Roman Art: Key Periods, Styles, and Iconic Works Quiz

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Quizzes Created: 7252 | Total Attempts: 9,525,313

| Questions: 14 | Updated: Sep 22, 2025

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1. What is the Republican Period?

The Republican Period refers to a political era in current times known for a two-party system.

The Republic was established in 1776 when the United States gained independence.

The Republic was founded in 509 B.C.E, but most of the works that have survived from that period date from... The Republic was founded in 509 B.C.E, but most of the works that have survived from that period date from about 200 BCE-27 BCE

The Republican Period was a time marked by the rise of monarchies in Europe.

The Republican Period refers to the period in ancient Roman history when the Roman Republic was established, not to be confused with political systems in modern times or other historical periods.

Explanation

The Republican Period refers to the period in ancient Roman history when the Roman Republic was established, not to be confused with political systems in modern times or other historical periods.

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About This Quiz

Roman Art: Key Periods, Styles, And Iconic Works Quiz - Quiz

Enhance your understanding of Roman Art through our interactive image-based flashcards. This set focuses on iconic artworks, helping you recognize key artistic features and historical significance, perfect for students and enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge of Roman artistic heritage.

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2. What architectural style is the Temple of Portunus in Rome known for?

Temple of Portunus, Rome, c. 80 B.C.E, stone Italic style: stands on a podium and engaged lateral columns emphasize the... Temple of Portunus, Rome, c. 80 B.C.E, stone Italic style: stands on a podium and engaged lateral columns emphasize the frontal approach -the Ionic columns have the slender proportions of Classical Greek temples as well as the white marble stucco, which deliberately evoked the translucent marbles used by Greek architects -the practice of borrowing Greek forms began early in the Roman Republic -was constructed by a Greek architect, Hermodorus

Parthenon, Athens, 432 B.C.E, marble - characterized by its Doric columns and friezes depicting Greek myths

Pantheon, Rome, 126 C.E, concrete - famous for its giant dome and oculus allowing natural light

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, 537 C.E, brick and mortar - blending elements of Christianity and Islam

The Temple of Portunus in Rome is known for its architectural style that includes a podium, engaged lateral columns emphasizing the frontal approach, slender Ionic columns, white marble stucco evoking Greek marbles, and a deliberate borrowing of Greek forms.

Explanation

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3. What is the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia?

Roman colosseum

Stonehenge

Egyptian pyramids

Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, early 1st century -sanctuary to the goddess Fortuna Primigenia -oracular center where priests interpreted divine will... Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, early 1st century -sanctuary to the goddess Fortuna Primigenia -oracular center where priests interpreted divine will by drawing lots -seven levels each with different purposes

The Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia was a specific historical location with unique characteristics, unlike the Roman colosseum, Egyptian pyramids, and Stonehenge, which served different purposes and were located in different regions.

Explanation

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4. What Roman emperor is depicted in the sculpture Augustus of Primaporta, created in 20 CE?

Augustus of Primaporta, 20 CE; ROMAN (The Early Empire) Augustus was emperor during the Early Empire -Roman portrait sculpture turned... Augustus of Primaporta, 20 CE; ROMAN (The Early Empire) Augustus was emperor during the Early Empire -Roman portrait sculpture turned from the earlier veristic style of the Republic to a more classicizing style associated with ancient Greece -until his death, portraits of Augustus depict him as an ageless youth -both the contrapposto stance and the smooth features of his face are strongly reminiscent of Doryphoros from the Greek Classical Age -shows the tendency in Roman art to express a message through references to earlier works (Cupid, dolphin, breastplate) - by associating Augustus with historical or divine figures, these references projected an image of earthly and divinely ordained power, thereby elevating the emperor above other politicians

Nero

Julius Caesar

Constantine

The correct answer is Augustus, as depicted in the sculpture Augustus of Primaporta. This sculpture showcases the transition in Roman portrait sculpture from the veristic style of the Republic to a more classicizing style associated with ancient Greece, portraying Augustus as an ageless youth.

Explanation

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5. What is depicted in the Second style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii?

Roman Gladiator Fights. First style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii; 60-50 BCE; ROMAN

Egyptian Pharaohs. Fourth style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii; 60-50 BCE; ROMAN

Greek Mythological Gods. Third style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii; 60-50 BCE; ROMAN

Scenes of Dionysiac Mystery Cult. Second style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii; 60-50 BCE; ROMAN -second... Scenes of Dionysiac Mystery Cult. Second style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii; 60-50 BCE; ROMAN -second style painters sought to open up the flat expanse of the wall by including architectural features and figures - in this painting, parts of it are painted to resemble exotic stone -furthermore, figures interact as if on a narrow ledge set against a deep red background, articulated by upright strips of black resembling stylized columns

The Second style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii depicts Scenes of Dionysiac Mystery Cult, showing unique architectural features, figures, and a deep red background.

Explanation

The Second style wall painting from the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii depicts Scenes of Dionysiac Mystery Cult, showing unique architectural features, figures, and a deep red background.

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6. What is the Fourth Style wall painting known for?

Fourth Style wall painting, Ixion Room, House of the Vettii, Pompeii; 63-79 CE; ROMAN fourth style painting = most intricate... Fourth Style wall painting, Ixion Room, House of the Vettii, Pompeii; 63-79 CE; ROMAN fourth style painting = most intricate of the four, uniting aspects of all three preceding styles to create an extravagant effect -combines imitation marble paneling, framed mythological scenes resembling panel pictures set into the wall, and fantastic architectural vistas receding into space

It lacks any architectural elements or depth in the painting.

It features simple and minimalistic designs.

It depicts only mythological scenes set into the wall.

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7. Which famous amphitheater in Rome was built between 72-80 CE for the gladiatorial games?

Parthenon, Athens; 447-438 BCE

Great Wall of China; 7th century BC - 17th century AD

Pantheon, Rome; 118-125 CE

Colosseum, Rome; 72-80 CE -permanent amphitheater in Rome for the gladiatorial games -every second opening was an entrance -genius planning... Colosseum, Rome; 72-80 CE -permanent amphitheater in Rome for the gladiatorial games -every second opening was an entrance -genius planning (especially in regards to getting people in and out)

The Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was a permanent amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial games and other spectacles. It was known for its genius planning, including every second opening being an entrance, to efficiently manage the flow of people in and out of the arena.

Explanation

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8. What is the significance of the Arch of Titus in Rome, built in 81 CE?

It was built to celebrate Titus' victory in a major battle.

It was constructed as a tribute to the Roman god of war, Mars.

It served as a symbol of peace and unity among Roman citizens.

Arch of Titus, Rome, 81 CE; ROMAN -stands at the far eastern end of the Roman Forum -earliest surviving free-standing... Arch of Titus, Rome, 81 CE; ROMAN -stands at the far eastern end of the Roman Forum -earliest surviving free-standing arch in Rome -could have been a triumphal monument but it is more likely that it commemorates Titus' divinization after his death -reliefs located inside the bay

The Arch of Titus most likely commemorates Titus' divinization after his death, rather than being a monument celebrating a specific military victory or deity.

Explanation

The Arch of Titus most likely commemorates Titus' divinization after his death, rather than being a monument celebrating a specific military victory or deity.

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9. What does the relief in the bay of Arch of Titus, dated 81 CE, depict?

Relief in bay of Arch of Titus, showing procession of spoils from the Temple in Jerusalem, 81 CE; ROMAN -the... Relief in bay of Arch of Titus, showing procession of spoils from the Temple in Jerusalem, 81 CE; ROMAN -the panel marks an important move toward illusionism in the portrayal of space - two ranks of figures appear, carved in different levels of relief; background figures seem to fade into the distance; seems to continue beyond a viewer's line of sight because the procession breaks away abruptly at the sides -illusion of SPACIAL DEPTH -panel even bulges out slightly in the center -- so that it seems to turn right in front of a viewer situated inside the arch's bay, making the viewer a part of the action

The battle scene between Roman soldiers

The construction date of the Arch of Titus in Jerusalem

A mythical creature from Roman folklore

The relief in the bay of Arch of Titus depicts a procession of spoils from the Temple in Jerusalem in 81 CE. It marks an important move toward illusionism in the portrayal of space, showing two ranks of figures carved in different levels of relief and an illusion of spatial depth. The relief even bulges out slightly in the center, making the viewer a part of the action.

Explanation

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10. What is depicted in the relief in the bay of Arch of Titus, dating back to 81 CE?

A battle scene from the Punic Wars

Relief in bay of Arch of Titus, showing Titus riding in triumph, 81 CE?; ROMAN -differing levels of relief -horses... Relief in bay of Arch of Titus, showing Titus riding in triumph, 81 CE?; ROMAN -differing levels of relief -horses appear in profile but chariot is frontal - giving the illusion that the procession is coming towards the viewer before turning sharply -- not realistic but artist wanted to show that there were 4 horses -Vespasian's absence shows how Roman visual narratives are not always historically accurate depictions of events --> they are made to express a version of events that serves the patron's ideology

A coronation ceremony of a Roman emperor

A scene from a Greek mythological story

The relief in the bay of Arch of Titus actually shows Titus riding in triumph, with certain artistic liberties being taken to convey the message desired by the patron.

Explanation

The relief in the bay of Arch of Titus actually shows Titus riding in triumph, with certain artistic liberties being taken to convey the message desired by the patron.

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11. What famous monument in Rome features a 656-foot continuous narrative relief celebrating the emperor's victorious campaigns against the Dacians?

Taj Mahal, Agra. 1632-1653 CE; MUGHAL

Column of Trajan, Rome. 106-113 CE; ROMAN -exploration of space and narrative -there is a 656-foot continuous narrative relief that... Column of Trajan, Rome. 106-113 CE; ROMAN -exploration of space and narrative -there is a 656-foot continuous narrative relief that winds around the column -- celebrating the emperor's victorious campaigns against the Dacians -combats rarely occur in the many scenes of the relief -- the geographic, logistic, and political aspects of the campaign receive more attention -still part of the classicizing phase of Roman sculpture

Parthenon, Athens. 447-432 BCE; GREEK

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. 537 CE; BYZANTINE

The Column of Trajan in Rome features a 656-foot continuous narrative relief celebrating the emperor's victorious campaigns against the Dacians. This monument is known for its exploration of space and narrative, focusing more on the logistics and political aspects of the campaign rather than combats.

Explanation

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12. What is the title and date of the following artwork? Portrait of Livia, 14 CE, marble.

The Last Supper, 1495 CE, oil on canvas

Roman Forum, 100 BCE, bronze

Venus de Milo, 200 CE, marble

Portrait of Livia, 14 CE, marble

The correct answer specifies the title of the artwork as 'Portrait of Livia' and the date as '14 CE', along with the material used, which is 'marble'. The incorrect answers provided are other famous artworks that do not match the description given in the question. 'Roman Forum, 100 BCE, bronze' is a historical site, 'Venus de Milo, 200 CE, marble' is another famous sculpture, and 'The Last Supper, 1495 CE, oil on canvas' is a renowned painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

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13. What is depicted in the artwork created around 75 CE?

A mosaic of Cleopatra, c. 30 BCE.

A landscape of Rome, c. 100 CE.

A sculpture of Julius Caesar, c. 50 BCE.

Portrait of Vespasian, c. 75 CE

The correct answer is 'Portrait of Vespasian, c. 75 CE.' The incorrect answers provided are artworks depicting different individuals or settings from different time periods. By understanding the context of the artwork and the historical figure, one can identify the correct answer.

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14. What is the title and material of the artwork created in 90 C.E. featuring Domitia Longina?

The Persistence of Memory, 1931, oil on canvas

Starry Night, 1889, oil on canvas

Venus de Milo, 100 B.C., bronze

Portrait of Domitia Longina, 90 C.E., marble

The correct answer identifies the specific artwork, subject, year of creation, and material used. The incorrect answers provide examples of other famous artworks with different subjects, years of creation, and materials.

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