program, however not all metropolitan municipalities have followed, with the City of Glen Eira notably deciding in 2009 not to become carbon neutral. Melbourne has one of the largest urban footprints in the world due to its low density housing, resulting in a vast suburban sprawl, with a high level of car dependence and minimal public transport outside of inner areas. Much of the vegetation within the city are non-native species, most of European origin, and in many cases plays host to invasive species and noxious weeds. Significant introduced urban pests include the common myna, feral pigeon, brown rat, European wasp, common starling and red fox. Many outlying suburbs, particularly towards the Yarra Valley and the hills to the north-east and east, have gone for extended periods without regenerative fires leading to a lack of saplings and undergrowth in urbanised native bushland. The Department of Sustainability and Environment partially addresses this problem by regularly burning off. Several national parks have been designated around the urban area of Melbourne, including the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and Point Nepean National Park in the south east, Organ Pipes National Park to the north and Dandenong Ranges National Park to the east. There are also a number of significant state parks just outside Melbourne. Responsibility for regulating pollution falls under the jurisdiction of the EPA Victoria and several local councils. Air pollution, by world standards, is classified as being good. Summer and autumn are the worst times of year for atmospheric haze in the urban area.

In what year did Melbourne set a target to reduce carbon emissions to net zero?

By what year did Melbourne state it wished to be completely carbon neutral?

Which city notably opted not to become carbon neutral in 2009?

City of Glen Eira

Does Melbourne have one of the largest or smallest carbon footprints in the world?

largest

Who is responsible for regulating pollution in Melbourne?

EPA Victoria and several local councils


In 2012, the city contained a total of 594 high-rise buildings, with 8 under construction, 71 planned and 39 at proposal stage making the city's skyline the second largest in Australia. The CBD is dominated by modern office buildings including the Rialto Towers (1986), built on the site of several grand classical Victorian buildings, two of which — the Rialto Building (1889) designed by William Pitt and the Winfield Building (1890) designed by Charles D'Ebro and Richard Speight — still remain today and more recently hi-rise apartment buildings including Eureka Tower (2006), which is listed as the 13th tallest residential building in the world in January 2014.

Who designed the Rialto Building in 1889?

William Pitt

Who designed the Winfield Building in 1890?

Charles D'Ebro and Richard Speight

Which building was listed as the 13th tallest residential building in the world in January 2014?

Eureka Tower

In what year was the Eureka Tower completed?

How does Melbourne's skyline rank in terms of other skylines in Australia?

second largest


In May and June 1835, the area which is now central and northern Melbourne was explored by John Batman, a leading member of the Port Phillip Association in Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania), who claimed to have negotiated a purchase of 600,000 acres (2,400 km2) with eight Wurundjeri elders. Batman selected a site on the northern bank of the Yarra River, declaring that "this will be the place for a village". Batman then returned to Launceston in Tasmania. In early August 1835 a different group of settlers, including John Pascoe Fawkner, left Launceston on the ship Enterprize. Fawkner was forced to disembark at Georgetown, Tasmania, because of outstanding debts. The remainder of the party continued and arrived at the mouth of the Yarra River on 15 August 1835. On 30 August 1835 the party disembarked and established a settlement at the site of the current Melbourne Immigration Museum. Batman and his group arrived on 2 September 1835 and the two groups ultimately agreed to share the settlement.

Tasmania was formerly known as what?

Van Diemen's Land

Current central and northern Melbourne was explored by whom?

John Batman

How many acres did John Batman claim to purchase?

How many elders did John Batman claim to have negotiated with?

eight

On what date did Batman reach Melbourne?

2 September 1835


Melbourne is typical of Australian capital cities in that after the turn of the 20th century, it expanded with the underlying notion of a 'quarter acre home and garden' for every family, often referred to locally as the Australian Dream. This, coupled with the popularity of the private automobile after 1945, led to the auto-centric urban structure now present today in the middle and outer suburbs. Much of metropolitan Melbourne is accordingly characterised by low density sprawl, whilst its inner city areas feature predominantly medium-density, transit-oriented urban forms. The city centre, Docklands, St. Kilda Road and Southbank areas feature high-density forms.

What is locally referred to as the Australian Dream?

quarter acre home and garden

Which year marked the start of the private automobile's popularity increase?

Do the Docklands, St. Kilda Road, and Southbank areas feature high-density or low-density forms?

high-density

Is much of Melbourne's metropolitan area characterized as low-density sprawl or high-density sprawl?

low density


With the wealth brought on by the gold rush following closely on the heels of the establishment of Victoria as a separate colony and the subsequent need for public buildings, a program of grand civic construction soon began. The 1850s and 1860s saw the commencement of Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria Barracks, the State Library, University, General Post Office, Customs House, the Melbourne Town Hall, St Patrick's cathedral, though many remained uncompleted for decades, with some still not finished.

When Victoria was established as a seperate colony, the need for what followed?

public buildings

During what two decades were the Parliament House, Treasury Building, Victoria Barracks, State Library, and General Post Office commenced?

1850s and 1860s

Melbourne's weath was due in part to what event?

gold rush


Melbourne's rich and diverse literary history was recognised in 2008 when it became the second UNESCO City of Literature. The State Library of Victoria is one of Australia's oldest cultural institutions and one of many public and university libraries across the city. Melbourne also has Australia's widest range of bookstores, as well the nation's largest publishing sector. The city is home to significant writers' festivals, most notably the Melbourne Writers Festival. Several major literary prizes are open to local writers including the Melbourne Prize for Literature and the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. Significant novels set in Melbourne include Fergus Hume's The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, Helen Garner's Monkey Grip and Christos Tsiolkas' The Slap. Notable writers and poets from Melbourne include Thomas Browne, C. J. Dennis, Germaine Greer and Peter Carey.

Which writer's festival is home to Melbourne?

Melbourne Writers Festival

What type of work are The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, Monkey Grip, and The Slap?

novels

What do the novels The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, Monkey Grip, and The Slap have in common?

set in Melbourne

Where are Peter Carey, Germaine Greer, and Thomas Browne from?

Melbourne

What occupation to Peter Carey, Germaine Greer, and Thomas Browne hold?

writers and poets


During a visit in 1885 English journalist George Augustus Henry Sala coined the phrase "Marvellous Melbourne", which stuck long into the twentieth century and is still used today by Melburnians. Growing building activity culminated in a "land boom" which, in 1888, reached a peak of speculative development fuelled by consumer confidence and escalating land value. As a result of the boom, large commercial buildings, coffee palaces, terrace housing and palatial mansions proliferated in the city. The establishment of a hydraulic facility in 1887 allowed for the local manufacture of elevators, resulting in the first construction of high-rise buildings; most notably the APA Building, amongst the world's tallest commercial buildings upon completion in 1889. This period also saw the expansion of a major radial rail-based transport network.

Which phrase was coined by George Augustus Henry Sala during a visit to Melbourne in 1885?

Marvellous Melbourne

In what year did the land boom reach its peak of development?

In what year was a hydraulic facility established?

In what year was the APA Building completed?

What did Melbourne's hydraulic facilities help create that spurred high-rise developments?

elevators


Melbourne rates highly in education, entertainment, health care, research and development, tourism and sport, making it the world's most liveable city—for the fifth year in a row in 2015, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. It is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and ranks among the top 30 cities in the world in the Global Financial Centres Index. Referred to as Australia's "cultural capital", it is the birthplace of Australian impressionism, Australian rules football, the Australian film and television industries, and Australian contemporary dance such as the Melbourne Shuffle. It is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and a major centre for street art, music and theatre. It is home to many of Australia's largest and oldest cultural institutions such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.

Melbourne is the world's most liveable city according to whom?

Economist Intelligence Unit

For how many years has Melbourne been considered the world's most liveable city?

fifth year in a row

Which city is referred to as Australia's cultural capital?

Melbourne

What is one example of Australian contemporary dance?

Melbourne Shuffle


Some of Australia's most prominent and well known schools are based in Melbourne. Of the top twenty high schools in Australia according to the Better Education ranking, six are located in Melbourne. There has also been a rapid increase in the number of International students studying in the city. Furthermore, Melbourne was ranked the world's fourth top university city in 2008 after London, Boston and Tokyo in a poll commissioned by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Melbourne is the home of seven public universities: the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), Deakin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology and Victoria University.

How many of the top twenty high school sin Australia are located in Mebourne according to the Better Education ranking?

six

According to the Toyal Melbourne Institute of Technology, how did Melborne rank as a top university city in 2008?

fourth

How many public universities are located in Melbourne?

seven

Is the University of Melbourne a public or private institution?

public

Has there been a recent increase or decrease in international students studying in Melbourne?

rapid increase


Height limits in the Melbourne CBD were lifted in 1958, after the construction of ICI House, transforming the city's skyline with the introduction of skyscrapers. Suburban expansion then intensified, serviced by new indoor malls beginning with Chadstone Shopping Centre. The post-war period also saw a major renewal of the CBD and St Kilda Road which significantly modernised the city. New fire regulations and redevelopment saw most of the taller pre-war CBD buildings either demolished or partially retained through a policy of facadism. Many of the larger suburban mansions from the boom era were also either demolished or subdivided.

In what year were height limits lifted in the Melbourne CBD?

Which was the first new indoor mall in Melbourne?

Chadstone Shopping Centre

What happened to many of the larger suburban mansions from the boom era?

demolished or subdivided

Which two areas saw a significant renewal after the post-war period and significantly modernised the city?

CBD and St Kilda Road


Melbourne is notable as the host city for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games (the first Olympic Games held in the southern hemisphere and Oceania, with all previous games held in Europe and the United States), along with the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Melbourne is so far the southernmost city to host the games. The city is home to three major annual international sporting events: the Australian Open (one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments); the Melbourne Cup (horse racing); and the Australian Grand Prix (Formula One). Also, the Australian Masters golf tournament is held at Melbourne since 1979, having been co-sanctioned by the European Tour from 2006 to 2009. Melbourne was proclaimed the "World's Ultimate Sports City", in 2006, 2008 and 2010. The city is home to the National Sports Museum, which until 2003 was located outside the members pavilion at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It reopened in 2008 in the Olympic Stand.

In what year was Melbourne the host city for the first Olympic Games held in the southern hemisphere?

Previous to Melbourne, where were all Olympic games held?

Europe and the United States

In what three years was Melbourne proclaimed the "World's Ultimate Sports City"?

2006, 2008 and 2010

Where did the National Sports Museum reopen in 2008?

Olympic Stand

Which city is so far the southernmost city to host the Olympic Games?

Melbourne


Batman's Treaty with the Aborigines was annulled by the New South Wales governor (who at the time governed all of eastern mainland Australia), with compensation paid to members of the association. In 1836, Governor Bourke declared the city the administrative capital of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales, and commissioned the first plan for the city, the Hoddle Grid, in 1837. The settlement was named Batmania after Batman. However, later that year the settlement was named "Melbourne" after the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, whose seat was Melbourne Hall in the market town of Melbourne, Derbyshire. On 13 April 1837 the settlement's general post office officially opened with that name.

In what year was the first plan for the city commissioned?

What was the first plan for the city in 1837 called?

the Hoddle Grid

On what date did the official general post office open?

13 April 1837

What was the settlement originally named?

Batmania


From 2006, the growth of the city extended into "green wedges" and beyond the city's urban growth boundary. Predictions of the city's population reaching 5 million people pushed the state government to review the growth boundary in 2008 as part of its Melbourne @ Five Million strategy. In 2009, Melbourne was less affected by the Late-2000s financial crisis in comparison to other Australian cities. At this time, more new jobs were created in Melbourne than any other Australian city—almost as many as the next two fastest growing cities, Brisbane and Perth, combined, and Melbourne's property market remained strong, resulting in historically high property prices and widespread rent increases.

Was Melbourne more or less affected by the Late-2000s financial crisis in comparison to other Australian cities?

less affected

Which market in Melbourne remained strong during the Late-2000s financial crisis and resulted in historically high property prices and rent increases?

property market

After Melbourne, which were the next two fastest growing Australian cities in 2009?

Brisbane and Perth

What is the name given to Melbourne's population strategy that was revised in 2008?

Melbourne @ Five Million strategy


Melbourne is also an important financial centre. Two of the big four banks, NAB and ANZ, are headquartered in Melbourne. The city has carved out a niche as Australia's leading centre for superannuation (pension) funds, with 40% of the total, and 65% of industry super-funds including the $109 billion-dollar Federal Government Future Fund. The city was rated 41st within the top 50 financial cities as surveyed by the MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index (2008), second only to Sydney (12th) in Australia. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest industrial centre. It is the Australian base for a number of significant manufacturers including Boeing, truck-makers Kenworth and Iveco, Cadbury as well as Bombardier Transportation and Jayco, among many others. It is also home to a wide variety of other manufacturers, ranging from petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals to fashion garments, paper manufacturing and food processing. The south-eastern suburb of Scoresby is home to Nintendo's Australian headquarters. The city also boasts a research and development hub for Ford Australia, as well as a global design studio and technical centre for General Motors and Toyota respectively.

How many of the big four banks are headquartered in Melbourne?

Two

Which two of the big four banks are headquartered in Melbourne?

NAB and ANZ

Which city is Australia's second-largest industrial centre?

Melbourne

Which south-eastern suburb is home to Nintendo's Australian headquarters?

Scoresby

Melbourne is home to a research and development hub for which auto manufacturer?

Ford Australia


The layout of the inner suburbs on a largely one-mile grid pattern, cut through by wide radial boulevards, and string of gardens surrounding the central city was largely established in the 1850s and 1860s. These areas were rapidly filled from the mid 1850s by the ubiquitous terrace house, as well as detached houses and some grand mansions in large grounds, while some of the major roads developed as shopping streets. Melbourne quickly became a major finance centre, home to several banks, the Royal Mint, and Australia's first stock exchange in 1861. In 1855 the Melbourne Cricket Club secured possession of its now famous ground, the MCG. Members of the Melbourne Football Club codified Australian football in 1859, and Yarra rowing clubs and "regattas" became popular about the same time. In 1861 the Melbourne Cup was first run. In 1864 Melbourne acquired its first public monument—the Burke and Wills statue.

In what two decades was the layout of Melbourne's inner suburbs established?

1850s and 1860s

In what year did the Melbourne Cricket Club secure possession of its now famous ground, the MCG?

Around what year did Yarra rowing clubs and "regattas" become popular?

In what year was the Melbourne Cup first run?

What was the first public monumnet acquired in Melbourne in 1864?

the Burke and Wills statue


Over two-thirds of Melburnians speak only English at home (68.1%). Chinese (mainly Cantonese and Mandarin) is the second-most-common language spoken at home (3.6%), with Greek third, Italian fourth and Vietnamese fifth, each with more than 100,000 speakers. Although Victoria's net interstate migration has fluctuated, the population of the Melbourne statistical division has grown by about 70,000 people a year since 2005. Melbourne has now attracted the largest proportion of international overseas immigrants (48,000) finding it outpacing Sydney's international migrant intake on percentage, along with having strong interstate migration from Sydney and other capitals due to more affordable housing and cost of living.

What percentage of Melburnians speak only English at home?

What is the second-most-common language in Melborne?

Chinese

The Melbourne statistical division population has grown by how many people each year since 2005?

What factors make Melbourne more attractie than Sydney for overseas immigrants?

more affordable housing and cost of living


Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) and is well known for its changeable weather conditions. This is mainly due to Melbourne's location situated on the boundary of the very hot inland areas and the cool southern ocean. This temperature differential is most pronounced in the spring and summer months and can cause very strong cold fronts to form. These cold fronts can be responsible for all sorts of severe weather from gales to severe thunderstorms and hail, large temperature drops, and heavy rain.

During which seasons are Melbourne's temperature differentials most pronounced?

spring and summer

Which type of weather fronts are responsible for severe weather such as gales, thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain in Melbourne?

cold fronts

What is Melbourne's Koppen climate classification?

Cfb

Is Melbourne known for changeable or steady weather patterns?

changeable

What is one cause for Melbourne's fluctuating weather patterns?

Melbourne's location situated on the boundary of the very hot inland areas and the cool southern ocean


Another recent environmental issue in Melbourne was the Victorian government project of channel deepening Melbourne Ports by dredging Port Phillip Bay—the Port Phillip Channel Deepening Project. It was subject to controversy and strict regulations among fears that beaches and marine wildlife could be affected by the disturbance of heavy metals and other industrial sediments. Other major pollution problems in Melbourne include levels of bacteria including E. coli in the Yarra River and its tributaries caused by septic systems, as well as litter. Up to 350,000 cigarette butts enter the storm water runoff every day. Several programs are being implemented to minimise beach and river pollution. In February 2010, The Transition Decade, an initiative to transition human society, economics and environment towards sustainability, was launched in Melbourne.

Which government project aimed to deepen Melbourne ports by dredging?

the Port Phillip Channel Deepening Project

Why was the Port Phillip Channel Deppening Project subject to controversy and strict regulations?

fears that beaches and marine wildlife could be affected

Up to how many cigarette butts enter the storm water runoff every day in Melbourne?

What initiative was launched in Melbourne in February 2010 as an effort to transition human society towards sustainability?

The Transition Decade

What causes increased pollution and levels of bacteria such as E. coli to rise in the Yarra River and its tributaries?

septic systems, as well as litter


To counter the trend towards low-density suburban residential growth, the government began a series of controversial public housing projects in the inner city by the Housing Commission of Victoria, which resulted in demolition of many neighbourhoods and a proliferation of high-rise towers. In later years, with the rapid rise of motor vehicle ownership, the investment in freeway and highway developments greatly accelerated the outward suburban sprawl and declining inner city population. The Bolte government sought to rapidly accelerate the modernisation of Melbourne. Major road projects including the remodelling of St Kilda Junction, the widening of Hoddle Street and then the extensive 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan changed the face of the city into a car-dominated environment.

Investment in what greatly accelerated the outward suburban sprawn and declining inner city population?

freeway and highway developments

Which government sought to rapidly accelerate the modernisation of Melbourne?

Bolte

The widening of what street helped to change the face of Melbourne into a car-dominated environment?

Hoddle Street

Did the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan change Melbourne into a more car-dominated or tram-dominated environment?

car-dominated

Did the rapid rise of motor vehicle ownership and highway developments lead to an increasing or declining inner city population?

declining


The Melbourne rail network has its origins in privately built lines from the 1850s gold rush era, and today the suburban network consists of 209 suburban stations on 16 lines which radiate from the City Loop, a partially underground metro section of the network beneath the Central Business District (Hoddle Grid). Flinders Street Station is Melbourne's busiest railway station, and was the world's busiest passenger station in 1926. It remains a prominent Melbourne landmark and meeting place. The city has rail connections with regional Victorian cities, as well as direct interstate rail services to Sydney and Adelaide and beyond which depart from Melbourne's other major rail terminus, Southern Cross Station in Spencer Street. In the 2013–2014 financial year, the Melbourne rail network recorded 232.0 million passenger trips, the highest in its history. Many rail lines, along with dedicated lines and rail yards are also used for freight. The Overland to Adelaide departs Southern Cross twice a week, while the XPT to Sydney departs twice a day.

How many lines does the Melbourne rail network have?

Which rail station is Melbourne's busiest?

Flinders Street Station

Which Melbourne rail station was the world's busiest passenger station in 1926?

Flinders Street Station

During which financial year did the Melbourne rail network record its highest volume of passenger trips?

How often does the XPT to Sydney depart?

twice a day


RMIT University was also ranked among the top 51–100 universities in the world in the subjects of: accounting, Business and Management, communication and media studies, computer science and information systems. The Swinburne University of Technology, based in the inner city Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn is ranked 76–100 in the world for Physics by the Academic Ranking of World Universities making Swinburne the only Australian university outside the Group of Eight to achieve a top 100 rating in a science discipline. Deakin University maintains two major campuses in Melbourne and Geelong, and is the third largest university in Victoria. In recent years, the number of international students at Melbourne's universities has risen rapidly, a result of an increasing number of places being made available to full fee paying students. Education in Melbourne is overseen by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), whose role is to 'provide policy and planning advice for the delivery of education'.

Which university maintains two major campuses in Melbourne and Geelong and is the third largest university in Victoria?

Deakin University

What is the role of the DEECD?

'provide policy and planning advice for the delivery of education

Who oversees education in Melbourne?

Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD)


Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's garden city, and the state of Victoria was once known as the garden state. There is an abundance of parks and gardens in Melbourne, many close to the CBD with a variety of common and rare plant species amid landscaped vistas, pedestrian pathways and tree-lined avenues. Melbourne's parks are often considered the best public parks in all of Australia's major cities. There are also many parks in the surrounding suburbs of Melbourne, such as in the municipalities of Stonnington, Boroondara and Port Phillip, south east of the central business district. The extensive area covered by urban Melbourne is formally divided into hundreds of suburbs (for addressing and postal purposes), and administered as local government areas 31 of which are located within the metropolitan area.

Which city is often referred to as Australia's garden city?

Melbourne

Which Australian state was once known as the garden state?

Victoria

Why is urban Melbourne divided into hundreds of suburbs?

addressing and postal purposes


Port Phillip is often warmer than the surrounding oceans and/or the land mass, particularly in spring and autumn; this can set up a "bay effect" similar to the "lake effect" seen in colder climates where showers are intensified leeward of the bay. Relatively narrow streams of heavy showers can often affect the same places (usually the eastern suburbs) for an extended period, while the rest of Melbourne and surrounds stays dry. Overall, Melbourne is, owing to the rain shadow of the Otway Ranges, nonetheless drier than average for southern Victoria. Within the city and surrounds, however, rainfall varies widely, from around 425 millimetres (17 in) at Little River to 1,250 millimetres (49 in) on the eastern fringe at Gembrook. Melbourne receives 48.6 clear days annually. Dewpoint temperatures in the summer range from 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) to 11.7 °C (53.1 °F).

Approximately how many sunny days does Melbourne receive annually?

What is the range of Melbourne's dewpoint temperatures in the summer?

9.5 °C (49.1 °F) to 11.7 °C (53.1 °F)

Which suburbs usually are affected by relatively narrow streams of heavy showers?

eastern suburbs

Is Port Phillip generally warmer or colder than the surrounding oceans and/or the land mass?

warmer


The local councils are responsible for providing the functions set out in the Local Government Act 1989 such as urban planning and waste management. Most other government services are provided or regulated by the Victorian state government, which governs from Parliament House in Spring Street. These include services which are associated with local government in other countries and include public transport, main roads, traffic control, policing, education above preschool level, health and planning of major infrastructure projects. The state government retains the right to override certain local government decisions, including urban planning, and Melburnian issues often feature prominently in state election.

Which act sets functions for Melbourne such as urban planning and waste management?

Local Government Act 1989

From where does the Victorian state government operate?

Parliament House in Spring Street

Contrary to other countires, are public transport, traffic control, policing, and education the responsibility of local or state government?

state government


The Hoddle Grid (dimensions of 1 by 1⁄2 mile (1.61 by 0.80 km)) forms the centre of Melbourne's central business district. The grid's southern edge fronts onto the Yarra River. Office, commercial and public developments in the adjoining districts of Southbank and Docklands have made these redeveloped areas into extensions of the CBD in all but name. The city centre has a reputation for its historic and prominent lanes and arcades (most notably Block Place and Royal Arcade) which contain a variety of shops and cafés and are a byproduct of the city's layout.

What are the dimensions of the Hoddle Grid?

1 by 1⁄2 mile (1.61 by 0.80 km)

Which edge of the Hoddle Grid fronts onto the Yarra River?

southern

What is the name of a popular arcade located within the Hoddle Grid?

Royal Arcade


The city is recognised for its mix of modern architecture which intersects with an extensive range of nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings. Some of the most architecturally noteworthy historic buildings include the World Heritage Site-listed Royal Exhibition Building, constructed over a two-year period for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, A.C. Goode House, a Neo Gothic building located on Collins Street designed by Wright, Reed & Beaver (1891), William Pitt's Venetian Gothic style Old Stock Exchange (1888), William Wardell's Gothic Bank (1883) which features some of Melbourne's finest interiors, the incomplete Parliament House, St Paul's Cathedral (1891) and Flinders Street Station (1909), which was the busiest commuter railway station in the world in the mid-1920s.

Which railway station was the busiest in the world in the mid-1920s?

Flinders Street Station

In what year was construction on the Flinders Street Station completed?

On which street is the A.C. Goode House located?

Collins Street

Who designed the A.C. Goode House?

Wright, Reed & Beaver

What style of architecture is the A.C. Goode House?

Neo Gothic


Australian rules football and cricket are the most popular sports in Melbourne. It is considered the spiritual home of the two sports in Australia. The first official Test cricket match was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 1877. The origins of Australian rules football can be traced to matches played next to the MCG in 1858. The Australian Football League is headquartered at Docklands Stadium. Nine of the League's teams are based in the Melbourne metropolitan area: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, and Western Bulldogs. Up to five AFL matches are played each week in Melbourne, attracting an average 40,000 people per game. Additionally, the city annually hosts the AFL Grand Final.

What are the two most popular sports in Melbourne?

Australian rules football and cricket

When was the first official Test cricket match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground?

March 1877

Where is the Australian Football League headquartered?

Docklands Stadium

How many of the Australian Football League's teams are based in the Melbourne metropolitan area?

Nine

Up to how many AFL matches are played each week in Melbourne?

five


Ship transport is an important component of Melbourne's transport system. The Port of Melbourne is Australia's largest container and general cargo port and also its busiest. The port handled two million shipping containers in a 12-month period during 2007, making it one of the top five ports in the Southern Hemisphere. Station Pier on Port Phillip Bay is the main passenger ship terminal with cruise ships and the Spirit of Tasmania ferries which cross Bass Strait to Tasmania docking there. Ferries and water taxis run from berths along the Yarra River as far upstream as South Yarra and across Port Phillip Bay.

Which port is Australia's largest container and general cargo port?

The Port of Melbourne

How far upstream to water taxis run along the Yarra River?

South Yarra

How many shipping containers did the Port of Melbourne handle during a 12-month period in 2007, making it one of the top five ports in the Southern Hemisphere?

two million

Which is Australia's busiest port?

The Port of Melbourne

Where is Station Pier located?

Port Phillip Bay


CSL, one of the world's top five biotech companies, and Sigma Pharmaceuticals have their headquarters in Melbourne. The two are the largest listed Australian pharmaceutical companies. Melbourne has an important ICT industry that employs over 60,000 people (one third of Australia's ICT workforce), with a turnover of $19.8 billion and export revenues of $615 million. In addition, tourism also plays an important role in Melbourne's economy, with about 7.6 million domestic visitors and 1.88 million international visitors in 2004. In 2008, Melbourne overtook Sydney with the amount of money that domestic tourists spent in the city, accounting for around $15.8 billion annually. Melbourne has been attracting an increasing share of domestic and international conference markets. Construction began in February 2006 of a $1 billion 5000-seat international convention centre, Hilton Hotel and commercial precinct adjacent to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre to link development along the Yarra River with the Southbank precinct and multibillion-dollar Docklands redevelopment.

How many people are employed by the ICT industry in Melbourne?

What percentage of Australia's ICT workforce is imployed in Melbourne's ICT industry?

one third

In 2008, Melbourne overtook what city with the amount of money that domestic tourists spent in the city?

Sydney

How many international visitors did Melbourne have in 2004?

1.88 million

Domestic visitors spend about how much money in the city of Melbourne annually?

$15.8 billion


In recent years, Melton, Wyndham and Casey, part of the Melbourne statistical division, have recorded the highest growth rate of all local government areas in Australia. Melbourne could overtake Sydney in population by 2028, The ABS has projected in two scenarios that Sydney will remain larger than Melbourne beyond 2056, albeit by a margin of less than 3% compared to a margin of 12% today. Melbourne's population could overtake that of Sydney by 2037 or 2039, according to the first scenario projected by the ABS; primarily due to larger levels of internal migration losses assumed for Sydney. Another study claims that Melbourne will surpass Sydney in population by 2040.

Melbourne's population could overtake that of Sydney by 2037 or 2039 primarily due to what factor?

larger levels of internal migration losses assumed for Sydney

According to the first scenario projected by the ABS, how soon could Melbourne overtake Sydney's population level?

2037 or 2039

In how many scenarios will Sydney remain higher than Melbourne in population beyond 2056?

two


Melbourne's live performance institutions date from the foundation of the city, with the first theatre, the Pavilion, opening in 1841. The city's East End Theatre District includes theatres that similarly date from 1850s to the 1920s, including the Princess Theatre, Regent Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, Forum Theatre, Comedy Theatre, and the Athenaeum Theatre. The Melbourne Arts Precinct in Southbank is home to Arts Centre Melbourne, which includes the State Theatre, Hamer Hall, the Playhouse and the Fairfax Studio. The Melbourne Recital Centre and Southbank Theatre (principal home of the MTC, which includes the Sumner and Lawler performance spaces) are also located in Southbank. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, which dates from 1955, is located in the gardens of Kings Domain; and the Palais Theatre is a feature of the St Kilda Beach foreshore.

Which theatre was Melbourne's first live performance institution?

Pavilion

In what year did the Pavilion open?

The Princess Theatre, Regent Theatre, and Forum Theatre are members of which of Melbourne's theater districts?

East End Theatre District

Where are the Melbourne Recital Centre and Southbank Theatre located?

Southbank

From what year does the Sidney Myer Music Bowl date?


Three daily newspapers serve Melbourne: the Herald Sun (tabloid), The Age (formerly broadsheet, now compact) and The Australian (national broadsheet). Six free-to-air television stations service Greater Melbourne and Geelong: ABC Victoria, (ABV), SBS Victoria (SBS), Seven Melbourne (HSV), Nine Melbourne (GTV), Ten Melbourne (ATV), C31 Melbourne (MGV) – community television. Each station (excluding C31) broadcasts a primary channel and several multichannels. C31 is only broadcast from the transmitters at Mount Dandenong and South Yarra. Hybrid digital/print media companies such as Broadsheet and ThreeThousand are based in and primarily serve Melbourne.

How many daily newspapers serve Melbourne?

Three

How many free-to-air television stations service Greater Melbourne and Geelong?

Six

From where is C31 broadcast?

transmitters at Mount Dandenong and South Yarra

What type of companies are Broadsheet and ThreeThousand?

Hybrid digital/print media


The city is home to many professional franchises/teams in national competitions including: cricket clubs Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades and Victorian Bushrangers, which play in the Big Bash League and other domestic cricket competitions; soccer clubs Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC (known until June 2014 as Melbourne Heart), which play in the A-League competition, both teams play their home games at AAMI Park, with the Victory also playing home games at Etihad Stadium. Rugby league club Melbourne Storm which plays in the NRL competition; rugby union clubs Melbourne Rebels and Melbourne Rising, which play in the Super Rugby and National Rugby Championship competitions respectively; netball club Melbourne Vixens, which plays in the trans-Tasman trophy ANZ Championship; basketball club Melbourne United, which plays in the NBL competition; Bulleen Boomers and Dandenong Rangers, which play in the WNBL; ice hockey teams Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs, who play in the Australian Ice Hockey League; and baseball club Melbourne Aces, which plays in the Australian Baseball League. Rowing is also a large part of Melbourne's sporting identity, with a number of clubs located on the Yarra River, out of which many Australian Olympians trained. The city previously held the nation's premier long distance swimming event the annual Race to Prince's Bridge, in the Yarra River.

When did Melbourne Heart become known as Melbourne City FC?

June 2014

What are Melbourne's two ice hockey teams named?

Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs

In which river was the annual Race to Prince's Bridge held?

Yarra

Where does the soccer club Melbourne Victory play home games?

Etihad Stadium

Which basketball club in Melbourne plays in the NBL?

Melbourne United


Like many Australian cities, Melbourne has a high dependency on the automobile for transport, particularly in the outer suburban areas where the largest number of cars are bought, with a total of 3.6 million private vehicles using 22,320 km (13,870 mi) of road, and one of the highest lengths of road per capita in the world. The early 20th century saw an increase in popularity of automobiles, resulting in large-scale suburban expansion. By the mid 1950s there was just under 200 passenger vehicles per 1000 people by 2013 there was 600 passenger vehicles per 1000 people. Today it has an extensive network of freeways and arterial roadways used by private vehicles including freight as well as public transport systems including bus and taxis. Major highways feeding into the city include the Eastern Freeway, Monash Freeway and West Gate Freeway (which spans the large West Gate Bridge), whilst other freeways circumnavigate the city or lead to other major cities, including CityLink (which spans the large Bolte Bridge), Eastlink, the Western Ring Road, Calder Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway (main airport link) and the Hume Freeway which links Melbourne and Sydney.

Does Melbourne have a high or low dependency on the automobile?

high

How many private vehicles travel Melbourne's 13,870 miles of road?

3.6 million

Which freeway spans the large Bolte Bridge?

CityLink

Which freeway links Melbourne and Sydney?

Hume Freeway


After a trend of declining population density since World War II, the city has seen increased density in the inner and western suburbs, aided in part by Victorian Government planning, such as Postcode 3000 and Melbourne 2030 which have aimed to curtail urban sprawl. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics as of June 2013, inner city Melbourne had the highest population density with 12,400 people per km2. Surrounding inner city suburbs experienced an increase in population density between 2012 and 2013; Carlton (9,000 people per km2) and Fitzroy (7,900).

What have Postcode 3000 and Melbourne 2030 aimed to do?

curtail urban sprawl

How many people did Carlton have per km2 between 2012 and 2013?

How many people did Fitzroy have per km2 between 2012 and 2013?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics as of June 2013, inner city Melbourne had a population density of how many people per km2?


Television shows are produced in Melbourne, most notably Neighbours, Kath & Kim, Winners and Losers, Offspring, Underbelly , House Husbands, Wentworth and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, along with national news-based programs such as The Project, Insiders and ABC News Breakfast. Melbourne is also known as the game show capital of Australia; productions such as Million Dollar Minute, Millionaire Hot Seat and Family Feud are all based in Melbourne. Reality television productions such as Dancing with the Stars, MasterChef, The Block and The Real Housewives of Melbourne are all filmed in and around Melbourne.

Where are Million Dollar Minute and Family Feud based?

Melbourne

Where are Dancing with the Stars, MasterChef, and The Block filmed?

in and around Melbourne

Neighbours, Kath & Kim, Winners and Losers, Offspring, and Underbelly are examples of what kind of media produced in Melbourne?

Television shows

Which national news-based programs are based in Melbourne?

The Project, Insiders and ABC News Breakfast

Which city is known as the game show capital of Australia?

Melbourne


Melbourne has four airports. Melbourne Airport, at Tullamarine, is the city's main international and domestic gateway and second busiest in Australia. The airport is home base for passenger airlines Jetstar Airways and Tiger Airways Australia and cargo airlines Australian air Express and Toll Priority; and is a major hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia. Avalon Airport, located between Melbourne and Geelong, is a secondary hub of Jetstar. It is also used as a freight and maintenance facility. Buses and taxis are the only forms of public transport to and from the city's main airports. Air Ambulance facilities are available for domestic and international transportation of patients. Melbourne also has a significant general aviation airport, Moorabbin Airport in the city's south east that also handles a small number of passenger flights. Essendon Airport, which was once the city's main airport also handles passenger flights, general aviation and some cargo flights.

How many airports does Melbourne have?

four

Which airport is the city's main international and domestic gateway?

Melbourne Airport

Which airport is the second busiest in all of Australia?

Melbourne Airport

What are the only forms of public transport to and from the city's main airports?

Buses and taxis


Melbourne has an integrated public transport system based around extensive train, tram, bus and taxi systems. Flinders Street Station was the world's busiest passenger station in 1927 and Melbourne's tram network overtook Sydney's to become the world's largest in the 1940s, at which time 25% of travellers used public transport but by 2003 it had declined to just 7.6%. The public transport system was privatised in 1999, symbolising the peak of the decline. Despite privatisation and successive governments persisting with auto-centric urban development into the 21st century, there have since been large increases in public transport patronage, with the mode share for commuters increasing to 14.8% and 8.4% of all trips. A target of 20% public transport mode share for Melbourne by 2020 was set by the state government in 2006. Since 2006 public transport patronage has grown by over 20%.

Which rail station was the world's busiest passenger station in 1927?

Flinders Street Station

In the 1940s, what percentage of travellers used public transport?

In 2003, what percentage of travellers used public transport?

In what year was the public transport system privatised?

What was the target percentage of public transport mode share that was set by the state government in 2006?


Water storage and supply for Melbourne is managed by Melbourne Water, which is owned by the Victorian Government. The organisation is also responsible for management of sewerage and the major water catchments in the region as well as the Wonthaggi desalination plant and North–South Pipeline. Water is stored in a series of reservoirs located within and outside the Greater Melbourne area. The largest dam, the Thomson River Dam, located in the Victorian Alps, is capable of holding around 60% of Melbourne's water capacity, while smaller dams such as the Upper Yarra Dam, Yan Yean Reservoir, and the Cardinia Reservoir carry secondary supplies.

Who manages the water storage and supply for Melbourne?

Melbourne Water

Who owns Melbourne Water?

the Victorian Government

Which is Melbourne's largest dam?

Thomson River Dam

Where is the Thomson River Dam located?

Victorian Alps

How much of Melbourne's water capacity is the Thomson River Dam capable of holding?


The discovery of gold in Victoria in mid 1851 led to the Victorian gold rush, and Melbourne, which served as the major port and provided most services for the region, experienced rapid growth. Within months, the city's population had increased by nearly three-quarters, from 25,000 to 40,000 inhabitants. Thereafter, growth was exponential and by 1865, Melbourne had overtaken Sydney as Australia's most populous city. Additionally, Melbourne along with the Victorian regional cities of Ballarat and Geelong became the wealthiest cities in the world during the Gold Rush era.

Melbourne experienced rapid growth after 1851 due to the discovery of what?

gold

Melbourne and which other regional cities became the wealthiest cities in the world during the Gold Rush era?

Ballarat and Geelong

How much did Melbourne's population increase within months of the gold rush?

three-quarters, from 25,000 to 40,000 inhabitants

By what year had Melbourne overtaken Sydney as Australia's most populous city?


At the time of Australia's federation on 1 January 1901, Melbourne became the seat of government of the federation. The first federal parliament was convened on 9 May 1901 in the Royal Exhibition Building, subsequently moving to the Victorian Parliament House where it was located until 1927, when it was moved to Canberra. The Governor-General of Australia resided at Government House in Melbourne until 1930 and many major national institutions remained in Melbourne well into the twentieth century.

On what date was the first federal parliament convened?

9 May 1901

Where was the first federal parliament convened in 1901?

Royal Exhibition Building

The Governor-General of Australia resided at the Government House in Melbourne until what year?

Where was the federal parliament moved after 1927?

Canberra


As the centre of Australia's "rust belt", Melbourne experienced an economic downturn between 1989 to 1992, following the collapse of several local financial institutions. In 1992 the newly elected Kennett government began a campaign to revive the economy with an aggressive development campaign of public works coupled with the promotion of the city as a tourist destination with a focus on major events and sports tourism. During this period the Australian Grand Prix moved to Melbourne from Adelaide. Major projects included the construction of a new facility for the Melbourne Museum, Federation Square, the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Crown Casino and the CityLink tollway. Other strategies included the privatisation of some of Melbourne's services, including power and public transport, and a reduction in funding to public services such as health, education and public transport infrastructure.

During which years did Melbourne experience an economic downturn?

1989 to 1992

Which city is the center of Australia's "rust belt"?

Melbourne

The Australian Grand Prix moved to Melbourne from where?

Adelaide

Which government in 1992 began a campaign to revive the economy?

Kennett


The city reaches south-east through Dandenong to the growth corridor of Pakenham towards West Gippsland, and southward through the Dandenong Creek valley, the Mornington Peninsula and the city of Frankston taking in the peaks of Olivers Hill, Mount Martha and Arthurs Seat, extending along the shores of Port Phillip as a single conurbation to reach the exclusive suburb of Portsea and Point Nepean. In the west, it extends along the Maribyrnong River and its tributaries north towards Sunbury and the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, and along the flat volcanic plain country towards Melton in the west, Werribee at the foothills of the You Yangs granite ridge south west of the CBD. The Little River, and the township of the same name, marks the border between Melbourne and neighbouring Geelong city.

Which body of water and township of the same name marks the border between Melbourne and Geelong?

Little River

Little River marks the boundary between Melbourne and which city?

Geelong

Little River marks the boundary between Geelong and which other city?

Melbourne


Melbourne's air quality is generally good and has improved significantly since the 1980s. Like many urban environments, the city faces significant environmental issues, many of them relating to the city's large urban footprint and urban sprawl and the demand for infrastructure and services. One such issue is water usage, drought and low rainfall. Drought in Victoria, low rainfalls and high temperatures deplete Melbourne water supplies and climate change may have a long-term impact on the water supplies of Melbourne. In response to low water supplies and low rainfall due to drought, the government implemented water restrictions and a range of other options including: water recycling schemes for the city, incentives for household water tanks, greywater systems, water consumption awareness initiatives, and other water saving and reuse initiatives; also, in June 2007, the Bracks Government announced that a $3.1 billion Wonthaggi desalination plant would be built on Victoria's south-east coast, capable of treating 150 billion litres of water per year, as well as a 70 km (43 mi) pipeline from the Goulburn area in Victoria's north to Melbourne and a new water pipeline linking Melbourne and Geelong. Both projects are being conducted under controversial Public-Private Partnerships and a multitude of independent reports have found that neither project is required to supply water to the city and that Sustainable Water Management is the best solution. In the meantime, the drought must be weathered.

Has Melbourne's air quality improved or declined since the 1980s?

improved significantly

What factors deplete Melbourne water supplies?

Drought in Victoria, low rainfalls and high temperatures

Which government announced a $3.1 billion Wonthaggi desalination plant in June 2007?

Bracks Government

How many litres of water will the Wonthaggi desalination plant be capbale of treating per year?

150 billion litres


Melbourne is an international cultural centre, with cultural endeavours spanning major events and festivals, drama, musicals, comedy, music, art, architecture, literature, film and television. The climate, waterfront location and nightlife make it one of the most vibrant destinations in Australia. For five years in a row (as of 2015) it has held the top position in a survey by The Economist Intelligence Unit of the world's most liveable cities on the basis of a number of attributes which include its broad cultural offerings. The city celebrates a wide variety of annual cultural events and festivals of all types, including Australia's largest free community festival—Moomba, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The culture of the city is an important drawcard for tourists, of which just under two million international overnight visitors and 57.7 million domestic overnight visited during the year ending March 2014.

Which factors make Melbourne one of the moust vibrant destinations in Australia?

The climate, waterfront location and nightlife

For how many years in a row has Melbourne held the top position in a survey of the world's most liveable cities?

five

What is Australia's largest free community festival?

Moomba

How many international overnight visitors came to Melbourne during the year ending March 2014?

just under two million

How many domestic overnight visitors came to Melbourne during the year ending March 2014?

57.7 million


The Story of the Kelly Gang, the world's first feature film, was shot in Melbourne in 1906. Melbourne filmmakers continued to produce bushranger films until they were banned by Victorian politicians in 1912 for the perceived promotion of crime, thus contributing to the decline of one of the silent film era's most productive industries. A notable film shot and set in Melbourne during Australia's cinematic lull is On the Beach (1959). The 1970s saw the rise of the Australian New Wave and its Ozploitation offshoot, instigated by Melbourne-based productions Stork and Alvin Purple. Picnic at Hanging Rock and Mad Max, both shot in and around Melbourne, achieved worldwide acclaim. 2004 saw the construction of Melbourne's largest film and television studio complex, Docklands Studios Melbourne, which has hosted many domestic productions, as well as international features. Melbourne is also home to the headquarters of Village Roadshow Pictures, Australia's largest film production company. Famous modern day actors from Melbourne include Cate Blanchett, Rachel Griffiths, Guy Pearce, Geoffrey Rush and Eric Bana.

What was the world's first feature film?

The Story of the Kelly Gang

In what city was the world's first feature film shot in 1906?

Melbourne

Why were films banned by Victorian politicans in 1912?

perceived promotion of crime

What year were bushranger films banned by Victorian politicians?

In what "lull" year was On the Beach filmed?


Residential architecture is not defined by a single architectural style, but rather an eclectic mix of houses, townhouses, condominiums, and apartment buildings in the metropolitan area (particularly in areas of urban sprawl). Free standing dwellings with relatively large gardens are perhaps the most common type of housing outside inner city Melbourne. Victorian terrace housing, townhouses and historic Italianate, Tudor revival and Neo-Georgian mansions are all common in neighbourhoods such as Toorak.

What are the most common type of housing outside inner city Melbourne?

Free standing dwellings with relatively large gardens

Is residential architecture in Melbourne defined by a single architectural style or an eclectic mix of buildings?

single architectural style

Are townhouses, condominiums, and apartment buildings found more prevalent in the metropolitan area or outside the city?

metropolitan area (particularly in areas of urban sprawl)


Melbourne has a highly diversified economy with particular strengths in finance, manufacturing, research, IT, education, logistics, transportation and tourism. Melbourne houses the headquarters for many of Australia's largest corporations, including five of the ten largest in the country (based on revenue), and four of the largest six in the country (based on market capitalisation) (ANZ, BHP Billiton (the world's largest mining company), the National Australia Bank and Telstra), as well as such representative bodies and think tanks as the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Melbourne's suburbs also have the Head Offices of Wesfarmers companies Coles (including Liquorland), Bunnings, Target, K-Mart & Officeworks. The city is home to Australia's largest and busiest seaport which handles more than $75 billion in trade every year and 39% of the nation's container trade. Melbourne Airport provides an entry point for national and international visitors, and is Australia's second busiest airport.[citation needed]

In which areas does Melbourne's diversified economy have strengths?

finance, manufacturing, research, IT, education, logistics, transportation and tourism

Which company is the world's largest mining company?

BHP Billiton

Which city is home to Australia's largest and busiest seaport?

Melbourne

Which city is home to Australia's second busiest airport?

Melbourne

How much money in trade does Australia's largest and busiest seaport handle?

$75 billion


Melbourne has the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Europe, a population comparable to some larger Greek cities like Larissa and Volos. Thessaloniki is Melbourne's Greek sister city. The Vietnamese surname Nguyen is the second most common in Melbourne's phone book after Smith. The city also features substantial Indian, Sri Lankan, and Malaysian-born communities, in addition to recent South African and Sudanese influxes. The cultural diversity is reflected in the city's restaurants that serve international cuisines.

Which city has the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Europe?

Melbourne

Which city in Greece is Melbourne's sister city?

Thessaloniki

What is the most common surname in Melbourne's phone book?

Smith

What is the secondmost common surname in Melbourne's phone book?

Nguyen


Melbourne universities have campuses all over Australia and some internationally. Swinburne University has campuses in Malaysia, while Monash has a research centre based in Prato, Italy. The University of Melbourne, the second oldest university in Australia, was ranked first among Australian universities in the 2010 THES international rankings. The 2012–2013 Times Higher Education Supplement ranked the University of Melbourne as the 28th (30th by QS ranking) best university in the world. Monash University was ranked as the 99th (60th by QS ranking) best university in the world. Both universities are members of the Group of Eight, a coalition of leading Australian tertiary institutions offering comprehensive and leading education.

Which Melbourne based university has campuses in Malaysia?

Swinburne University

Which Melbourne based college has a research centre in Prato, Italy?

Monash

Which university is the second oldest in Australia?

The University of Melbourne

What is the Group of Eight?

a coalition of leading Australian tertiary institutions offering comprehensive and leading education


A long list of AM and FM radio stations broadcast to greater Melbourne. These include "public" (i.e., state-owned ABC and SBS) and community stations. Many commercial stations are networked-owned: DMG has Nova 100 and Smooth; ARN controls Gold 104.3 and KIIS 101.1; and Southern Cross Austereo runs both Fox and Triple M. Stations from towns in regional Victoria may also be heard (e.g. 93.9 Bay FM, Geelong). Youth alternatives include ABC Triple J and youth run SYN. Triple J, and similarly PBS and Triple R, strive to play under represented music. JOY 94.9 caters for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender audiences. For fans of classical music there are 3MBS and ABC Classic FM. Light FM is a contemporary Christian station. AM stations include ABC: 774, Radio National, and News Radio; also Fairfax affiliates 3AW (talk) and Magic (easy listening). For sport fans and enthusiasts there is SEN 1116. Melbourne has many community run stations that serve alternative interests, such as 3CR and 3KND (Indigenous). Many suburbs have low powered community run stations serving local audiences.

What are examples of Youth radio stations?

ABC Triple J and youth run SYN

Which music stations strive to play under represented music?

Triple J, and similarly PBS and Triple R

Which radio station caters for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender audiences?

JOY 94.9

Which station caters to sports fans and enthusiasts?

SEN 1116

3MBS and ABC Classic FM play what type of music?

classical


Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world which had its origins in the city's 1880s land boom. In 2013–2014, 176.9 million passenger trips were made by tram. Melbourne's is Australia's only tram network to comprise more than a single line and consists of 250 km (155.3 mi) of track, 487 trams, 25 routes, and 1,763 tram stops. Around 80 per cent of Melbourne's tram network shares road space with other vehicles, while the rest of the network is separated or are light rail routes. Melbourne's trams are recognised as iconic cultural assets and a tourist attraction. Heritage trams operate on the free City Circle route, intended for visitors to Melbourne, and heritage restaurant trams travel through the city and surrounding areas during the evening. Melbourne is currently building 50 new E Class trams with some already in service in 2014. The E Class trams are about 30 metres long and are superior to the C2 class tram of similar length. Melbourne's bus network consists of almost 300 routes which mainly service the outer suburbs and fill the gaps in the network between rail and tram services. 127.6 million passenger trips were recorded on Melbourne's buses in 2013–2014, an increase of 10.2 percent on the previous year.

What are the origins of Melbourne's tram network?

the city's 1880s land boom

How many passenger trips were made by tram in Melbourne between 2013-2014?

176.9 million

How many tram stops are on Melbourne's tram network?

How many routes does Melbourne's bus network consist of?

almost 300

How many passenger trips were recorded on Melbourne's buses in 2013-2014

127.6 million


John was born to Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine on 24 December 1166. Henry had inherited significant territories along the Atlantic seaboard—Anjou, Normandy and England—and expanded his empire by conquering Brittany. Henry married the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine, who reigned over the Duchy of Aquitaine and had a tenuous claim to Toulouse and Auvergne in southern France, in addition to being the former wife of Louis VII of France. The result was the Angevin Empire, named after Henry's paternal title as Count of Anjou and, more specifically, its seat in Angers.[nb 2] The Empire, however, was inherently fragile: although all the lands owed allegiance to Henry, the disparate parts each had their own histories, traditions and governance structures. As one moved south through Anjou and Aquitaine, the extent of Henry's power in the provinces diminished considerably, scarcely resembling the modern concept of an empire at all. Some of the traditional ties between parts of the empire such as Normandy and England were slowly dissolving over time. It was unclear what would happen to the empire on Henry's death. Although the custom of primogeniture, under which an eldest son would inherit all his father's lands, was slowly becoming more widespread across Europe, it was less popular amongst the Norman kings of England. Most believed that Henry would divide the empire, giving each son a substantial portion, and hoping that his children would continue to work together as allies after his death. To complicate matters, much of the Angevin empire was held by Henry only as a vassal of the King of France of the rival line of the House of Capet. Henry had often allied himself with the Holy Roman Emperor against France, making the feudal relationship even more challenging.

When was John born?

24 December 1166

Who did Henry marry?

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Who was Henry's ally?

Holy Roman Emperor


In 1173 John's elder brothers, backed by Eleanor, rose in revolt against Henry in the short-lived rebellion of 1173 to 1174. Growing irritated with his subordinate position to Henry II and increasingly worried that John might be given additional lands and castles at his expense, Henry the Young King travelled to Paris and allied himself with Louis VII. Eleanor, irritated by her husband's persistent interference in Aquitaine, encouraged Richard and Geoffrey to join their brother Henry in Paris. Henry II triumphed over the coalition of his sons, but was generous to them in the peace settlement agreed at Montlouis. Henry the Young King was allowed to travel widely in Europe with his own household of knights, Richard was given Aquitaine back, and Geoffrey was allowed to return to Brittany; only Eleanor was imprisoned for her role in the revolt.

Who backed John's elder brothers?

Eleanor

Where did Henry travel to?

Paris

Who returned to Brittany?

Geoffrey

Who was imprisoned?

Eleanor


After Richard's death on 6 April 1199 there were two potential claimants to the Angevin throne: John, whose claim rested on being the sole surviving son of Henry II, and young Arthur I of Brittany, who held a claim as the son of John's elder brother Geoffrey. Richard appears to have started to recognise John as his heir presumptive in the final years before his death, but the matter was not clear-cut and medieval law gave little guidance as to how the competing claims should be decided. With Norman law favouring John as the only surviving son of Henry II and Angevin law favouring Arthur as the only son of Henry's elder son, the matter rapidly became an open conflict. John was supported by the bulk of the English and Norman nobility and was crowned at Westminster, backed by his mother, Eleanor. Arthur was supported by the majority of the Breton, Maine and Anjou nobles and received the support of Philip II, who remained committed to breaking up the Angevin territories on the continent. With Arthur's army pressing up the Loire valley towards Angers and Philip's forces moving down the valley towards Tours, John's continental empire was in danger of being cut in two.

When did Richard die?

6 April 1199

Who was the sole surviving son?

John

Where was John crowned?

Westminster

Whose army pressed up the Loire valley?

Arthur


Although John was the Count of Poitou and therefore the rightful feudal lord over the Lusignans, they could legitimately appeal John's actions in France to his own feudal lord, Philip. Hugh did exactly this in 1201 and Philip summoned John to attend court in Paris in 1202, citing the Le Goulet treaty to strengthen his case. John was unwilling to weaken his authority in western France in this way. He argued that he need not attend Philip's court because of his special status as the Duke of Normandy, who was exempt by feudal tradition from being called to the French court. Philip argued that he was summoning John not as the Duke of Normandy, but as the Count of Poitou, which carried no such special status. When John still refused to come, Philip declared John in breach of his feudal responsibilities, reassigned all of John's lands that fell under the French crown to Arthur – with the exception of Normandy, which he took back for himself – and began a fresh war against John.

When did Philip summon John to attend court?

What was John summoned as?

Count of Poitou


The nature of government under the Angevin monarchs was ill-defined and uncertain. John's predecessors had ruled using the principle of vis et voluntas, or "force and will", taking executive and sometimes arbitrary decisions, often justified on the basis that a king was above the law. Both Henry II and Richard had argued that kings possessed a quality of "divine majesty"; John continued this trend and claimed an "almost imperial status" for himself as ruler. During the 12th century, there were contrary opinions expressed about the nature of kingship, and many contemporary writers believed that monarchs should rule in accordance with the custom and the law, and take counsel of the leading members of the realm. There was as yet no model for what should happen if a king refused to do so. Despite his claim to unique authority within England, John would sometimes justify his actions on the basis that he had taken council with the barons. Modern historians remain divided as to whether John suffered from a case of "royal schizophrenia" in his approach to government, or if his actions merely reflected the complex model of Angevin kingship in the early 13th century.

What principle did John's predecessors use?

vis et voluntas

What quality did Henry II and Richard possess?

divine majesty

What century were there contrary opinions expressed about the nature of kingship?

12th century

What did John suffer from?

royal schizophrenia


At the start of John's reign there was a sudden change in prices, as bad harvests and high demand for food resulted in much higher prices for grain and animals. This inflationary pressure was to continue for the rest of the 13th century and had long-term economic consequences for England. The resulting social pressures were complicated by bursts of deflation that resulted from John's military campaigns. It was usual at the time for the king to collect taxes in silver, which was then re-minted into new coins; these coins would then be put in barrels and sent to royal castles around the country, to be used to hire mercenaries or to meet other costs. At those times when John was preparing for campaigns in Normandy, for example, huge quantities of silver had to be withdrawn from the economy and stored for months, which unintentionally resulted in periods during which silver coins were simply hard to come by, commercial credit difficult to acquire and deflationary pressure placed on the economy. The result was political unrest across the country. John attempted to address some of the problems with the English currency in 1204 and 1205 by carrying out a radical overhaul of the coinage, improving its quality and consistency.

What happened at the start of John's reign?

sudden change in prices

How long did the inflationary pressure continue?

13th century

When did John address problems with the English currency?

1204 and 1205

How did he address the problems with the English currency?

carrying out a radical overhaul of the coinage


John, the youngest of five sons of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, was at first not expected to inherit significant lands. Following the failed rebellion of his elder brothers between 1173 and 1174, however, John became Henry's favourite child. He was appointed the Lord of Ireland in 1177 and given lands in England and on the continent. John's elder brothers William, Henry and Geoffrey died young; by the time Richard I became king in 1189, John was a potential heir to the throne. John unsuccessfully attempted a rebellion against Richard's royal administrators whilst his brother was participating in the Third Crusade. Despite this, after Richard died in 1199, John was proclaimed King of England, and came to an agreement with Philip II of France to recognise John's possession of the continental Angevin lands at the peace treaty of Le Goulet in 1200.

Who was Henry's favorite child?

John

When was John appointed the Lord of Ireland?

When did Richard I become king?

Who unsuccessfully attempted a rebellion against Richard's royal administrators?

John


The character of John's relationship with his second wife, Isabella of Angoulême, is unclear. John married Isabella whilst she was relatively young – her exact date of birth is uncertain, and estimates place her between at most 15 and more probably towards nine years old at the time of her marriage.[nb 15] Even by the standards of the time, Isabella was married whilst very young. John did not provide a great deal of money for his wife's household and did not pass on much of the revenue from her lands, to the extent that historian Nicholas Vincent has described him as being "downright mean" towards Isabella. Vincent concluded that the marriage was not a particularly "amicable" one. Other aspects of their marriage suggest a closer, more positive relationship. Chroniclers recorded that John had a "mad infatuation" with Isabella, and certainly John had conjugal relationships with Isabella between at least 1207 and 1215; they had five children. In contrast to Vincent, historian William Chester Jordan concludes that the pair were a "companionable couple" who had a successful marriage by the standards of the day.

Who was John's second wife?

Isabella of Angoulême

Nicholas Vincent was described as what?

downright mean

When did John have conjugal relationships with Isabella?

1207 and 1215

How many children did John and Isabella have?

five children


When war with France broke out again in 1202, John achieved early victories, but shortages of military resources and his treatment of Norman, Breton and Anjou nobles resulted in the collapse of his empire in northern France in 1204. John spent much of the next decade attempting to regain these lands, raising huge revenues, reforming his armed forces and rebuilding continental alliances. John's judicial reforms had a lasting impact on the English common law system, as well as providing an additional source of revenue. An argument with Pope Innocent III led to John's excommunication in 1209, a dispute finally settled by the king in 1213. John's attempt to defeat Philip in 1214 failed due to the French victory over John's allies at the battle of Bouvines. When he returned to England, John faced a rebellion by many of his barons, who were unhappy with his fiscal policies and his treatment of many of England's most powerful nobles. Although both John and the barons agreed to the Magna Carta peace treaty in 1215, neither side complied with its conditions. Civil war broke out shortly afterwards, with the barons aided by Louis of France. It soon descended into a stalemate. John died of dysentery contracted whilst on campaign in eastern England during late 1216; supporters of his son Henry III went on to achieve victory over Louis and the rebel barons the following year.

When did war with France break out?

When was John excommunicated?

When was the Magna Carta peace treaty agreed upon?

Who won victory over Louis and the rebel barons?

Henry III


Baronial unrest in England prevented the departure of the planned 1205 expedition, and only a smaller force under William Longespée deployed to Poitou. In 1206 John departed for Poitou himself, but was forced to divert south to counter a threat to Gascony from Alfonso VIII of Castile. After a successful campaign against Alfonso, John headed north again, taking the city of Angers. Philip moved south to meet John; the year's campaigning ended in stalemate and a two-year truce was made between the two rulers.

What prevented the departure of the planned 1205 expedition?

Baronial unrest in England

When did Poitou depart?

Why did John divert south?

to counter a threat to Gascony from Alfonso VIII of Castile

Why did Philip move south?

to meet John


During John's early years, Henry attempted to resolve the question of his succession. Henry the Young King had been crowned King of England in 1170, but was not given any formal powers by his father; he was also promised Normandy and Anjou as part of his future inheritance. Richard was to be appointed the Count of Poitou with control of Aquitaine, whilst Geoffrey was to become the Duke of Brittany. At this time it seemed unlikely that John would ever inherit substantial lands, and he was jokingly nicknamed "Lackland" by his father.

When was Henry crowned King of England?

What was Henry promised as part of his future inheritance?

Normandy and Anjou

Who became the Duke of Brittany?

Geoffrey

What was John's nickname?

Lackland


John grew up to be around 5 ft 5 in (1.68 m) tall, relatively short, with a "powerful, barrel-chested body" and dark red hair; he looked to contemporaries like an inhabitant of Poitou. John enjoyed reading and, unusually for the period, built up a travelling library of books. He enjoyed gambling, in particular at backgammon, and was an enthusiastic hunter, even by medieval standards. He liked music, although not songs. John would become a "connoisseur of jewels", building up a large collection, and became famous for his opulent clothes and also, according to French chroniclers, for his fondness for bad wine. As John grew up, he became known for sometimes being "genial, witty, generous and hospitable"; at other moments, he could be jealous, over-sensitive and prone to fits of rage, "biting and gnawing his fingers" in anger.[nb 3]

How tall was John?

5 ft 5 in

What did John build up?

travelling library of books

Who became a connoisseur of jewels?

John

What did John do in fits of rage?

biting and gnawing his fingers