Connect with us

PastChronicle

Test Your Knowledge of the Roman Empire

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Apr 27, 2024

The Roman Empire was one of the most influential civilizations in history, shaping the course of Western culture and governance. This quiz will take you on a journey through its grand history, iconic leaders, groundbreaking achievements, and pivotal moments.

From the rise of Augustus to the fall of Rome, test your understanding of the events and figures that defined an era. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about ancient civilizations, this quiz is designed to challenge and enlighten you. Get ready to explore the legacy of the Roman Empire and see how much you really know!

Who was the first Roman emperor?

A) Julius Caesar
B) Augustus
C) Nero D)
Tiberius

An ancient Insula Romana

Source: Google Maps

Answer: B) Augustus

Statue of Augustus

Source: Joel Bellviure/Wikipedia

What major structure did Emperor Hadrian build?

A) The Colosseum
B) The Pantheon
C) Hadrian’s Wall
D) The Circus Maximus

Temple of Saturn in Rome

Source: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Answer: C) Hadrian’s Wall

A view of Hadrian's Wall showing its length and height. The upright stones on top of it are modern, to deter people from walking on it.

Source: quisnovus/Wikipedia

Which language was primarily spoken in the Roman Empire?

A) Greek
B) Latin
C) Aramaic
D) Egyptian

A close-up of a dictionary open to a page that defines lying.

Source: Joshua Hoehne/Unsplash

Answer: B) Latin

Some old, brown, wooden bookshelves that have old books covering every shelf.

Source: Roman Kraft/Unsplash

What type of government was the Roman Empire before becoming an empire?

A) Monarchy
B) Democracy
C) Republic
D) Theocracy

A judge bangs a gavel.

Source: Katrin Bolovtsova/Pexels

Answer: C) Republic

Illustration of the citizens of the Roman Empire violently running Gaius Gracchi out of Rome

Source: Wikimedia Commons

What was the Pax Romana?

A) A famous Roman general
B) A religious movement
C) A period of peace and stability
D) A rebellion

An oil painting depicting a scene from the Roman Republic. The artwork features a central group of women dressed in tunics and stolas, engaged in conversation or focused on a young boy. To the right, three men in togas stand solemnly with contemplative expressions, one young and two elderly, looking towards the women

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Answer: C) A period of peace and stability

AR Antoninianus of Gordian III, struck at Antioch 243–244 AD with Pax Augusta on the reverse

Source: NumisAntica/Wikipedia

Which emperor is famous for codifying Roman laws into “The Twelve Tables”?

A) Claudius
B) Marcus Aurelius
C) Justinian
D) None, it was pre-imperial

Relief of the Roman-Parthian wars at the Arch of Septimius Severus, Rome

Source: Wikipedia

Answer: D) None, it was pre-imperial

General view of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum on April 22, 2022 in Pompei, Italy

Source: Ivan Romano/Getty Images

In which battle did Rome decisively defeat Carthage during the Second Punic War?

A) Battle of Cannae
B) Battle of Zama
C) Battle of Carthage
D) Battle of the Trebia

Black and white engraving depicting a scene from ancient Rome. In the foreground, a group of men wearing traditional Roman togas and tunics are gathered, some engaging in discussion while others seem to be listening attentively. Behind them is a crowd of soldiers carrying spears and shields, with a few figures prominently holding up Roman standards

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Answer: B) Battle of Zama

Part of North Africa with Scipio's campaign shown.

Source: Cristiano64/Wikipedia

What was the primary diet of a typical Roman citizen?

A) Meat and fish
B) Bread and wine
C) Fruits and vegetables
D) Dairy products

A 1600s painting of a feast full of food and a small dog.

Source: Europeana/Unsplash

Answer: B) Bread and wine

Table with bread, wine, and grapes

Source: iStock

Which structure served as a venue for public entertainment such as gladiator fights?

A) Roman Forum
B) Roman Senate
C) The Colosseum
D) Baths of Caracalla

Ruins of a home of the Roman Empire with beautiful artwork

Source: iStock

Answer: C) The Colosseum

Penthesilea & Achilles sculpture

Source: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Which Roman holiday was known for its festive role reversals and liberties?

A) Saturnalia
B) Lupercalia
C) Vestalia
D) Bacchanalia

An open Calendar book.

Source: Eric Rothermel

Answer: A) Saturnalia

Saturnalia by Antoine Callet

Source: Themadchopper/Wikipedia

What innovation is the Roman Empire known for developing that significantly impacted architectural construction?

A) Concrete
B) The arch
C) The dome
D) All of the above

Digital illustration of life in a city during the reign of the Roman Empire

Source: Freepik

Answer: D) All of the above

Oil painting depicting a bustling market scene within an archway of an old Italian street. The sunlight filters through the arch, illuminating vendors and townspeople engaged in daily activities. Some figures are seated selling goods, while others stand or walk about

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Which emperor divided the Roman Empire into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires?

A) Constantine
B) Diocletian
C) Augustus
D) Nero

A vintage black and white engraving depicting a scene from ancient Rome where a group of men in togas, presumably Roman senators, are gathered around a table, engaged in serious discussion. To the right, a lictor in darker clothing stands with a raised fasces, a symbol of authority in ancient Rome

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Answer: B) Diocletian

Laureate head of Diocletian

Source: Wikimedia Commons

What event is traditionally considered the fall of the Roman Empire?

A) The death of Julius Caesar
B) The sack of Rome in 410 AD by the Visigoths
C) The division into East and West
D) The construction of Constantinople

Black and white engraving showing a chaotic scene with multiple Roman figures in togas. One figure in the center raises a club high above his head, seemingly about to strike a fallen figure below him

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Answer: B) The sack of Rome in 410 AD by the Visigoths

Painting from Pompeii, now in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Naples), showing a banquet or family ceremony, created before 79 CE

Source: Wikipedia

Which religion became the state religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD?

A) Paganism
B) Christianity
C) Judaism
D) Zoroastrianism

A young person stares down at the page of their Bible

Source: StockSnap/Pixabay

Answer: B) Christianity

Image of the Bible with a beam of light coming from the pages

Source: Freepik

What was the primary reason for the decline of the Roman Empire?

A) Economic troubles
B) Barbarian invasions
C) Inadequate military
D) All of the above

View of excavated archaeological site of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius

Source: Britannica

Answer: D) All of the above

Theater completely excavated in Pompeii

Source: Wikipedia