Lesson 35: Daily Life in the Roman Empire

What could a foreign visitor to ancient Rome expect to see in the Forum?

• a track for chariot races

• B. a central gathering place

• C. a wealthy country house

• D. a site of fights with lions

What was a common way to become a Roman slave?

• A. having skill at a craft

• B. doing poorly in school

• C. being captured in a war

• D. losing a political election

Why did the Roman emperors give the poor “bread and circuses”?

• A. so the poor would not rebel

• B. so the poor could learn to read

• C. so the poor would not eat meat

• D. so the poor could make more money

What is one example of the rule of law in the Roman Empire?

• A. The emperor had to obey the Senate.

• B. Senators carried an ax to protect themselves.

• C. The punishments were the same for rich and poor.

• D. Any Roman could accuse someone of a crime.

Who made the decisions at Roman trials?

• A. a jury

• B. a senator

• C. the victim

• D. the emperor

Why would a Roman family throw a small cake into the fire?

• A. They considered burned cakes a treat.

• B. They did not have enough wood to use as fuel.

• C. They thought only large cakes were worth eating.

• D. They were making an offering to the goddess of the hearth.

Why did Rome have many different forms of worship?

• A. There was an altar in each home.

• B. The emperors claimed to be gods.

• C. Foreigners brought their religions.

• D. Festivals were popular with the poor.

When did a man become a paterfamilias?

• A. when he got married

• B. when his own father died

• C. when he became a grandfather

• D. when he gave his toys to the gods

The poor often ate food that was ...

• A. bought at "fast-food" shops.

• B. prepared for them by slaves.

• C. cooked in their kitchen at home.

• D. from a fancy, expensive market.

Where would one most likely see the foods listed below?

• A. in a major offering to the gods

• B. at a poor Roman's breakfast

• C. at a wealthy Roman's dinner

• D. in the stands at a chariot race