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About This Quiz
Although Ancient Rome was significantly more advanced than any civilization that came before it, living during this period was no walk in the park. The people of this epoch contributed substantially to the modern language, law, politics and warfare, but also cheered on human bloodsport in gladiatorial combat, sacrificed animals to the gods and engaged in the ruthless enslavement of people. Unless you were fortunate enough to be a part of society's most upper-crust, you probably struggled simply to consume the food you needed to survive - which was likely mostly porridge, bread and beans. The poor also faced harsh living conditions in shanty apartments, with landlords liable to evict them at any moment. As a result, many ended up on the streets.
Of course, living in the most squalid areas might even be preferable to being murdered for sport in the Colosseum or fanning and feeding wealthy members of the ruling class as they sprawled on lavish furniture. Enslaved people suffered deeply during this time, and they were not at all few and far in between - during difficult times, families often sold their own children into slavery.
So, do you think you could survive in this brutal era under the reign of the likes of Julius Caesar and Claudius? Whether you end up in the military, in the Senate or the gladiator ring, how will you fare? Well, let the games begin - the following quiz will tell you just what you need to know. Benediximus!
Welcome to Ancient Roman times, where you will reside in the epicenter of urban Rome. Which part of this period do you wish to live in?
Under the Roman Republic (ruled by Julius Caesar)
Under the Roman Empire (ruled by Augustus)
Under the Roman Empire (ruled by Claudius)
Under the first part of the Roman Republic
You can't usually choose your social class, but let's pretend you can. Which group will you be a part of?
I refuse to partake in the tiered-class system.
A member of the Plebeian class
An equestrian
A member of the Patrician class
Now that you're settling in, what does your home look like?
I'll save money on rent and live outdoors.
On the upper floors of an "insulae" or apartment building
On the lower floors of an "insulae" or apartment building
A "domus," or home on Palatine Hill
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Ancient Rome lacked many of the foods we enjoy today, such as potatoes, corn, tomatoes, peppers, oranges, peaches, rice or sugar. What will you choose to eat on an average day?
Cereal and gruel
Cereal, bread and vegetables
Bread, lentils, vegetables and fruit
Meat, wine, bread, vegetables and olive oil
Everyone from the poor to the very wealthy attended the gladiator games at the Colosseum. Which role will you play in this cruel spectator sport?
I'd like to compete.
Count me out. I'll stay at home.
I'll be a casual spectator in one of the upper levels.
I'll be a spectator in a box seat.
Roman emperors and political leaders strived to keep poor people occupied to prevent them from revolting. For that reason, many community events like gladiator games, the Circus Maximus and the baths were free. Still, society as a whole was very unjust. What do you do about it?
Protest in the street
Take action quietly to help secure a more humane society. I don't want to get caught.
If I was a senator or held another position of political power, I would try to instill change from within.
Probably nothing. It's just not worth the risk.
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Some received an education during Roman times; others did not. If you had the choice, what would you choose?
To become a farmer
To skip school and head straight to work
To attend school
To have a private tutor at home
Time to search for a job. Which profession will you obtain in the Roman Empire?
Hairdresser
Baker
Carpenter
I will run a small business on the first floor of my "domus."
In Ancient Rome, you must rise with the sun. Now that a new day has begun, what will you wear?
Just a basic, knee-length tunic
A tunic with a long cloak on top
A long, silk tunic
A white toga with a purple border made from linen or wool
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After work (which typically concludes around noon), most Romans head to the baths. What will you do while you're there?
I'll opt out.
Just bathe
Bathe and chat. The baths are great for gossip.
I'll bathe and then wrestle or box with the other Romans in the palaestra.
Despite a stark class disparity, Roman society emphasized community. Do you opt to socialize with your fellow villagers much?
I'm pretty solitary. I'd rather keep to myself.
I'm fairly shy and introverted, but I'll socialize sometimes, sure.
Yes, I'll build a decently-sized social circle.
Of course, all the time. I'm very outgoing and forge strong ties with many others.
For most of Ancient Roman history, the Romans were pagans and worshipped gods and goddesses like Jupiter, Apollo and Diana. Will you join the other Romans in bestowing offerings upon their temples and shrines?
No way
Maybe, but I'm not sure I believe in that stuff.
I'll do it sometimes.
Yes, I want to keep them happy, after all. I'll give them plenty of food, crafts and other gifts.
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Around 410 A.D., the Visigoths storm the city of Rome, obliterating buildings and killing many. How prepared are you for this invasion?
Not. I will probably just hide and hope for the best.
That sounds scary. I'll try my best.
I can handle this.
I'm always prepared for a fight.
Which weapons will you own during this time?
None. I don't condone violence.
Maybe a dagger, since it can be used as a multipurpose tool.
I'll keep a spear and javelin, just in case.
I'll have a gladius, bow and arrow, and armor on hand for sure.
Many Romans (soldiers and non-soldiers alike) sparred with wooden swords. Will you take part in this activity?
No thanks
Maybe I'll try it.
I'll definitely give it a go.
Sure, I'd do that all the time. It would help keep my fighting skills sharp.
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Large dinner parties were a key component of many Romans' lives. Would you like to host such a gathering?
No, I hate to host.
Dinner parties aren't really my thing.
Maybe not, but I'll attend some for sure.
Sure, all the time. I love to host people.
Some of the food Ancient Romans consumed would seem very strange to us today. They also didn't use forks and knives, so they ate everything with their hands. Which of these ancient foods would you like to dig into?
Stuffed dates
Jellyfish
Dormice
Flamingo tongue
Romans also indulged in the occasional dessert. Which of these ancient treats will you gobble up?
Pudding
Savillum, which is similar to cheesecake
Fig cake
Berry sorbet (made from mountain snow)
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Speaking of food, will you prepare your own?
I imagine I'll have to.
Yes, I love to cook.
Sometimes
No, I will hire someone to do it for me.
Let's play some games. What will you do for fun?
Play Roman backgammon (Tabula)
Play handball
Play Roman chess (Latrunculi)
Gamble with dice
Most Romans worked about six hours per day, so you should have plenty of free time. What else would you like to do for entertainment?
Watch a cock fight
Go on a run
Fish
Hunt
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Ancient Rome's military was extremely powerful and played a key role in the civilization's stature. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the military constantly campaigned for new recruits. Do you think you'd join?
Sure, I'd like to be a soldier.
Perhaps I'd work on the health care side.
Only if I could secure a prominent position where I didn't have to be on the front lines.
No
Time to enjoy a bit of entertainment. Which event would you like to attend?
I'll just stay at home.
A concert
A chariot race
A play
Let's fast-forward to the present. Where do your personal strengths predominantly lie?
In the arts
In the sciences
In physical strength
In politics
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Which of these Ancient Roman quotes do you most identify with?
"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." - Marcus Aurelius
"Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." - Horace
"Sometimes even to live is an act of courage." - Seneca
"I came, I saw, I conquered." - Julius Caesar
Do you know any Latin or Greek?
Nope, not at all
I know some Greek.
I know some Latin.
I know both Latin and Greek pretty well.
Are you religious?
Yes, I'm very devout.
Somewhat, but I don't make a point of talking about it.
I'm undecided.
No, I'm not.
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Ancient Rome was rife with deadly bacteria and diseases. Since they did not possess the same sanitation standards we do today, you might become ill by doing things like eating food slathered in Garum (a very popular uncooked fish sauce) or heading to the baths. How do you think your immune system would fare?
I swear I'm always catching a cold, or a virus or something.
I think I have an average immune system.
I'm pretty resilient. I think I'll fare OK.
I have a super strong immune system, so no worries there. I never get sick!
Food poisoning, worms and other gastrointestinal issues were rampant in Ancient Rome. So, how strong is your stomach?
My gut is pretty finicky, I have to say.
I would say I'm average in that department.
Pretty solid
I have a stomach of steel. I never get food poisoning no matter where I go.
Finally, how do you think you'll fare without electricity, internet, running water or your smartphone?
I won't. No, thanks.
Honestly, I don't love it, but I could probably manage.
I think I'll be just fine.
No problem! Honestly, ridding myself of these modern conveniences sounds like a serious relief.
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