Quiz on the Roman Coliseum

Why was the Roman Coliseum originally called the Flavian Amphitheater?

• It was named after Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty

• It was named after the flavor of ice cream sold there

• It was named after the type of stone used to build it

• It was named after the architect who designed it

What major event in 64 AD led to changes in Rome that eventually resulted in the Coliseum being built?

• A great earthquake

• A massive flood

• The Great Fire of Rome

• A powerful storm

About how many people worked to build the Coliseum?

• 1,000 to 5,000 people

• 10,000 to 20,000 people

• 60,000 to 100,000 people

• 200,000 to 300,000 people

What was the valarium used for in the Coliseum?

• It was the underground tunnel system

• It was the retractable awning that blocked the sun

• It was where the animals were kept

• It was the entrance gate

Why are there holes all over the outside of the Coliseum today?

• They were made by ancient weapons

• They were caused by earthquakes

• Thieves removed valuable iron clamps from the walls

• They were decorative features

What made the naval battles (naumachia) in the Coliseum unique?

• They used toy boats

• They flooded the Coliseum with water

• They were only pretend battles

• They took place outside the Coliseum

How were seating arrangements determined in the Coliseum?

• By ticket price

• By who arrived first

• By social class and importance

• By age

What was the hypogeum?

• A type of gladiator armor

• The underground system of tunnels and chambers

• The highest seating section

• The main entrance

About how many people could the Coliseum hold?

• 5,000 to 10,000 people

• 20,000 to 30,000 people

• 50,000 to 80,000 people

• 100,000 to 150,000 people

How many main entrances did the Coliseum have?

• 40 entrances

• 60 entrances

• 80 entrances

• 100 entrances