The 12 Labors of Hercules

Cassius Dio said Commodus took the Empire...

• from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust.

• from a prosperous state to a time of famine.

• from a land of peace to one of constant war.

• from a thriving economy to a period of decline.

What was Hercules' task in the Eleventh Labor?

• To slay the Nemean Lion.

• To fetch the Golden Apples of the Hesperides.

• To capture the Golden Hind of Artemis.

• To retrieve the Erymanthian Boar.

The cornucopiae at the base represent both fertility and plenty, as well as...

• implying a new 'golden age' created by Commodus.

• symbolizing the end of an era of prosperity.

• indicating a decline in agricultural production.

• representing the unity of different cultures.

Commodus, by associating himself with the hero-god Hercules, is trying to imply he has the same virtues:

• He appears to see himself as a hero on earth who will become a god

• He believes he is the reincarnation of Hercules

• He thinks he can defeat all his enemies single-handedly

• He wants to be worshipped by the people as a god

What is the significance of the 12 Labors of Hercules?

• They are a series of tasks that Hercules had to complete as penance.

• They represent the twelve months of the year.

• They are a collection of myths about Greek gods.

• They symbolize the trials of human existence.

Why were the Golden Apples of the Hesperides considered so valuable?

• They were a gift from Zeus to the Titans.

• They were a wedding gift from Gaia to Hera and granted immortality.

• They were used to create the first human beings.

• They were the source of all knowledge and wisdom.

Which labor involved capturing a dangerous animal with impenetrable skin?

• Slaying the Nemean Lion

• Capturing the Golden Hind

• Defeating the Hydra

• Retrieving the Erymanthian Boar

The Bust of Commodus commands the attention of the viewer, giving a sense of...

• The emperor being well above the level of mere mortal subjects

• The emperor's humility and connection to the people

• The emperor's fear of his enemies

• The emperor's indifference to the common folk

Cassius Dio described Commodus as being...

• “naturally wicked and deceitful.”

• “not naturally wicked but, on the contrary, as guileless as any man that ever lived.”

• “a tyrant who ruled with an iron fist.”

• “a benevolent leader who cared for his people.”

What does the story of the Golden Apples symbolise in Greek mythology?

• It represents the pursuit of immortality and the overcoming of great obstacles through cleverness and strength.

• It signifies the importance of friendship and loyalty among heroes.

• It illustrates the consequences of greed and the desire for power.

• It depicts the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.