Roman History Trivia
Who was the first emperor of Rome?
- Augustus, originally named Octavian, was the first Roman Emperor who ruled from 27 B.C. until his death in A.D. 14.
What is the famous amphitheater built in Rome during the Flavian dynasty?
- The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
Which philosopher famously said, "I think, therefore I am"?
- This famous phrase was actually coined by René Descartes, a French philosopher, not a Roman one.
Which dynasty came to power after the assassination of Julius Caesar?
- The Julio-Claudian Dynasty was established by Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, after his death.
What was the name of the Roman upper class?
- The Patricians were the wealthy and powerful upper class of Ancient Rome.
What river did Julius Caesar famously cross, sparking a civil war?
- Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 B.C. precipitated a civil war which ultimately led to him becoming dictator for life and the rise of the imperial era of Rome.
Who famously fiddled while Rome burned?
- It is said that Emperor Nero "fiddled while Rome burned" during the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64.
What were Roman military units called?
- Roman military units were called "legions", each legion was made up of around 5,000 soldiers.
Which emperor built a massive wall across Northern Britain?
- Emperor Hadrian is known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Britannia.
What is the period of peace and prosperity that lasted for 200 years in Rome called?
- The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire which lasted for over 200 years, beginning with the reign of Augustus.
