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The Colosseum Trivia Quiz

Here's a quiz on the history of the Colosseum and the activities that took place in the arena.

A multiple-choice quiz by vestybesty. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
vestybesty

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
205,795

Updated
Nov 13 24

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1289

Last 3 plays: Guest 85 (5/10), Guest 136 (8/10), Guest 49 (4/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Although now commonly known as "The Colosseum", the building does have a more formal name. What is it? Hint

The Flavian Amphitheatre

Trajan's Forum

The Circus Maximus

The Theatre of Marcellus

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which Emperor ruled when building on the Colosseum started? Hint

Domitian

Titus

Vespasian

Nero

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which Emperor ruled when the fourth and final tier was added to the building? Hint

Domitian

Titus

Nero

Vespasian

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. The Colosseum is built on ground originally appropriated by which hated Emperor for his palace? Hint

Nerva

Octavian

Galba

Nero

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which Emperor is said to have performed in the arena?

Answer: (One Word, Beginning with C)

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Question 6 of 10

6. How many spectators is it estimated that the Colosseum could hold? Hint

over 100,000

50,000 - 65,000

less than 40,000

90,000 - 95,000

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is the name of the poet best known for writing epigrams glorifying the arena's spectacles?

Answer: (One Word, Beginning with M)

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Question 8 of 10

8. What was the original purpose of the spectacles performed in the arena? Hint

To mark the proclamation of a new emperor

To honour the dead

To commemorate military victories

All of these

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Question 9 of 10

9. What was provided by the "Ludus Magnus"? Hint

Refreshments for the spectators

Accomodation for gladiators

Seating for dignatories

Entrance to the arena

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Question 10 of 10

10. One impressive feature of the Colosseum was the "velarium". What was this? Hint

An awning to provide shade for the spectators

The series of tunnels underneath the arena

The entrance to the arena

The emperor's box

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 17 2024 : Guest 85: 5/10
Dec 17 2024 : Guest 136: 8/10
Nov 28 2024 : Guest 49: 4/10
Nov 26 2024 : Guest 68: 1/10
Nov 12 2024 : Guest 31: 0/10
Nov 11 2024 : 098787: 3/10
Nov 11 2024 : Guest 72: 3/10
Nov 11 2024 : Guest 186: 1/10
Nov 11 2024 : Guest 179: 1/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Although now commonly known as "The Colosseum", the building does have a more formal name. What is it?

Answer: The Flavian Amphitheatre

The building was named after the Flavian dynasty of emperors, during whose reign the building was completed. The name "Colosseum" allegedly comes from the massive statue of Emperor Nero, "The Colossus", which stood near the amphitheatre.

2. Which Emperor ruled when building on the Colosseum started?

Answer: Vespasian

Building commenced in 71 AD but only the first three tiers were built during Vespasian's reign. The building was a gift to the people of Rome.

3. Which Emperor ruled when the fourth and final tier was added to the building?

Answer: Domitian

Titus, Vespasian's son and successor, was on the throne when the building opened. However, it was Domitian, Titus' brother, who ruled when the building,as we know it, was completed.

4. The Colosseum is built on ground originally appropriated by which hated Emperor for his palace?

Answer: Nero

The Golden House of Nero was built in 64 AD, following the great fire of Rome. Vespasian reclaimed the land for the people, which proved to be a popular move amongst the citizens of Rome.

5. Which Emperor is said to have performed in the arena?

Answer: Commodus

Commodus was said to have slaughtered 100 bears and lions in one morning. He is also the Emperor featured in the movie "Gladiator", played with great aplomb by Joaquin Phoenix.

6. How many spectators is it estimated that the Colosseum could hold?

Answer: 50,000 - 65,000

It is estimated the Colosseum could hold around 40,000 to 50,000 seated spectators and around 10,000 to 15,000 standing spectators. Seats were made of marble and were arranged in tiers according to social standing; dignatories in the front tier, women and slaves in the top tier.

7. What is the name of the poet best known for writing epigrams glorifying the arena's spectacles?

Answer: Martial

Martial, full name Marcus Valerius Martialis, was born in Spain. His "Book of Shows" give a great insight into the goings on of the arena.

8. What was the original purpose of the spectacles performed in the arena?

Answer: To honour the dead

The games, "munera" in Latin, were not purely seen as entertainment. They were originally held to honour the dead. Entertainment was provided by "ludi", games involving acrobatic and military displays.

9. What was provided by the "Ludus Magnus"?

Answer: Accomodation for gladiators

The "Ludus Magnus" provided the gladiators with accomodation along with training facilities. It was sited next to the Colosseum and contained a mini-arena.

10. One impressive feature of the Colosseum was the "velarium". What was this?

Answer: An awning to provide shade for the spectators

The "velarium" was a awning that was drawn over the spectators when shade was required. Although, this was likely to be quite a feat, no one really knows how it was operated.

Source: Author vestybesty

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