Life in Ancient Rome Newsela

What was the basis of Roman family life?

• Oligarchy

• Democracy

• Patriarchy

• Matriarchy

Answer explanation

Roman family life was based on patriarchy, where the father or eldest male held authority over the family members and household decisions.

What were the three Mediterranean staples in the Roman diet?

• Grain, grapes, and olives

• Fish, wheat, and barley

• Corn, rice, and beans

• Apples, pears, and oranges

Answer explanation

The three Mediterranean staples in the Roman diet were grain, grapes, and olives.

Guess who had the exclusive privilege to strut around in togas in ancient Roman society?

• Slaves

• All citizens

• Only women

• Only men

Answer explanation

All citizens could wear togas in Roman society, not just a specific gender or social class.

What was the main purpose of the public baths in Rome?

• For medical treatments

• For religious rituals

• For socializing

• For exercise only

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the public baths in Rome was for socializing, where people would gather to relax, chat, and interact with others in a communal setting.

What could the patriarch of a Roman family legally do?

• Vote for the emperor

• Kill his wife or children

• Marry multiple wives

• Become a gladiator

Answer explanation

The patriarch of a Roman family could legally kill his wife or children, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

What was the basic item of clothing for unmarried Roman women?

• Palla

• Peplos or chiton

• Toga

• Stola

Answer explanation

The basic item of clothing for unmarried Roman women was the Peplos or chiton, not the Palla, Toga, or Stola.

Can you guess the lavish dishes rich Romans indulged in?

• Fruits only

• Jellyfish and peacock

• Bread and vegetables

• Only grains

Answer explanation

The rich Romans ate jellyfish and peacock, as indicated in the correct answer choice. They had a diverse diet that included exotic foods like these.

Guess the Roman bath cleaning ritual! How did the ancient Romans get squeaky clean in their grand public baths?

• Only swimming in hot water

• Using soap and water

• Rubbing oil and scraping it off

• Only cold showers

Answer explanation

The correct process of cleaning at the Roman public baths involved rubbing oil on the skin and then scraping it off, rather than just swimming in hot water, using soap and water, or taking only cold showers.

Guess what? The Romans had a favorite fat source in their diet. Can you figure out what it was?

• Animal fat

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

Answer explanation

The main source of fat in the Roman diet was olive oil, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Guess what Roman citizens wore to show off their status? Hint: It's not sandals!

• Sandals

• Togas

• Helmets

• Swords

Answer explanation

Roman citizens wore togas as a status marker, distinguishing them from non-citizens. Togas were a symbol of Roman citizenship and were worn on formal occasions.