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Ancient Rome: The Eternal Empire

Rome founded on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus, Caesar stabbed on the Ides of March 44, Pompeii buried by Vesuvius in 79: 15 questions on twelve centuries of Roman history.

15

Questions

2

Minutes

Tip: Use keys 1-4 to answer quickly

The 15 quiz questions

Question 1 : According to legend, in what year was Rome founded?

Possible answers:

  • 264 av. J.-C.
  • 476 av. J.-C.
  • 509 av. J.-C.
  • 753 av. J.-C.

Explanation: Tradition places the founding of Rome on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus. This date was so important that Romans counted years "ab Urbe condita" (from the founding of the City).

Question 2 : According to legend, which animal nursed Romulus and Remus?

Possible answers:

  • A she-bear
  • A lioness
  • A she-wolf
  • A goat

Explanation: The she-wolf (Lupa in Latin) is the symbol of Rome. The famous Capitoline Wolf statue represents this founding legend of the city.

Question 3 : Who was the first Roman emperor?

Possible answers:

  • Auguste
  • Tibère
  • Nero
  • Jules César

Explanation: Augustus (born Octavian) became the first emperor in 27 BC. Great-nephew and heir of Julius Caesar, he reigned until 14 AD, inaugurating an era of peace.

Question 4 : On the Ides of which month was Julius Caesar assassinated?

Possible answers:

  • Mars
  • Avril
  • Janvier
  • February

Explanation: Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, 44 BC (the Ides of March), stabbed by a group of senators including Brutus. "Et tu, Brute?" he reportedly said.

Question 5 : Which city was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD?

Possible answers:

  • Ostie
  • Pompéi
  • Ravenne
  • Naples

Explanation: Pompeii was buried under the ashes of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD. The nearby town of Herculaneum was also destroyed. These archaeological sites offer unique testimony of Roman life.

Question 6 : How many spectators could the Colosseum of Rome hold?

Possible answers:

  • 20 000
  • 50 000
  • 100 000
  • 150 000

Explanation: The Colosseum (or Flavian Amphitheatre) could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. Inaugurated in 80 AD, it remains the largest amphitheatre ever built.

Question 7 : Which emperor legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire?

Possible answers:

  • Justinien
  • Constantin
  • Théodose
  • Dioclétien

Explanation: Constantine I issued the Edict of Milan in 313, granting freedom of worship to Christians. He was also the first emperor to convert to Christianity.

Question 8 : In what year did the Western Roman Empire officially end?

Possible answers:

  • 395
  • 410
  • 455
  • 476

Explanation: The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 AD when Odoacer deposed the last emperor Romulus Augustulus. The Eastern Empire (Byzantium) survived until 1453.

Question 9 : What was the name of the main Roman road connecting Rome to Brindisi?

Possible answers:

  • Via Aurelia
  • Via Flaminia
  • Via Cassia
  • Via Appia

Explanation: The Via Appia (Appian Way), built in 312 BC, was nicknamed "regina viarum" (queen of roads). It stretched 540 km and remains partially passable today.

Question 10 : How many soldiers made up a Roman legion at its peak?

Possible answers:

  • 1 000
  • 5 000
  • 10 000
  • 20 000

Explanation: A legion had about 5,000 to 6,000 men, divided into cohorts and centuries. At its peak, the Roman army had about thirty legions.

Question 11 : Which Carthaginian general crossed the Alps with elephants to attack Rome in 218 BC?

Possible answers:

  • Hannibal
  • Hasdrubal
  • Scipion
  • Hamilcar

Explanation: Hannibal Barca, considered one of history's greatest military strategists, crossed the Alps with 37 war elephants. Despite spectacular victories like Cannae, he never captured Rome.

Question 12 : Which emperor allegedly played the lyre while Rome burned in 64 AD?

Possible answers:

  • Claude
  • Caligula
  • Domitien
  • Nero

Explanation: Nero is accused by legend of playing the lyre during the Great Fire of Rome. In reality, he was in Antium and returned to organize relief efforts.

Question 13 : What was the name of the nearly 200-year period of peace and prosperity under the Empire?

Possible answers:

  • Pax Romana
  • Pax Imperialis
  • Pax Aeterna
  • Pax Augusta

Explanation: The Pax Romana (27 BC - 180 AD) was a period of stability without major wars. The Empire reached its maximum extent and trade flourished.

Question 14 : Which Roman political institution survived from the Republic to the Empire?

Possible answers:

  • The Consuls
  • The Comitia
  • The Tribunes
  • The Senate

Explanation: The Roman Senate, created under the monarchy, survived through all eras. Under the Empire, it lost real power but remained a prestigious institution.

Question 15 : Which emperor built a 117 km wall to protect Roman Britain?

Possible answers:

  • Antonin
  • Trajan
  • Hadrien
  • Marc Aurèle

Explanation: Hadrian's Wall, built from 122 AD, marked the northern frontier of the Empire in Britain. At 117 km long, it remains one of the best-preserved Roman monuments.

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