Verbal skills, question # 4

In 1469, the probable year of Erasmus's birth, the town of Rotterdam contained nine thousand inhabitants, whose principal activities were fishing and commerce, at least when they were not fighting bands of enemies in outlying areas, such as Feijenoord and Usselmonda.

a) In the year of Erasmus's birth, Rotterdam had some 900 inhabitants.

b) At the time of Erasmus, the population of Rotterdam was made up of fisherman, who were also involved in battles.

c) At the time of Erasmus, Feijenoord - now celebrated for its football team - had a bad reputation as a result of the bands of enemies who fought the people of Rotterdam.

d) We do not know the exact year of Erasmus's birth.