World Book Trivia Quiz Advanced: Ancient Rome (Australia & New Zealand)

1. How did Julius Caesar die?

He died of smallpox.

He was assassinated.

He was run over by a chariot in the Coloseum.

Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of aristocrats as he entered a Senate meeting on March 15, 44 B.C. Many Romans feared Caesar's ambition.

Explanation

Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of aristocrats as he entered a Senate meeting on March 15, 44 B.C. Many Romans feared Caesar's ambition.

2. The ancient Romans were excellent road builders.

True

False

Roman roads covered about 80,000 kilometres. They were built remarkably straight so that Roman troops could move quickly throughout the empire. The roads also promoted trade and communication. Many Roman roads have lasted for thousands of years.

Explanation

Roman roads covered about 80,000 kilometres. They were built remarkably straight so that Roman troops could move quickly throughout the empire. The roads also promoted trade and communication. Many Roman roads have lasted for thousands of years.

3. Which language was an official language of the Roman Empire?

Celtic

Latin

Aramaic

Latin and Greek were the official languages of the Roman Empire. They were the languages of government officials and the upper classes. Many people in the empire continued to use their own native languages, such as Celtic, Berber, and Aramaic.

Explanation

Latin and Greek were the official languages of the Roman Empire. They were the languages of government officials and the upper classes. Many people in the empire continued to use their own native languages, such as Celtic, Berber, and Aramaic.

4. The Romans adopted most of their gods from the Greeks.

True

False

The Romans adopted Greek gods and gave them new, Roman names. For example, the Greek god Zeus became the Roman god Jupiter.

Explanation

The Romans adopted Greek gods and gave them new, Roman names. For example, the Greek god Zeus became the Roman god Jupiter.

5. Which region was not part of the Roman Empire?

Northern Africa

Asia Minor

Central America

The Roman Empire included much territory around the Mediterranean Sea, including northern Africa and Asia Minor. During the time of the Roman Empire, the Maya Indians dominated Central America.

Explanation

The Roman Empire included much territory around the Mediterranean Sea, including northern Africa and Asia Minor. During the time of the Roman Empire, the Maya Indians dominated Central America.

6. What was the Forum?

A large theatre in ancient Rome.

The home of the emperor Vespasian.

The centre of government in ancient Rome.

The Forum was a section of Rome that served as the city's administrative, legislative, and legal centre. It included many important buildings, such as the Senate house and a number of temples.

Explanation

The Forum was a section of Rome that served as the city's administrative, legislative, and legal centre. It included many important buildings, such as the Senate house and a number of temples.

7. Near which river was Rome founded?

The Tigris River

The Po River

The Tiber River

Rome began as a small farming community on the bank of the Tiber River in central Italy. The Po River is in northern Italy. The Tigris is in southwestern Asia.

Explanation

Rome began as a small farming community on the bank of the Tiber River in central Italy. The Po River is in northern Italy. The Tigris is in southwestern Asia.

8. Who was one of the great poets of ancient Rome?

Vesta

Horace

Praetor

Horace was one of the greatest poets of ancient Rome. He is famous for his collection of poems titled Odes. Vesta was a goddess of the household. The praetor was the chief legal officer in ancient Rome.

Explanation

Horace was one of the greatest poets of ancient Rome. He is famous for his collection of poems titled Odes. Vesta was a goddess of the household. The praetor was the chief legal officer in ancient Rome.

9. The Roman Republic was founded in 27 B.C.

True

False

The Roman Republic was established in 509 B.C., after Roman nobles overthrew the king. The Roman Empire was established in 27 B.C., after the republican government collapsed.

Explanation

The Roman Republic was established in 509 B.C., after Roman nobles overthrew the king. The Roman Empire was established in 27 B.C., after the republican government collapsed.

10. Who was the last emperor of the West Roman Empire?

Romulus Augustulus

Augustus

Octavian

Romulus Augustulus was the last emperor of the West Roman Empire. His reign ended in A.D. 476, when he was overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer. Augustus was the first emperor of Rome. Octavian was Augustus's name before he became emperor in 27 B.C.

Explanation

Romulus Augustulus was the last emperor of the West Roman Empire. His reign ended in A.D. 476, when he was overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer. Augustus was the first emperor of Rome. Octavian was Augustus's name before he became emperor in 27 B.C.