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Ancient Rome II Trivia Quiz

Roman history is one of fascination and class. This amazing empire has intrigued millions of people throughout time, but what do you know of a world that brought mankind so much?

A multiple-choice quiz by doomed. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
doomed

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
236,009

Updated
Jun 13 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
1790

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What does the saying "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" refer to? Hint

He was playing his lyre and singing as Rome burned

He was stealing money from the vaults as Rome burned

He was playing his fiddle whilst guests watched on in horror as the city burned

He demanded that all aqueducts remain closed as Rome burned

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Question 2 of 10

2. How many plays by Shakespeare were based on Roman leaders/rulers? Hint

One

Two

Three

Four

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Question 3 of 10

3. There were four types of gladiator, one was a Bestiarius who fought animals. But which of the following four was NOT a type of gladiator? Hint

Thracian

Retiarius

Patrician

Secutor

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Question 4 of 10

4. Who was the blacksmith among Roman gods? Hint

Aurora

Vesta

Juno

Vulcan

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which Roman god had two faces?

Answer: (One Word (begins with 'J'))

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Question 6 of 10

6. How did Horatius save Rome? Hint

He helped put the fire of Rome out

He defended the last bridge of Roman against the Etruscans

He warned the people of Rome that invading forces were on their way

He dreamt that Rome would fall and persuaded the Senate to take actions which led to saving the city

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Question 7 of 10

7. What was a cohort? Hint

The head servant to the emperor

A soldier trainee

A group of 500 warriors

A band of mercanaries

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Question 8 of 10

8. How were Roman soldiers paid? Hint

Cows

Gold

Salt

Bronze

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Question 9 of 10

9. What was the 'Pax Romana'? Hint

Roman declaration of war

Roman funerals

Roman battle formation

Roman Peace

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Question 10 of 10

10. What was unique about Santa Sophia? Hint

It was the most expensive building ever built by the Romans

It was the biggest church of the time

More people were used to build the building than any other in history

The building was designed by a boy of 14

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What does the saying "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" refer to?

Answer: He was playing his lyre and singing as Rome burned

In A.D. 64, during his reign, the city of Rome was destroyed by a massive fire. The saying above refers to the popular legend that the infamous, mad emperor played his lyre and sang while he watched Rome burn.

2. How many plays by Shakespeare were based on Roman leaders/rulers?

Answer: Four

Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar' was based on the life of the great Roman leader. In 'Anthony and Cleopatra', Shakespeare explores the life of Mark Anthony (Marcus Antonius), one of Julius Caesar's allies and his relationship with Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen.

"Coriolanus" and "Titus Andronicus" were also written about and therefore made 4 works by Shakespeare.

3. There were four types of gladiator, one was a Bestiarius who fought animals. But which of the following four was NOT a type of gladiator?

Answer: Patrician

Patrician was not a gladiator but the other three were gladiators who fought throughout the period of the Roman empire that allowed gladiatorial events.

The Thracian (so named because he resembled fighters from Thrace, a region of northern Greece), was not as elaborately armed. He wielded a curved short sword, the sica, and a small round shield, the parma as well as a type of net.

A Secutor or Samnite carried a sword or a lance, a scutum (the rectangular shield used by Roman legionary soldiers),a metal helmet, and protective armour on his right arm and left leg.

The Retiarius, or 'net-man,' wore no armor at all. A Retiarius attempted to ensnare his opponent in his net (or used the net to trip the other man) and then to stab him with a long, razor-sharp trident, or three-pronged spear.

4. Who was the blacksmith among Roman gods?

Answer: Vulcan

Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, made weapons and armour for all the other gods. He was associated with volcanic eruptions. The word "volcano" was derived from his name.

5. Which Roman god had two faces?

Answer: Janus

Janus was the Roman god of entrances. He was often portrayed with two heads to show that he had the ability to look in two directions at one.

6. How did Horatius save Rome?

Answer: He defended the last bridge of Roman against the Etruscans

During a fierce battle against the Etruscans, the Roman hero Horatius defended the only remaining bridge leading into Rome. He stayed on the bridge and held back the enemy, while his fellow Romans cut the bridge. After the mission was completed, he dived into the Tiber River and swam back to Rome.

7. What was a cohort?

Answer: A group of 500 warriors

A cohort was a group of about 500 warriors. A cohort was further divided into a century, which was made up of 80 to 100 soldiers.

8. How were Roman soldiers paid?

Answer: Salt

Roman soldiers were often paid their salary with salt, which was a rare commodity. The word 'salary' can be traced to the Roman word for salt, 'salarium'.

9. What was the 'Pax Romana'?

Answer: Roman Peace

The Pax Romana or "Roman Peace" refers to the of harmony in the Roman empire. Lasting over 200 years, it was a period of tremendous progress in Latin literature, arts and other creative activities.

10. What was unique about Santa Sophia?

Answer: It was the biggest church of the time

Built by emperor Justinian, Santa Sophia was the biggest church of its time. The building still exists in Istanbul, and is now called the Haghia Sophia or Aya Sophia.

Source: Author doomed

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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