Ancient Rome: Myths and Misconceptions

What is historiography?

• The study of ancient architecture

• The study of ancient languages

• The study of how history is researched and written

• The study of ancient artifacts

What was the common misconception about Roman togas?

• They were worn by slaves

• They were only worn by women

• They were everyday casual wear

• They were used as military uniforms

How did Roman historians typically write history?

• With a focus on objective facts

• As an ever-changing narrative rooted in present-day concerns

• By copying Greek historians

• With a focus on future predictions

What is a common misconception about Emperor Caligula?

• He was a wise and just ruler

• He was a famous philosopher

• He was a military genius

• He was a perverted and insane ruler

What is the truth about Nero's actions during the Great Fire of Rome?

• He started the fire himself

• He ignored the fire completely

• He played the fiddle while Rome burned

• He was in Antioch and returned to organize relief efforts

Did Roman women have formal political rights?

• Yes, they could vote and hold office

• No, they had no formal political rights

• No, but they could serve in the military

• Yes, they could become senators

What were Julius Caesar's supposed last words according to Shakespeare?

• And you, my child?

• Et tu, Brute?

• Farewell, my friends

• Remember me

How did the Romans adapt Greek mythology?

• By combining Greek myths with Egyptian ones

• By swapping the names of Greek deities with Roman ones

• By rejecting Greek myths entirely

• By creating entirely new gods

Who were the rowers in the Roman navy?

• Roman citizens

• Free men hired for the task

• Captured soldiers

• Slaves

What is a common misconception about gladiatorial games?

• They were not popular in ancient Rome

• They were only for slaves

• They were always deadly for the gladiators

• They never included wild animals