A Quiz On The History Of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome grew from a small town on central Italy’s Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe, much of western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean islands. Take the quiz below to gauge your knowledge of this great civilization. All the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which one of these was not a roman emperor?
- A.
Claudius
- B.
Julius Caesar
- C.
Marcus Aurelius
- D.
Octavian
- E.
Septimus Severus
Correct Answer
B. Julius CaesarExplanation
Julius Caesar was not a Roman emperor because he was assassinated in 44 BCE, before the Roman Empire was officially established. He was a military general and politician who played a significant role in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. However, he never held the title of emperor.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In what building was Julius Caesar assassinated on the Ides of March 44BC?
- A.
Senate House
- B.
Temple of Jupiter
- C.
Colisseum
- D.
Pompey's Theatre
- E.
Basilica Julia
Correct Answer
D. Pompey's TheatreExplanation
Pompey's Theatre is the correct answer because historical records indicate that Julius Caesar was assassinated in this building on the Ides of March in 44BC. The assassination took place during a meeting of the Senate, which was being held in Pompey's Theatre at the time. This event marked a significant turning point in Roman history and led to a series of political and social changes in the Roman Republic.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the name of the last King of Rome?
- A.
Ancus Marcius
- B.
Julius Caesar
- C.
Tarquinius II
- D.
Romulus
- E.
Tarquinius I
Correct Answer
C. Tarquinius IIExplanation
Tarquinius II is the correct answer because he was the last King of Rome before the establishment of the Roman Republic. He succeeded his father, Tarquinius Priscus, and ruled from 535 BC to 509 BC. Tarquinius II is known for his tyrannical rule and his eventual overthrow by the Roman people, leading to the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the republic.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who was the Roman Emperor during the great fire of Rome in AD64?
- A.
Augustus
- B.
Caligula
- C.
Tiberius
- D.
Nero
- E.
Commodus
Correct Answer
D. NeroExplanation
Nero was the Roman Emperor during the great fire of Rome in AD64. He is famously known for his controversial reign and his alleged role in starting the fire. While there is debate among historians about Nero's involvement, it is widely believed that he took advantage of the fire to carry out his urban planning ambitions. Nero's response to the fire, including his alleged fiddling while Rome burned, further solidified his reputation as a tyrannical and self-indulgent ruler.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the Emperor Caligulas real name?
- A.
Valerius
- B.
Gaius
- C.
Marcus
- D.
Remus
- E.
Julius
Correct Answer
B. GaiusExplanation
The Emperor Caligula's real name was Gaius. Caligula was a nickname given to him during his childhood, which means "little boot" in Latin. His full name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who was the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire?
- A.
Marcus Aurelius
- B.
Romulus Augustulus
- C.
Constantine
- D.
Julius Nepos
- E.
Commodus
Correct Answer
B. Romulus AugustulusExplanation
Romulus Augustulus was the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. He ruled from 31 October 475 until 4 September 476, when he was deposed by Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain. Romulus Augustulus' reign marked the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe. He was a young and inexperienced ruler who was unable to effectively govern and defend the empire against external threats. His deposition by Odoacer symbolized the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What position did Julius Caesar hold in ancient Rome?
- A.
President
- B.
Emperor
- C.
Tribune of the People
- D.
Dictator
- E.
King
Correct Answer
D. DictatorExplanation
Julius Caesar held the position of Dictator in ancient Rome. As a Dictator, he was granted absolute power for a limited period of time during times of crisis or emergency. This position allowed him to make decisions without the need for consultation or approval from other officials. Caesar's appointment as Dictator was a significant step towards his consolidation of power and eventual transition from a republic to an empire.Rate this question:
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- 8.
By what name was the Eastern Roman Empire become known in the middle ages?
- A.
Empire of Constantinople
- B.
2nd Roman Empire
- C.
Byzantine Empire
- D.
Constantian Empire
- E.
New Roman Empire
Correct Answer
C. Byzantine EmpireExplanation
The correct answer is Byzantine Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire during the Middle Ages. This name was derived from the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, which was later renamed Constantinople and became the capital of the empire. The Byzantine Empire lasted for over a thousand years, from the 4th century until the 15th century, and it played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the Mediterranean region.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of these Roman Emperors was not assassinated?
- A.
Domitian
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Tiberius
- D.
Nero
- E.
Caligula
Correct Answer
D. NeroExplanation
Domitian was stabbed to death
Claudius was poisoned
Tiberius was smothered
Caligula was stabbed to death
Nero committed suicide instead. He killed himself before he could be assassinated.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What were the names of the two Gracchus brothers who were both Tribunes of the People?
- A.
Lucius and Tiberius
- B.
Gaius and Tiberius
- C.
Valerius and Marcus
- D.
Marcus and Tiberius
- E.
Publius and Gaius
Correct Answer
B. Gaius and TiberiusExplanation
The correct answer is Gaius and Tiberius. The Gracchus brothers, Gaius and Tiberius, were both Tribunes of the People. They were Roman politicians who advocated for land reform and the rights of the plebeians during the late 2nd century BC. Gaius Gracchus served as Tribune from 123 to 122 BC, while Tiberius Gracchus served as Tribune from 133 to 132 BC. They both faced opposition from the Roman Senate and were eventually assassinated for their political beliefs.Rate this question:
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- 11.
How many Kings of Rome were there?
- A.
6
- B.
4
- C.
7
- D.
5
- E.
9
Correct Answer
C. 7Explanation
There were 7 Kings of Rome.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which carthaginian general was defeated at the Battle of Zama by the Roman commander Publius Scipio Africanus?
- A.
Hamilcar
- B.
Hastrabul
- C.
Mago
- D.
Hannibal
- E.
Hanno
Correct Answer
D. HannibalExplanation
Hannibal was the Carthaginian general who was defeated at the Battle of Zama by the Roman commander Publius Scipio Africanus. This battle took place in 202 BC during the Second Punic War. Hannibal is known for his military tactics and his famous crossing of the Alps with his army to attack Rome. However, he was ultimately defeated by Scipio Africanus at Zama, marking a turning point in the war and securing Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In what year was the last Eastern Roman Emperor, Constantine XI, killed by the Turks in Constantinople and the Roman Empire come to a final end?
- A.
1366
- B.
1453
- C.
1427
- D.
635
- E.
1298
Correct Answer
B. 1453Explanation
In 1453, the last Eastern Roman Emperor, Constantine XI, was killed by the Turks in Constantinople, leading to the final end of the Roman Empire. This marked the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the end of the Roman Empire as a political entity.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which Roman Emperor split the Empire into two halves, East and West, for the first time, each with a seperate Emperor?
- A.
Constantine
- B.
Maximian
- C.
Diocletian
- D.
Marcus Aurelius
- E.
Septimus Severus
Correct Answer
C. DiocletianExplanation
Diocletian is the correct answer because he was the Roman Emperor who split the Empire into two halves, East and West, for the first time, each with a separate Emperor. He implemented this division in 286 AD as a way to more effectively govern the vast territories of the Roman Empire. Diocletian ruled the Eastern half while Maximian ruled the Western half. This division marked a significant shift in the political and administrative structure of the Roman Empire.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which Roman Emperor began the contruction of the Colosseum in Rome?
- A.
Titus
- B.
Vespasian
- C.
Augustus
- D.
Nero
- E.
Caligula
Correct Answer
B. VespasianExplanation
Vespasian is the correct answer because he was the Roman Emperor who initiated the construction of the Colosseum in Rome. He ruled from 69 AD to 79 AD and saw the completion of the Colosseum during his reign. Vespasian wanted to build a grand amphitheater that would showcase gladiatorial games and other spectacles, and the Colosseum became one of the most iconic structures of ancient Rome.Rate this question:
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- 16.
From which city did the Romans believe their mythical founder, Aeneas, come from?
- A.
Byzantium
- B.
Athens
- C.
Troy
- D.
Corinth
- E.
Carthage
Correct Answer
C. TroyExplanation
The Romans believed that their mythical founder, Aeneas, came from the city of Troy. This belief is based on the epic poem, "The Aeneid," written by the Roman poet Virgil. In the poem, Aeneas is portrayed as a Trojan hero who flees the city of Troy after its fall to the Greeks. He eventually settles in Italy and becomes the ancestor of the Romans. The story of Aeneas and the founding of Rome was an important part of Roman mythology and identity.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Roughly how many soldiers were in a Roman Imperial Legion?
- A.
1000
- B.
5000
- C.
4500
- D.
10000
- E.
6000
Correct Answer
B. 5000Explanation
During the height of the Roman Empire, a Roman Imperial Legion typically consisted of around 5000 soldiers. This number was considered optimal for the efficient organization and effective combat capabilities of the legion. It allowed for a balance between having enough manpower to carry out various military operations and maintaining cohesion and discipline within the legion.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In the Roman Imperial army how many men were in a century, commanded by a centurion?
- A.
200
- B.
50
- C.
100
- D.
80
- E.
150
Correct Answer
D. 80Explanation
In the early Roman Army there were 100 in a century but in the Imperial period it was changed to 80 men in a century.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who were the members of the First Triumvirate?
- A.
Crassus, Caesar, Cicero
- B.
Caesar, Pompey, Cicero
- C.
Pompey, Caesar, Crassus
- D.
Caesar, Lepidus, Pompey
- E.
Mark Antony, Octavian, Caesar
Correct Answer
C. Pompey, Caesar, CrassusExplanation
The First Triumvirate consisted of three powerful Roman politicians: Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus. This alliance was formed in 60 BC as a way to consolidate their power and influence in Rome. Pompey was a successful military general, Caesar was a rising political figure, and Crassus was one of the wealthiest men in Rome. Together, they were able to control the Roman government and make decisions in their favor. However, the alliance eventually fell apart, leading to a power struggle and ultimately the downfall of the Roman Republic.Rate this question:
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- 20.
How did the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, die?
- A.
He died of old age
- B.
He was poisoned
- C.
He was stabbed to death
- D.
He was drowned
- E.
He was beaten to death
Correct Answer
B. He was poisonedExplanation
Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, died of poisoning. This method of assassination was commonly used during that time to eliminate political rivals or secure power. As the exact details of his death are not provided, it is unclear who poisoned him or the specific circumstances surrounding his demise. Nonetheless, poisoning was a plausible cause of death for a figure of such importance and influence.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Who was Cleopatra?
- A.
Wife of Julius Caesar
- B.
Queen of Egypt
- C.
Pharaoh of Egypt
- D.
Empress of Rome
- E.
Wife of Mark Antony
Correct Answer
B. Queen of EgyptExplanation
Cleopatra was the Queen of Egypt. She was a powerful ruler who reigned during the Ptolemaic dynasty. Cleopatra is known for her intelligence, beauty, and political skills. She had relationships with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, but her position as Queen of Egypt was independent of her marriages. Cleopatra's reign ended with her suicide, marking the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in Egypt.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Who were the members of the Second Triumvirate?
- A.
Octavian, Brutus, Cassius
- B.
Mark Antony, Octavian, Caesar
- C.
Octavian, Lepidus, Tiberius
- D.
Mark Antony, Lepidus, Octavian
- E.
Caesar, Lepidus, Crassus
Correct Answer
D. Mark Antony, Lepidus, OctavianExplanation
The correct answer is Mark Antony, Lepidus, Octavian. The Second Triumvirate was a political alliance formed in ancient Rome between Octavian (later known as Augustus), Mark Antony, and Lepidus. They formed the triumvirate in 43 BC after the assassination of Julius Caesar. The alliance was created to maintain stability and consolidate their power in Rome.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Who governed Rome during the Roman Republic, before the Empire?
- A.
Roman Parliament
- B.
King of Rome
- C.
Roman Senate
- D.
Grand Council
- E.
Roman Assembly
Correct Answer
C. Roman SenateExplanation
During the Roman Republic, before the Empire, Rome was governed by the Roman Senate. The Roman Senate was a political institution composed of wealthy and influential individuals who were appointed for life. They were responsible for making laws, managing finances, and overseeing foreign affairs. The Senate held significant power and played a crucial role in the decision-making process of the Republic.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Roman Dictator Sulla was the first Roman General to do what?
- A.
Use foreign mercenaries
- B.
Attack the city of Rome
- C.
Become Emperor
- D.
Pay his soldiers
- E.
Invade Britain
Correct Answer
B. Attack the city of RomeExplanation
Sulla was the first Roman General to attack the city of Rome. As a Roman Dictator, Sulla used his military power to march his army into Rome in 88 BC, starting a civil war known as the Sullan War. This marked a significant departure from the traditional Roman practice of keeping military forces outside the city walls. Sulla's attack on Rome was a pivotal moment in Roman history and set a precedent for future generals and leaders to use military force against their own government.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Who was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and stop the persecution of Christians?
- A.
Julian
- B.
Constantius
- C.
Diocletian
- D.
Maximian
- E.
Constantine
Correct Answer
E. ConstantineExplanation
Constantine was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and stop the persecution of Christians. He issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious freedom to Christians and ended their persecution. Constantine's conversion to Christianity had a significant impact on the history of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity, as he played a crucial role in the establishment of Christianity as the dominant religion in the Roman Empire.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which Barbarian tribe sacked the city of Rome in 410AD?
- A.
Saxons
- B.
Huns
- C.
Goths
- D.
Franks
- E.
Vandals
Correct Answer
C. GothsExplanation
The Goths were the barbarian tribe that sacked the city of Rome in 410AD. This event marked a significant turning point in history as it was the first time in over 800 years that the city had been captured by an enemy force. The Gothic leader, Alaric, led his army into Rome and plundered the city for several days. The sack of Rome by the Goths is often seen as a symbol of the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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