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The Roman Coliseum Trivia Quiz

The Coliseum in Rome is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Here is a short quiz about the history of the landmark.

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

Author
raidersruleall

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
307,478

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
716

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Who was the Roman emperor at the time the Coliseum began being built? Hint

Caligula

Nero

Vespasian

Titus

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Question 2 of 10

2. What event could spectators view at the Coliseum? Hint

All of these

Naval Battles

Animal Hunts

Gladiator Battles

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Question 3 of 10

3. The Great Fire of Rome destroyed the Coliseum.

True

False

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Question 4 of 10

4. Though not affected by the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, the Coliseum was greatly damaged by a fire at one point. In what year was the Coliseum severely damaged by a fire? Hint

236 AD

242 AD

217 AD

201 AD

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Question 5 of 10

5. The Coliseum once had a church built into it.

True

False

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Question 6 of 10

6. During which century were the last gladiatorial battles believed to have been fought in the Coliseum? Hint

Eighth Century

Third Century

Seventh Century

Fifth Century

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which family took control of the Coliseum the year 1200? Hint

Caribani

Medici

Frangipani

Windsor

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Question 8 of 10

8. At one point, the Pope wanted to turn the Coliseum into a wool factory where Roman prostitutes could work.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. In what year did an earthquake severely damage the Coliseum? Hint

1426

1349

1287

1532

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Question 10 of 10

10. Hundreds of species of plants have been identified growing inside the Coliseum.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Who was the Roman emperor at the time the Coliseum began being built?

Answer: Vespasian

Another name for the Coliseum is the "Flavian Ampitheatre", named after Vespasian Flavian. Work on the Coliseum began during Vespasian's reign around 70 AD and was completed while Titus was emperor.

2. What event could spectators view at the Coliseum?

Answer: All of these

A wide array of events could be seen at the Coliseum, with executions even being found at some times. For naval battles, they actually filled the Coliseum with water!

3. The Great Fire of Rome destroyed the Coliseum.

Answer: False

The Great Fire of Rome occurred in 64 AD. The Coliseum wasn't completed until 80 AD.

4. Though not affected by the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, the Coliseum was greatly damaged by a fire at one point. In what year was the Coliseum severely damaged by a fire?

Answer: 217 AD

The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning, and it mainly damaged the Coliseum's upper levels. Repairs were not completed until 240 AD.

5. The Coliseum once had a church built into it.

Answer: True

A small church was built into the Coliseum sometime near the end of the 6th century.

6. During which century were the last gladiatorial battles believed to have been fought in the Coliseum?

Answer: Fifth Century

The last fights among gladiators are believed to have taken place around 435 AD.

7. Which family took control of the Coliseum the year 1200?

Answer: Frangipani

The Frangipani family was quite powerful in Rome.

8. At one point, the Pope wanted to turn the Coliseum into a wool factory where Roman prostitutes could work.

Answer: True

This idea was suggested by Pope Sixtus V in the late 16th century.

9. In what year did an earthquake severely damage the Coliseum?

Answer: 1349

Part of the Coliseum collapsed due to the earthquake. The rubble was used in the construction of new buildings in Rome.

10. Hundreds of species of plants have been identified growing inside the Coliseum.

Answer: True

In 1855, 420 species of plants were identified inside the Coliseum. The diverse plant growth in the Coliseum is attributed to Rome's changing climate over the centuries.

Source: Author raidersruleall

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