Henry's Roman Holiday Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tiber River

The river was originally called Albulula because it was so white. However, legend says that very early in Rome's history a king from Alba Longa named Tiberinus drowned in the river, and it was renamed in his honor. Actually, as I stand on the banks of the river today, it is anything but white. And the smell! I just hope that I don't fall in!

Answer: Greatest Sewer

According to legend, the Cloaca Maxima was constructed about 600 B.C. by the king, Tarquinius Priscus, and the last of the seven legendary kings, Tarquinius Superbus, is given credit for having the underground work completed before his overthrow. The sewer is one of the earliest sewage systems in the world; it helped to drain the marshes and carry waste out of the city. My Latin teacher said that sometimes the Romans would throw corpses into the sewer rather than give them a proper burial.

Answer: Pantheon

Pope Boniface III consecrated the Pantheon as a church on November 1, 609 A.D., and had the "pagan filth" removed. This was the beginning of the church celebration known as "All Saint's Day." It is said that on that day, while the "Gloria" was being sung, all of the demons and evil spirits rose up and flew out of the hole in the dome! Turning the building into a church kept it safe from complete and total plundering.

By the time I was able to see the church during my Roman holiday, many of the precious stones and metals had been stripped from the building. I hate to say this, but it really stinks here.

They are selling fish from the front porch!

Answer: Via Appia

The road was eventually about 350 miles long. We did not follow the road outside the city and see all of the tombs and funeral monuments along the way. I did, however, make sure that I went to the section where Spartacus and his men were crucified after their great rebellion.

It is said that 6,000 people were crucified on both sides of the road for about 150 miles. To tell you the truth, the road is in terrible shape. It doesn't look like anyone has tried to maintain it since Rome fell.

Answer: Vespasian

Vespasian died during the construction of the ampitheatre, and it was completed by his son, Titus. It derives its name from Vespasian and Titus' family name. I have to tell you that my visit to this site was very disappointing. It has been used as a small church for a very long time, as well as a cemetery, workshops, and even housing.

Not too long ago, the Colosseum was hit by an earthquake, and one of the sides collapsed. I really wanted to stand on the floor where all those ancient combats took place, but it is gone! Many of the stones have been removed to be used in other buildings in Rome.

Answer: False

The greatest circus was the first and largest stadium in the Roman empire. At its peak, it could hold 150,000 spectators. Chariot races were probably the most popular event. However, because of the size of arena, it was an ideal location for other events too. Ludi, public games to celebrate a triumph or religious festival, were held there, and could include chariot racing, plays, athletic contests, gladiator fights, animal fights, and recitals.

After the Colosseum was built, it was more common to hold the other contests there, and continue to hold chariot races at the circus.

By the empire period 135 days a year were set aside for Ludi. Well, even I know that's not good. Were the Romans becoming lazy? What has happened to the building? When I asked, I was told that some of the stones were recycled, but much of it has just sunk into the swampy soil.

Answer: Caesar

Beware the Ides of March! It was on that day when Caesar fell victim to the Senate conspiracy. According to the ancient historian Eutropius, around sixty men participated in the attack and Caesar was stabbed twenty-three times. On the exact spot where this heinous event occurred, Augustus erected a structure in Caesar's memory. The crematory fire that was set in the Forum to burn Caesar's body, caused visible damage to some of the buildings, which I could still see. My Latin teacher says that we can still learn from Caesar's military feats today; I can only hope that one day I will earn my spurs, and be able to fight with the other knights!

Answer: Baths of Caracalla

Many of the ancient baths have fallen into disrepair, but the Baths of Caracalla are still open. They were originally completed in 216 A.D. The "frigidarium" is the cold room, and the "caldarium" is the hot room. The "natatio" is the swimming pool.

In ancient times the Romans also had gymnasiums where boxing and wrestling were practiced, and there was a library and other shops there as well.

Answer: Mouth

The Mouth of Truth is an image carved in marble that shows a man-like face. It could have been part of a fountain or perhaps a manhole cover. The legend is that if a person puts their hand in the mouth and tells a lie, the mouth will bite the hand off. I certainly have nothing to hide from my Earl. I wish to be made a squire soon, so I follow all the knightly rules of chivalry.

Some of the others - well, they might be leaving without their hands!

Answer: St. Peter

How lucky I am to receive the pope's blessing. St. Peter continued the work of Christ after his death. It is commonly believed that he died during the persecutions of Nero after the great fire destroyed much of the city, and was buried on the site of where Constantine eventually built this church. To tell you the truth, the church is run down and not very impressive, but the great Charlemagne was crowned there, and there are many tombs to other great church leaders here as well. Maybe a new, larger church will be built on this site someday!