WorksheetsPliny - Vesuvius
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 7mins
How were Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger related?
father and son
Uncle and nephew
Commander and sailor
Boss and employee
Why does Pliny write his account of the eruption of Vesuvius?
He is writing to tell his uncle what happened.
The historian Tacitus asked him to give a first-hand account.
He is writing it in his diary.
He is justifying his actions during the disaster.
Why does Pliny think it is important to get his account down in writing?
So they can avoid the same disaster in the future.
To provide scientific data for research.
So his heroic deeds will be remembered and rewarded.
So his Uncle's bravery will be remembered even after his death.
To what does Pliny compare the volcanic cloud (nubes mirabilis!)
a mushroom
a pine tree
an umbrella
a chimney
Initially why did Pliny the Elder plan to launch his boat?
to rescue those who were stranded
to make a scientific investigation
to prove his bravery with a pleasure cruise
to make a three hour tour
What happened to change Pliny the Elder's mind about launching his boat?
The appearance of the strange cloud convinced him to stay home.
A letter from a friend convinced him to go to her aid.
Pliny the Younger begged his Uncle to stay and protect the household.
Gilligan showed up and Pliny the Elder refused to take him on board.
Pliny the Elder proved his bravery by doing all of the following during the disaster EXCEPT
He ate dinner.
He took a bath.
He went to sleep (and snored)
He read a book.
Where was Pliny the Elder when the first signs of an eruption were indicated?
Pompeii
Herculaneum
Stabiae
Misenum
Who was Rectina?
Pliny's wife back in Rome.
Pliny's sister and mother of his nephew.
Pliny's friend who needs help.
Pliny's secret mistress.
Why didn't Pliny the Younger join the voyage?
He was too scared.
He had homework to do.
He was not invited!
He stayed to take care of his mother.
What was Pliny the Elder's primary occupation
Senator
Banker
Commander of the Fleet
Gladiator
What is the date of the eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompeii?
August 25, 79 A.D.
June 5, 67 A.D.
April 21, 753 B.C.
September 5, 48 B.C.
How did Pliny the Elder die?
of old age a few years after the eruption.
of toxic gas during the eruption
buried in ash at the foot of Vesuvius
Lost at sea when the earthquake created a tsunami
How did people try to protect themselves from the falling debris?
They put pillows on their heads.
They burrowed tunnels in the ash and pumice like snow forts.
Groups of people used planks over their heads like soldiers' shields.
They used cooking pans as helmets.
The eruption of Vesuvius created all of the following unusual occurrences EXCEPT
It was dark during the day due to the thick ash in the air.
Parked carts rolled around because the ground kept moving.
The sea was sucked back leaving sea creatures stranded.
The toxic gases from the volcano killed much of the wildlife in the area.
What did Pliny and his mother argue about?
She wanted him to flee without her and he refused.
She wanted to stay and wait out the disaster but he wanted to flee.
She wanted him to join the expedition but he was afraid.
She wanted him to wait in the cellar but he thought they were safer in the open air.
What did Pliny's Spanish friend do in the face of the disaster?
He ran away.
He died helping others escape.
He was lost in the crowd and presumed dead.
He hid until the disaster was over.
Why did Pliny and his mother keep getting up to move around?
It was cold and they were trying to keep warm.
The ashes were accumulating and they were trying not to be buried.
They were near the exit and were allowing others to get past.
They were afraid to fall asleep and needed to keep themselves awake.
How dark did the debris in the air make it according to Pliny?
like a moonless night
like a dark basement
like a closed tomb
like having your eyes shut
What kept Pliny and his mother from leaving when they wanted too?
The streets were pitch black and totally crowded.
They were blocked in their house by rubble.
The soldiers were guarding the gates and not letting anyone out.
The fires burned between their location and the city gate.
