Ancient History: Rome : Ancient History: Rome

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Ancient History: Rome

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Example Questions

Example Question #251 : Ancient History: Rome

Early Roman citizens were subdivided into which two major groups, depending on their heritage and class in Roman society?

Possible Answers:

Commoners and Lords

Metics and Freedmen

Plebeians and Patricians

Nobility and bourgeoisie

Correct answer:

Plebeians and Patricians

Explanation:

Early Roman society was divided up into two major classes - plebeians and patricians. 

Patricians were the 'noblemen' or aristocrats of Ancient Roman society. They held most of the positions in Roman assemblies, were the only group allowed to be part of the priesthood, and generally held far more power than most others. One could only become a patrician through birthright.

The plebeians included everyone else, excluding slaves. They comprised the lower and working class folk. Compared to the patricians, they held very little power in the early Roman empire, and had to work much harder to attain wealth and social status.

Example Question #252 : Ancient History: Rome

Livy is most notable for __________.

Possible Answers:

establishing a school of stoic philosophy in the nascent Roman Republic

leading the defense of Rome during the First Punic War

his contributions to political theory

his written history of the Roman Republic

leading the conspiracy against Julius Caesar

Correct answer:

his written history of the Roman Republic

Explanation:

Livy, also known as Titus Livius, lived in Rome in the first century BCE. He is one of the most famous Roman historians and is most notable for comprehensive history he wrote on the development of the Roman Republic.

 

Example Question #253 : Ancient History: Rome

Who wrote The Aeneid?

Possible Answers:

Cicero

Livy

Virgil

Petrarch

Plutarch

Correct answer:

Virgil

Explanation:

The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman author, Virgil, around 20 BCE. In The Aeneid, Virgil tells the story of the foundation of Rome by refugees fleeing the Trojan War.

Example Question #254 : Ancient History: Rome

The scientist and thinker Claudius Ptolemy lived in __________.

Possible Answers:

Roman Egypt

Parthia

Roman Gaul

Roman Greece

Roman Britain

Correct answer:

Roman Egypt

Explanation:

Claudius Ptolemy lived in Alexandria, in Roman Egypt, in the second century CE. The key to understanding this question is to know that the last name Ptolemy was a name associated with Hellenistic or Roman rule in Egypt.

Example Question #255 : Ancient History: Rome

The term Mare Nostrum was used by the Romans to describe __________.

Possible Answers:

Greek culture

the city of Rome

Gallic civilization

their legal code

the Mediterranean

Correct answer:

the Mediterranean

Explanation:

The Latin phrase Mare Nostrum translates as “Our Sea.” It was the Roman name for the Mediterranean, and reflects their hegemonic desires. We might compare the Roman belief in their ownership of the Mediterranean with the American concept of Manifest Destiny.

Example Question #87 : The Early Roman Empire (31 Bce 284 Ce)

Emperor Tiberius is partially remembered for his __________.

Possible Answers:

attempts at overthrowing the Roman Republic

debauched behavior and having a large number of illegitimate children

massive construction projects designed to beautify the city of Rome

leading the Roman conquest of Egypt

melancholic demeanor and lack of enthusiasm for ruling

Correct answer:

melancholic demeanor and lack of enthusiasm for ruling

Explanation:

Emperor Tiberius, the second Emperor of the Roman Empire, is partially remembered for his gloomy disposition and the lack of enthusiasm he felt for ruling. Tiberius’ reputation as a melancholic individual probably stems from the writings of Pliny the Elder. Pliny’s writings provide a great deal of the primary history of this time period.

Example Question #256 : Ancient History: Rome

The first Roman pantheon was constructed under the orders of __________.

Possible Answers:

Marcus Aurelius

Tiberius

Marcus Agrippa

Hadrian

Gaius Marius

Correct answer:

Marcus Agrippa

Explanation:

The first Roman pantheon was constructed on the orders of Marcus Agrippa. Agrippa was a military commander, architect, public works manager, and close friend to the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. The pantheon was a monumental temple to the Roman Gods. It would later become a Catholic church.

Example Question #88 : The Early Roman Empire (31 Bce 284 Ce)

Marcus Agrippa __________.

Possible Answers:

contributed immensely to the renovation of Rome during the reign of Augustus Caesar

ruled the Roman province of Gaul for most of his life

led the combined naval forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium

enacted several reforms of land ownership during his time as consul

led the defense of Rome during the third slave uprising

Correct answer:

contributed immensely to the renovation of Rome during the reign of Augustus Caesar

Explanation:

Marcus Agrippa was a close friend of Octavian (later Augustus Caesar). Agrippa contributed to Octavian’s rise to power by leading part of his navy at the Battle of Actium. After Augustus Caesar became Emperor in 27 BCE, Marcus Agrippa was charged with leading the renovation of Rome. He led the construction of the Pantheon, as well as aqueducts, temples, and numerous public baths and houses.

Example Question #257 : Ancient History: Rome

Which virtue did Roman citizens consider most important to being a member of the Republic?

Possible Answers:

gravitas (seriousness)

pietas (duty, loyalty)

comitas (humor)

firmitas (tenacity)

dignitas (dignity)

Correct answer:

pietas (duty, loyalty)

Explanation:

The correct answer is pietas (duty, loyalty). This refers to the great sense of loyalty the Roman citizens felt towards their country. While dignitas (dignity), gravitas (seriousness), comitas (humor), and firmitas (tenacity) were all considered important traits of a Roman citizen, pietas is the only option that refers to the duty a citizen had to serve the Republic.

Example Question #258 : Ancient History: Rome

Which of the following Roman Emperors was considered to be one of the most important Stoic philosopher?

Possible Answers:

Nero

Lucius Verus

Julius Caesar

Marcus Aurelius

Constantine the Great

Correct answer:

Marcus Aurelius

Explanation:

Julius Caesar, while an important figure, was not known for his philosophical contributions, so he would not be the best choice. Nero was known for corruption and self-interest rather than intellectual pursuits, so he too would not be a good choice. Constantine the Great was a religious man and crafted the Edict of Milan, but he was not a Stoic, so he would not be a good answer. Lucius Verus was the co-emperor of Marcus Aurelius but he was not a Stoic, so he would not be the best choice. Finally, Marcus Aurelius was the author of Meditations and a renowned Stoic, so he would be the best choice.

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