Certamen Flashcards
What is the Latin motto of Virginia, which translates into English as “thus always to
tyrants”?
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS
What is the Latin motto of South Carolina, which translates as “while I breathe, I hope”?
DUM SPIRO SPERO
What is the Latin motto of Arkansas, which translates as “the populace rules”?
REGNAT POPULUS
Give the Latin name of the tunic traditionally worn by Roman brides.
TUNICA RECTA
What was the Latin name of the bright orange veils that Roman brides wore over the
upper portion of their faces?
FLAMMEUM
Which of the three forms of Roman marriage involved a fictitious sale of the bride?
COEMPTIO
What is the Latin phrase represented by the abbreviation “e.g.”?
EXEMPLI GRATIA
What is the Latin phrase represented by the abbreviation “i.e.”?
ID EST
What is the Latin phrase represented by the abbreviation “q.v.”?
QUOD VIDE
What type of Roman building, subdivided into cenacula, is analogous to our modern-day
apartment building?
INSULA
In nicer insulae, the ground floor was rented out to one tenant, similar to a modern-day
penthouse. What is the term for the collection of shops in humbler insulae?
TABERNAE
Insulae often caught on fire. What was the name of Roman firemen, who also served as
watchmen and policemen?
VIGILES
Which of a Roman’s three names indicated his gens?
NOMEN
Which of his names was equivalent to a first name?
PRAENOMEN
What sort of name did Romans receive for performing a great deed?
AGNOMEN
“Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which is translated as “Higher, Faster, Stronger,” is the Latin
motto of what organization?
THE OLYMPIC GAMES
In the Latin motto for Paris, “fluctuat nec mergitur,” what does “fluctuat” mean?
IT FLOATS / SURGES / FLUCTUATES
What is the translation of London’s motto, “Domine dirige nos”?
LORD DIRECT US
On what day did the Ides fall in October?
15th
On what day did the Nones fall in October?
7th
On what day did the Kalends fall in October?
1st
The letters “a.m.” abbreviate what full Latin phrase?
ANTE MERIDIEM
The letters “A.D.” abbreviate what full Latin phrase?
ANNO DOMINI
The letters “N.B.” abbreviate what full Latin phrase?
NOTA BENE
What did the ancient Romans call their public baths?
THERMAE/BALNEAE
What was the entrance fee to the baths for men?
ONE QUADRANS
What was the name of the dressing room?
APODYTERIUM
What bundle of rods symbolized the dictator’s absolutely authority?
FASCES
What type of gladiator fought with a net and trident in the arena?
RETIARIUS
What type of gladiator fought blind?
ANDABATA
What type of gladiator fought animals?
BESTIARIUS
What Latin phrase refers to the characters in a play?
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
What is the meaning of the Latin phrase “ars celare artem”?
IT IS ART TO COVER (ONE’S) ART
Give the Latin phrase which means “Art is long, but life is short.”
ARS LONGA VITA BREVIS
. Romans, like most people, loved to gamble. During what holiday was gambling permitted in
Rome?
SATURNALIA
The Romans often gambled using tesserae or tali. Distinguish between them
TESSERAE ARE DICE; TALI ARE KNUCLEBONES
The anti-gaming law didn’t apply to this game analogous to chess, because the outcome
was dependent on player skill rather than chance.
LATRUNCULI
What did the Romans call apartment blocks?
ĪNSULAE
What did the Romans call the main entrance hall of a house?
ĀTRIUM
What did the Romans call the alcoves on either side of the atrium?
ĀLAE
Many people carry the title ‘doctor.’ Give the Latin for which the abbreviation M.D stands
MEDICINAE DOCTOR
What Latin abbreviation would a doctor use for your prescription?
RX
Give the Latin and its English meaning for Rx
RECIPE - TAKE
When teenagers do something extremely dumb, it has become commonplace to shout
“YOLO” first. What Latin expression roughly conveys the same sense as the phase for which
YOLO stands, “You Only Live Once?”
CARPE DIEM
Rappers are also fond of saying “YOLO.” What Latin phrase might be appropriate for the
front of Snoop Dogg’s house?
CAVE CANEM
2 Assuming someone “YOLO’d,” as it were, and this was their last act, what Latin phrase
would be usable after their death?
POST MORTEM/DE MORTUĪS NIL NISI BONUM
What toga, whitened with chalk, was worn by a candidate running for office?
TOGA CANDIDA
What toga was worn by a victorious general in his triumphal procession?
TOGA PICTA
What toga was worn by the average citizen?
TOGA VIRILIS/TOGA LĪBERA/TOGA PŪRA
Give the Latin equivalent for “breakfast.”
IENTACULUM
Give the Latin equivalent for “lunch.”
PRANDIUM
Give the Latin equivalent for “dinner.”
CĒNA
As many are aware, Harvard and Yale are rivals. What is the Latin motto of Yale?
LUX ET VERITAS
What is Harvard’s Latin motto?
VERITAS
What is the meaning of Lux et Veritas?
LIGHT AND TRUTH
What was the name of the dividing fence or wall which stretched across the middle of the
circus?
SPĪNA
In a Roman circus, what were the mētae?
GOALPOSTS/TURNING POINTS
In a Roman circus, what were the carcerēs?
STARTING GATES
C.E. is an abbreviation for the English phrase ‘Common Era.’ What Latin abbreviation often
serves as an equivalent?
A.D.
Give the Latin for A.D
ANNO DOMINI
What is the Latin for which the abbreviation P.M. stands?
POST MERIDEIM
(I would chalenge and say P.M. also means post mortem)
In addition to its phenomenal undergraduate program, Yale also is known for its law school.
Lawyers are required to do a certain amount work without pay each year. What is the Latin
expression for these types of cases?
PRO BONŌ (PUBLICŌ)
What does pro bonō publicō mean?
FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD/WELFARE
When a lawyer presents evidence, he hopes that the jury will accept it at first sight. What
Latin phrase means “at first glance”?
PRIMA FACIE
In terms of Roman life and culture, which of the following terms is unrelated to the rest:
confarreatiō, ūsus, coemptio, mango?
MANGO
What is a mango?
A SLAVE-DEALER
What is a flammeum?
BRIDAL VEIL
What reform did Numa make to the calendar set up by Romulus?
ADDED JANUARY & FEBRUARY
What early king of Rome followed the wise advice given him by the water nymph Egeria,
making many reforms to the Roman religion?
NUMA
(POMPILIUS)
What temple built by Numa always had its doors kept shut in times of peace?
TEMPLE OF JANUS
Give the English translation for the motto of Yale University, Lux et Veritas
LIGHT AND TRUTH
Now try the motto of Connecticut, Qui transtulit sustinet
HE WHO TRANSPLANTED SUSTAINS
Now try the motto of the United States, E Pluribus Unum
FROM/OUT OF MANY, ONE
What is the meaning of the Latin noun prandium?
LUNCH
What is the meaning of the Latin noun proelium?
BATTLE
What is the meaning of the Latin noun praetor?
JUDGE/LEADER
In what room of a Roman house would one find the compluvium and impluvium?
ATRIUM
In what room was the arca located?
TABLINUM
What was the triclinium?
DINING ROOM
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation A.M
ANTE MERIDIEM-BEFORE NOON
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation et.al
ET ALII/ALIA-AND OTHERS
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation cf
CONFER-COMPARE
What bridge, the first built across the Tiber, was defended against the Etruscans by Horatius
Cocles?
PŌNS SUBLICIUS
Under the reign of what king was this bridge built?
ANCUS MARCIUS
Which hill on the other side of the Tiber was connected to Rome by the Pōns Sublicius?
JANICULUM
Where in ancient Rome could all the following be found: carceres, mappa, metae,
quadriga, factiones?
THE CIRCUS / THE
CHARIOT RACE-TRACK /
CIRCUS MAXIMUS
What were factiones?
RACING FACTIONS/COMPANIES
How many laps were in a typical roman chariot race?
7 LAPS
What Latin phrase means “a slip of the tongue?”
LAPSUS LINGUAE
What Latin phrase means “a slip of the pen?”
LAPSUS CALAMI
What Latin phrase means “let the buyer beware?”
CAVEAT EMPTOR
What was the name for the amulet worn by Roman children to ward off evil spirits?
BULLA (AUREA)
During what festival on the 17th of March would a Roman boy stop wearing his bulla?
LIBERALIA
Give the Latin term for the rattle given to Roman children
CREPUNDIA
Translate the motto of Brown University, in deo speramus
IN GOD WE
TRUST (HOPE)
Translate the motto of Columbia University, in lumine tuo videbimus lumen.
IN YOUR LIGHT WE SHALL SEE LIGHT
Translate the motto of Johns Hopkins University, veritas vos liberabit.
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
Regina viarum was another name for what major road, which ran from Rome to Brundisium?
VIA APPIA/
APPIAN WAY
Translate regina viarum
QUEEN OF ROADS
Name the Roman censor who constructed the Via Appia in 312 BC
APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS
.How many tables of laws did the Decemvirī tabulate?
TWELVE
Please give the Latin term for the eventual set of laws that was produced by both
commissions of the Decemvirī.
DUODECIM TABULAE
The attempted rape of what woman by Appius Claudius led to the eventual resignation
of the Decemvirī?
VERGINIA
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation Rx.
RECIPE-TAKE
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation gtt.
GUTTAE - DROPS
How often should you take a medicine labeled q.i.d.?
FOUR TIMES A DAY
What was the Roman ientaculum?
BREAKFAST
What was cena?
DINNER
What did the Romans call dessert?
SECUNDA MENSA
Give the Latin words and English meaning of the abbreviation e.g.
EXEMPLƮ
GRATIƖ, “FOR (THE
SAKE OF AN) EXAMPLE”
What Latin abbreviation is often confused with e.g. and is more specifically used to
indicate an explanation rather than an example?
I.E. (ID EST)
What are you supposed to do if you are reading a scholarly journal that makes a major
argument and then, in parentheses, has “cf.” followed by a citation to the page of a book
on a related topic?
COMPARE THE POINT ARGUED BY THIS JOURNAL TO
WHEREVER THAT REFERENCE IS IN THE BOOK (accept anything
that shows understanding of confer = compare)
What part of the house would the Romans call the large hall, which housed the impluvium
and the compluvium?
ATRIUM
What part of the Roman house was the “wings” of the atrium that housed the imagines?
ALAE
What were the imagines?
WAXED FIGURES / MASKS(OF ANCESTORS)
What two-word Latin phrase commonly used in English offers an antonym to the concept of
a revolution and refers to “the existing state of affairs”?
STATUS QUO
What two-word Latin phrase is commonly used in English to refer to the college (or high
school) from which you graduate?
ALMA MATER
2 Finally, once you land a job, you may end up on assignment out of town for some period
of time on the company’s expense. What two-word Latin phrase is commonly used to
refer to the daily allowance you are paid to cover the cost of your meals and other
incidentals?
PER DIEM
What kind of toga did common citizens wear?
TOGA VIRILIS/ TOGA PURA
What kind of toga, with a purple border did young boys and magistrates wear?
TOGA PRAETEXTA
What kind of toga did victorious generals wear during a triumph?
TOGA PICTA
What part of the Roman baths was the hot room?
CALDARIUM
What part of the Roman baths would a Roman go to, to enjoy a cool dip?
FRIGIDARIUM
Before a Roman could enjoy these rooms, what changing room would they visit first?
APODYTERIUM
- Which of the following would be most likely to embody the Latin abbreviation ad lib. in his
or her daily work? security guard, college counselor, tightrope walker, jazz soloist,
professional wrestler
JAZZ SOLOIST
Which of the following words or phases in English is etymologically connected to the
Latin root of ad lib.? “women’s lib,” “healthy libido,” “left-wing liberal,” and
“absolutely livid.
HEALTHY LIBIDO
Let’s say a professional wrestler begins to ad lib too much and begins to cause injuries
among his colleagues, who must act as his opponents during televised matches. What
Latin phrase might apply to him if he keep this up too long and becomes shunned by his
co-workers?
PERSONA NON GRATA
Which of the following Latin abbreviations contains an abbreviated version of a word for a
Latin number? op. cit., M.D., A.M., per cent, and A.D.
PER CENT
Of that same list, which contains a word that is often paired in abbreviated form with an
abbreviation for philosophiae?
M.D.
Finally, of the same list above, which abbreviation contains two words in the ablative
case?
OP. CIT. (opere citƗtǀ)
What office was at the top of cursus honorum.
CONSUL
Who carried the fasces, or the bundle of sticks that signified the power of magistrates?
LICTORES / LICTOR(S)
A Roman consul had 12 lictores, what special event in Rome would give a man 24
lictores?
DICTATOR
Kaeso, Lucius, Gnaeus, Quintus and Publius are all examples of what part of a Roman’s
name?
PRAENOMEN
What Roman praenomen was abbreviated A.?
AULUS
Differentiate between the praenomens abbreviated Ti. and T. ?
TI = TIBERIUS T = TITUS
. Of the Latin mottoes sƯc transit gloria mundƯ, errƗre hnjmƗnum est, dƝ mortuƯs nil nisi
bonum, and in hǀc signǀ vincƝs, which one, when spoken in a context for which the
quotation was intended, would best be accompanied by a sheepish shrug?
ERRƖRE HNjMƖNUM EST
Which one might a despairing teacher who has taught 10 years of outstanding Latin II
Honors students mutter ironically when grading the D-averaging papers of his current,
inexplicably underachieving class?
SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI
What three-word Latin phrase not listed in the tossup best summarizes the give-and-take
nature of ancient pagan religion in which a god might be reasonably expected to offer
protection or answer a prayer if a sacrifice was offered in exchange?
QUID PRO QUO
. From the following list, which does not belong because of meaning and why: māla, ōva,
uvae, strigilēs, nucēs?
STRIGILES–NOT A FOOD
Define all of the foods from the list.
APPLES, EGGS, GRAPES, NUTS (respectively)
What, to the Romans, was a malum Punicum?
POMEGRANATE
What one Latin word, with what meaning, is shared by the abbreviations p.m. and p.s.?
POST – AFTER
What Latin word, with what meaning, is shared by the abbreviations a.c. and a.m.?
ANTE – BEFORE
What one Latin word, with what meaning, is shared by the abbreviations R.I.P. and
b.i.d.?
IN – IN
According to its Latin motto, which state requires you to only look around if you seek a
pleasant peninsula?
MICHIGAN
According to its Latin motto, what state ought not to be messed with because its citizens
dare to defend their rights?
ALABAMA
According to its Latin motto, what state’s citizens should have no concerns because
mountaineers are always free?
WEST VIRGINIA
At a Roman funeral, the eldest male relative was often responsible for the laudātio. What
was this?
EULOGY/SPEECH OF PRAISE
There might also be a conclāmātio. What was this?
RITUAL SHOUTING OF THE DEAD PERSON’S NAME (3x)
Outside of what sacred boundary would the dead person be buried?
POMERIUM
In the Roman Forum, what was the function of a basilica?
(LAW) COURT
What was the Latin term for the elected official who presided over a basilica?
PRAETOR
What Roman elected official might one find planning games and making sure the city
looks generally pretty?
AEDILES/AEDILE
What temple in the Roman Forum, though not built until 167 BC, was vowed by
Camillus to commemorate the achievement of increased rights for plebeians?
(TEMPLE OF) CONCORD
What honor, shared by Romans including Cicero and Augustus, did Camillus achieve for
saving the city from Brennus and the Gauls?
PATER PATRIAE
. What law of 287 B.C. ended the fifth and final succession of the plebs by making the laws of
plebeians binding on all citizens?
LEX HORTENSIA
What earlier law, passed in 445 B.C., allowed intermarriage between plebeians and
patricians?
LEX CANULEIA
Just before the passage of the Lex Canuleia, what group of men was responsible for the
codification of Roman law?
DECEMVIRI
. What three word Latin quotation of Seneca the Younger reminds us that nobody is perfect
and literally means “to make a mistake is human”.
ERRĀRE HUMĀNUM EST
In one of his Satires the author Juvenal gives us what five word Latin quotation as a
reminder to take care of our mental and physical health?
MENS SANĀ IN CORPORE SANŌ
What three word quotation of the philosopher Descartes inspires us to always believe in
ourselves, and literally means “I think therefore I am”?
COGITŌ ERGO SUM
What was the term given to the slave-dealers in ancient Rome?
MANGONES
What was done to the feet of newly arrived slaves before they were sold?
WHITENED WITH CHALK
If a slave had FUG branded on his forehead, what did that indicate about the slave?
HE HAD TRIED TO RUN AWAY / FUG = FUGITIVUS
What term designated a female Roman head of household?
MATERFAMILIAS
What term refers to the power that a Roman master had over the slaves in his household?
PATRIA POTESTAS
What is the name for the ceremony at which a woman laid a newborn baby at the feet of
the father? If the father picked up the baby, it was accepted into the family; if not, the
child was exposed
SUSCEPTIO
Of Brown University, Princeton University, Columbia University, and Princeton University,
which school does not belong because of the tense of the verb in its Latin motto?
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
In what tense is the verb of Columbia’s motto?
FUTURE
Translate into English the motto of Columbia “In lumine tuō vidēbimus lumen”.
IN YOUR LIGHT WE SHALL SEE LIGHT
What city came into conflict with Rome after the Mamertine revolt and fought the
Republic for control of the Mediterranean in three wars?
CARTHAGE
On what island did the First Punic War take place, which later became Rome’s
first province?
SICILY
Which pair of islands to the West of Italy did Rome also gain control of shortly
after the First Punic War?
SARDINIA AND CORSICA
Which university has the motto “Lux et Veritas”?
YALE
Translate the motto of the state of Oregon into English: Alīs volat propriīs
SHE FLIES WITH HER OWN WINGS
You have just walked through the iānua of a Roman domus! You find yourself in a
room with an opening in the ceiling and a pool for collecting rainwater. What is this room
called?
ĀTRIUM
What is the name for the pool for collecting rainwater?
IMPLUVIUM
What is the name for the opening in the ceiling through which the rainwater
falls?
COMPLUVIUM
In 450 BC, which body of laws did the Romans adopt at the advice of the Decemviri?
TWELVE TABLES
Who led the commission of the Decemviri and misused his power to draw out
the proceedings for an extra year?
APPIUS CLAUDIUS (CRASSUS)
What innocent Roman maiden was killed by her father to protect her from the
lascivious schemes of Appius Claudius?
VERGINIA
In which region, home to Saguntum and the Ebro River, did hostilities of the Second
Punic War start when Hannibal besieged a Roman ally?
SPAIN / HISPANIA / TARRACONENSIS
Which lofty mountains did Hannibal cross to descend into Italy with his army
and elephants, losing many of both along the way?
ALPS
Which smaller mountain range north of Spain did Hannibal have to cross first to
pass through Gaul?
PYRENEES
At what location in ancient Rome would you have found the following: calx, mēta,
spīna, carcerēs, aurīgae?
CIRCUS MĀXIMUS
Which of the items listed in the toss-up was the central dividing wall in the
Circus Maximus?
SPĪNA
What was the Latin term for one lap around the spīna?
SPATIUM/CURRICULUM
- If a doctor gives you a medication with the abbreviation P.O., what should you do with
it?
TAKE IT ORALLY/BY
MOUTH
1 The doctor has also written T.I.D. on the prescription. Now what should you do
with the medication?
TAKE IT 3 TIMES A DAY
Some people think there are other ways to conquer illness other than medicine.
Give the author of the following quote: “Amor omnia vincit”
VERGIL
Give the Latin motto of the state of Alabama.
AUDĒMUS IURA NOSTRA DEFENDERE
Translate the Latin motto of Johns Hopkins into English. Veritas vos liberabit
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
Which of the following words referring to Roman clothing does not belong: candida,
pulla, caliga, virīlis, praetexta?
CALIGA
What were caligae?
(SOLDIERS’) BOOTS
At what festival would a Roman boy give up his toga praetexta?
LĪBERĀLIA
Surprise: you are a rich Roman landowner! To what kind of slave do you entrust the
management of your farm?
VĪLICUS
What Latin term might you use to describe your large agricultural estate?
LĀTIFUNDIUM
Which of the following could NOT conceivably have grown on a Roman
lātifundium: artichokes, potatoes, melons, apples, cucumbers?
POTATOES
What river, flowing from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea, provided fresh water and
transportation for the budding city of Rome?
TIBER
What port city did the Romans found at the mouth of the Tiber to facilitate their
growing trade empire?
OSTIA
On what central hill of Rome did the she-wolf raise Romulus and Remus after
finding them in the nearby Tiber, to which they later returned to build their home,
eventually replaced by many lavish palaces of the emperors?
PALATINE
Translate into English the motto of Jacksonville University: fiat lux?
LET THERE BE LIGHT
1 Translate into English the motto of Hunter College: mihi curat futurī?
MY CARE IS FOR THE FUTURE/THE CARE OF THE FUTURE IS MINE
In what sort of profession would one encounter the latin phrase habeas
corpus?
LAW/LAWYER/LEGAL
Give the Latin and English motto for the state of Kansas?
AD ASTRA PER ASPERA/TO THE STARS THROUGH DIFFICULTIES
Translate the Latin motto of the Canada: a mari usque ad mare?
FROM SEA TO SEA
Which country has the Latin motto: nemo me impune lacessit, which
translates to “No one harms me with impunity”?
SCOTLAND
What Roman festival was celebrated in February and included a fertility ritual that
involved naked youths running through the streets hitting women with leather straps?
LUPERCALIA
What was the name for the leather straps involved in the Lupercalia, from which
the month of February gets its name?
FEBRUA
What famous law was passed in 287 BC after the last such secession, giving
more power to the plebeians?
LEX HORTENSIA
. Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation etc
ET CETERA – AND THE REST
Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation i.e.
ID EST – THAT IS
Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation e.g.
EXEMPLĪ GRATIĀ – FOR THE SAKE OF AN EXAMPLE
What island, the largest in the Mediterranean, became Rome’s first province and is
situated next to the toe of Italy?
SICILY
: For five points each, which two other islands, situated in the Mediterranean west
of Italy, formed Rome’s second province?
CORSICA and SARDINIA
In the name Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus, what is the praenomen?
QUINTUS
In the name Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus, what is the cognomen?
METELLUS
In the name Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus, what is the agnomen
NUMIDICUS
In what modern-day country were both Trajan and Hadrian born?
SPAIN
What bedazzling white toga was rubbed with chalk and worn by candidates for political
office?
TOGA CANDIDA
What dingy, black toga was worn by mourners?
TOGA PULLA / SORDIDA
What white toga was embroidered with a purple stripe and was worn by magistrates
and freeborn boys before they came of age?
TOGA PRAETEXTA
Name all seven hills of Rome
QUIRINAL, VIMINAL, ESQUILINE, CAELIAN, AVENTINE,
CAPITOLINE, PALATINE
What does it mean if a story begins in mediās rēs?
STARTS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EVENTS
What does it mean if something continues in aeternum?
LASTS FOREVER / PERPETUALLY
What does it mean if something occurs ex tempore?
ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT / SPONTANEOUSLY
What three-word Latin quotation is Caesar said to have uttered before crossing the
Rubicon?
ĀLEA IACTA EST
The writer Juvenal states that to appease the masses the emperor gives “panem et
circensēs”. Translate this Latin phrase into English.
BREAD & CIRCUSES
Augustus coined the phrase “festinā lentē”. Translate this phrase into English
MAKE HASTE SLOWLY
What type of marriage, conducted in the presence of ten witnesses, was the oldest and
used almost exclusively by patricians?
CŌNFARREĀTIŌ
What was the term for the saffron veil that the bride wore on her wedding day?
FLAMMEUM
What was the term for the wedding cake eaten by guests during the wedding feast?
MUSTĀCEUM
What 3
rd declension noun is shared by the mottoes of Tufts University, the University of
New Mexico, and Yale University?
LUX
What Latin preposition is shared by the mottoes of Brooklyn College and the
University of Pennsylvania?
SINE
What first declension noun for a type of church appears in the mottoes of Baylor
University and Trinity College?
ECCLĒSIA
What lightly armed gladiator had no armor except for a leather shoulderpad and fought
with a trident and net?
RĒTIĀRIUS
What other type of gladiator, considered the oldest type, fought with a gladius and
scūtum?
SAMNITE
What other type of gladiator was similar to the Samnite but used a parma, a small
round shield, instead of a scūtum?
THRACIAN
The Roman general Manius Curius Dentatus would have what abbreviation for his
praenomen?
M’
: The Roman politician and military commander Mamercus Aemilius Lepidus
Livianus would have what abbreviation his praenomen?
MAM
The prince of Tusculum Octavius Mamilius would have what abbreviation for his
praenomen?
OCT
Of the wide array of academic accolades, the abbreviations B.M. and D.M. indicate that
individual has earned a degree in which field?
MEDICINE
: An undergraduate degree in Classics will earn you the title B.A.. Give the Latin and
English for this phrase.
BACCALAUREUS ARTIUM – BACHELOR OF ARTS
What general area of study would earn you the title B.Sc.?
SCIENCE
What piece of Etruscan jewelry consisting of two concave pieces of gold fastened together
was believed to protect a child from the fascinātiō, or “evil eye”?
BULLA (AUREA)
The child was typically given a bulla on the diēs lūstricus, which took place how
many days after the birth?
EIGHT / NINE
When a boy reached manhood, he put on his toga virīlis and hung his bulla on the
altar of what household gods?
LARĒS
Most people are familiar with the story of the Trojan War; however, a good mythologist
knows that Homer’s Iliad begins in the tenth year of the war. What three-word Latin phrase
describes a story beginning in the middle of the action and literally means “into the middle of
things”?
IN MEDIĀS RĒS
What two-word Latin phrase, used in a place of market, indicates that a buyer
assumes all risk and literally means “let the buyer beware.”
CAVEAT ĒMPTOR
What two-word Latin phrase is used to describe a statement made in error, and
literally means “a slip of the tongue”?
LĀPSUS LINGUAE
The Lēx Villia Annālis of 180 B.C. established minimum age requirements for what
sequential order of public offices, which included quaestors, praetors, and consuls?
CURSUS HONŌRUM
Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation i.e
ID EST – THAT IS
Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation p.s
POST SCRIPTUM – WRITTEN AFTER
Provide the Latin and English for the abbreviation etc
ET CETERA – AND THE REST
What two-word quotation of the Latin poet Horace reminds us not to procrastinate until
tomorrow, and translates into English as “seize the day”?
CARPE DIEM
Another well-known quotation of Horace is “ars longa, vīta brevis.” Translate this
phrase into English.
ART IS LONG, LIFE IS SHORT
Horace also remarked “īra furor brevis est.” Translate this phrase into English
ANGER IS (A) BRIEF MADNESS
After crossing which river did Julius Caesar utter the famous words “ālea iacta est,” or “the
die is cast”?
RUBICON
Julius Caesar had been battling in which region for 10 years prior to marching on
Rome?
GAUL
What kind of people in ancient Rome used a sagum, galea, scūtum, pilum, and gladius?
SOLDIERS / THOSE IN THE MILITARY
Which of those did a Roman soldier use as a “throwing javelin”?
PILUM
What kind of people in ancient Rome bore the fascēs as symbols of their power?
LICTORS
Translate into English the Latin motto of Virginia, sīc semper tyrannīs.
THUS ALWAYS TO TYRANTS
Translate the motto of Arizona, dītat deus
GOD ENRICHES
Translate the motto of Oklahoma, labor omnia vincit
WORK CONQUERS ALL
Give the Latin term for the meal consisting only of bread lightly dipped in wine with which
the typical Roman began his day.
IENTĀCULUM
At about 11 o’clock, what meal would the Roman eat? It usually comprised cold
foods like salads, olives, cheese, fruits, and nuts
PRANDIUM
What do we call the midday nap that a Roman would take after eating the
prandium?
MERĪDĀTIŌ
Distinguish in meaning between the Roman professions of pistor and piscātor.
BAKER and FISHERMAN [RESPECTIVELY]
In what Roman profession did a nūtrīx work?
MIDWIFERY / NURSING / AS A NURSE
What is the Latin term for a “barber”?
TŌNSOR
What fruit was known to the Romans as a mālum pūnicum?
POMEGRANATE
What fruit was known to the Romans as a mālum persicum?
PEACH
What fruit was known to the Romans as a mālum armeniacum?
APRICOT
The mottoes of the University of Georgia, Wellesley College, and New York University all
contain verbs in what grammatical mood?
INFINITIVE
Which school in New York has the Latin motto “mihi cura futurī,” which means
“my concern is for the future”?
HUNTER COLLEGE
The City College of New York has the Latin motto “respice, adspice, prōspice.”
Please translate this motto into English
LOOK BACK, LOOK TO THE PRESENT, LOOK FORWARD
Medical abbreviations are all around us, so it is important that we understand exactly what
they instruct us to do. Several abbreviations indicate how frequently a dosage of medicine should
be taken. Please arrange the abbreviations b.i.d., s.i.d., and t.i.d. in order of smallest number of
daily doses to largest.
(1) S.I.D., (2) B.I.D., (3) T.I.D.
In what way would the abbreviation p.o. instruct you to take your prescription?
ORALLY / BY MOUTH
In what way would be the abbreviation gtt. instruct you to take your prescription?
(IN / BY) DROPS
. What part of a Roman house was connected to the ātrium and displayed the wax busts, or
imāginēs, of the homeowner’s ancestors?
ALA(E)
What part of a Roman house was a large open courtyard surrounded by columns?
PERISTȲL(I)UM
A narrow passage called an andrōn often connected the ātrium and the peristȳlium
to avoid what room and allow the master privacy?
TABLĪNUM
Complete the following analogy: “Rōma” is to “Italy” as “Athēnae” is to “blank”?
GREECE
Now complete this analogy: “Rōma” is to “Italy” as “Alexandria” is to “blank”?
EGYPT
Now complete this analogy: “Rōma” is to “Italy” as “Londinium” is to “blank”?
ENGLAND
LOL! Texting abbreviations, everyone’s favorite thing. Let’s imagine that the Romans
could text. If Caesar texted Brutus to arrive “stat.,” when would he want him to arrive?
IMMEDIATELY
Another time, Caesar texts Brutus to say they should meet “P.M.” When does he
want to meet?
AFTER NOON / MIDDAY
In another message, Caesar says “let’s meet ‘ibid.’” Where does he want to meet?
IN THE SAME PLACE (AS BEFORE)
Which of the following place names, if any, did not refer to an island: Brundisium,
Sicilia, Corsica, Brittānia
BRUNDISIUM
Which of the following place names, if any, did not refer to an ocean or sea: Aegaeum, Rubicōn, Euxīnus, Nostrum.
RUBICŌN
Which of the following place names, if any, did not refer to a mountain or volcano:
Aetna, Vesuvius, Olympus.
THEY ALL DID / NONE
In The Lion King song “Be Prepared,” Scar tells the hyenas “of course quid prō quō is
expected.” What does quid prō quō mean?
SOMETHING FOR SOMETHING
The High School Musical song “Status Quō” encourages students at East High to
stick with what they know, to follow the status quō. What does status quō mean?
THE EXISTING CONDITION / STATE OF AFFAIRS // STATE WITHIN WHICH
: The song “Shapeshifter” reads “I’m running from me / I’m hiding from you / There
goes my alter ego.” Give the English for alter ego
ANOTHER SELF // ALTERNATIVE SELF // ANOTHER I
Just as Brundisium gave Italy’s east coast naval access to the Adriatic, what port city near
the mouth of the Tiber gave Italy’s west coast access to the Mediterranean?
OSTIA
What king of Rome founded the city of Ostia?
ANCUS MARCIUS
To what island would a Roman merchant be traveling if he sailed from Ostia to
Syracuse?
SICILY / SICILIA
On which of Rome’s seven hills did Remus attempt to found the city later called Rome?
AVENTINE
Where did Romulus attempt to found the city?
PALATINE (HILL)
On which of Rome’s hills was the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus located?
CAPITOLINE
Where today might one find the abbreviations “o.s.” and “t.i.d.”?
ON MEDICATION
If a medication instructs one to take it “a.c.”, when should it be taken?
BEFORE MEALS
How often should a medication be taken if it is marked “q.d.”?
EVERYDAY
Many of you have been forced to endure the Cinema Rōmāna or Bibliothēca Rōmāna.
So welcome to the IKEA Rōmāna. What piece of furniture are you shopping for if you
find yourself comparing the prices of different mēnsae?
TABLE(S)
It’s hard to escape the IKEA Rōmāna sometimes. What piece of furniture did the
Romans call “lectus”?
COUCH / BED
You finally get out of the IKEA Rōmāna and go home with your lectī. What dining
room did the Romans generally fill with three sets of three lectī?
TRĪCLINIUM
Give the English translation of the motto of Columbia, “in lūmine tuō vidēbimus
lūmen.”
IN THY / YOUR LIGHT WE SHALL SEE LIGHT [ACCEPT EQUIVALENTS]
Columbia isn’t the only Ivy League university to refer to light in its motto. Give the
Latin and English for the motto of Yale University.
LŪX ET VĒRITĀS – LIGHT AND TRUTH
Light and truth are not the only recurring themes in Ivy League mottos. Which two
Ivy League schools have mottos containing a form of the word “deus”?
PRINCETON AND BROWN
Which Roman hill would you be standing on if you were overlooking the Circus
Maximus from the imperial palace?
PALATINE
Which Roman hill would you be visiting if you went to the temple of Iūnō Monēta?
CAPITOLINE
Which Roman hill would you be perishing on if you were thrown from the Tarpeian
Rock?
CAPITOLINE
Certamen rounds can certainly be challenging. However, the best players could be
described as “prepared in mind and resources,” or “animīs opibusque parātī.” This
three-word phrase is the second motto of which U.S. state, whose first motto is “dum
spīrō spērō”?
SOUTH CAROLINA
Certamen players should also be mindful that their skill “grows as it goes,” or
“crēscit eundō,” the motto of which U.S. state?
NEW MEXICO
When certamen players achieve success or victory, they may be inclined to shout
“Eurēka!” I’ve found it!” That is the motto of which U.S. state, the only state to
have a Greek motto?
CALIFORNIA
Which hill did Gaius and his followers occupy when pursued by the mob led by
Lucius Opimius?
AVENTINE
What is the Latin term describing the decree that gave Opimius significant power to
execute Gracchus?
SENĀTŪS CŌNSULTUM ULTIMUM
Some of you have travelled from as far as Florida to attend this Certamen. Hopefully, a
chaperone accompanied you on your journey, rather than sending you to Connecticut
alone. What slave would have performed a similar role, accompanying Roman boys on
their journey to school?
PAEDAGŌGUS
What was the name of either teacher under whom an aristocratic boy would study
grammar?
LITTERĀTOR / GRAMMATICUS
Varying in time based on the occupation and social position of the individual, what
Roman meal was eaten immediately after rising?
IENTĀCULUM
: Give the Latin for the luncheon that came at about 11 A.M.
PRANDIUM
: Finally, give the Latin for the formal meal, usually a late dinner
CĒNA
Give the English for the motto of Oklahoma, labor omnia vincit
WORK / LABOR CONQUERS ALL (THINGS)
Give the English for the motto of Maine, dirigō.
I DIRECT / POINT THE WAY
Give the English for the motto of Virginia, sīc semper tyrannīs
THUS ALWAYS TO TYRANTS
What modern-day country contains the ancient cities of Carrhae, Halicarnassus, and Byzantium, which
is today called Istanbul?
TURKEY
By what name was Byzantium known from the 4th century to the early 20th century?
CONSTANTINOPLE
What waterway in modern-day Turkey was formerly known as the “Hellespont”?
DARDANELLES
Give the praenōmen that was abbreviated Q
QUĪNTUS
Give the praenōmen that was abbreviated P
PŪBLIUS
Give the praenōmen that was abbreviated C
GĀIUS
While in Latin class, your teacher writes n.b. next to an irregular verb form. Give the Latin and English
for that abbreviation.
NOTĀ BENE, NOTE WELL
As she conjugates the irregular verb, your teacher provides an example of a similarly irregular verb.
Give the two letter Latin abbreviation she might have used to mean “for the sake of an example?”
E.G.
Your teacher later writes you an email re. your lack of participation in class. Of what Latin noun,
with what meaning, is re. a form?
RĒS, MATTER / FACT / THING
What two word Latin phrase would someone use to refer to their college or high school and literally
means “nourishing mother?”
ALMA MĀTER
Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times. That was a complete nōn sequitur to the tossup. Give the
English for nōn sequitur.
(IT) DOES NOT FOLLOW
Brutus’s actions toward Caesar were fidēs punica. Give the idiomatic meaning of this phrase.
DOUBLE CROSS / BETRAYAL / TREACHERY
Which of the following schools’ mottoes does not contain a Latin word for “light”: Yale, Columbia,
Brown, Oxford?
BROWN
: Give the Latin for the motto of Columbia University, meaning “in your light we shall see light.”
IN LŪMINE TUŌ VIDĒBIMUS LŪMEN
Give the Latin and English for the motto of Brown University.
IN DEŌ SPERĀMUS, IN GOD WE HOPE
Which of the following mottoes contains an imperative: Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Maine?
MICHIGAN
Which of the following mottoes does not contain a verb: Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago,
University of Michigan, University of Oregon.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN / UMICH
Which of the following mottoes contains an infinitive: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado.Which of the following mottoes contains an infinitive: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado.
ALABAMA
Having a purple border and also worn by boys, what type of toga was worn by curule magistrates,
censors, and dictators?
TOGA PRAETEXTA
After being prepared with fuller’s chalk, what type of toga had a dazzling white sheen and was worn
by candidates running for office?
TOGA CANDIDA / TOGA SPLENDĒNS
What was the term for the type of toga that was worn by ordinary citizens which was colored by the
natural color of the white wool with which it was made?
TOGA PŪRA / TOGA VIRĪLIS / TOGA LĪBERA
What law or set of laws, passed around 367 B.C., dictated that one of the consuls could be plebeian?
LĒX LĪCINIA-SEXTIA
What law of 445 B.C. allowed intermarriage between plebeians and patricians?
LĒX CANULĒIA
What law of 287 B.C. gave the plebeian assembly the power to pass binding laws?
LĒX HORTĒNSIA
What type of person would pass by the mētae while being cheered on by the “reds,” “whites,” or the
“greens” during races at stadia like the Circus Maximus?
CHARIOTEER(S) / AURĪGA(E)
How many laps comprised a typical chariot race?
SEVEN
In addition to the “reds,” “whites,” and “greens,” what other color represented one of the initial four
factions during the classical period?
BLUE(S)
What three-word Latin phrase effectively means “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” or
“tit-for-tat,” which closely reproduces its form?
QUID PRŌ QUŌ
Give the three-word Latin phrase that means “an unwelcome person.”
PERSŌNA NŌN GRĀTA
: Give the three-word Latin phrase that means “perfection” or, literally, “nothing more beyond.”
NĒ PLŪS ULTRĀ
Complete the following analogy: pater is to frāter as māter is to [blank]?
SOROR
Now, complete this analogy: pater is to mater as marītus is to [blank]?
UXOR
: Give a one-word Latin synonym of the phrase “fīliae et fīliī.
FĪLIĪ / PUERĪ / LĪBERĪ
What state has the motto “quī trānstulit sustinet” and contains a private university with the motto “lūx
et vēritās”?
CONNECTICUT
What state has the motto “dum spīrō, spērō”?
SOUTH CAROLINA
Give the motto of Oklahoma, a three-word Latin phrase
LABOR OMNIA VINCIT
On what type of object might the abbreviation S.T.T.L. or the phrase requiēscat in pāce, which is
abbreviated R.I.P., be written?
TOMBSTONE / GRAVESTONE [ACCEPT EQUIVALENTS]
The abbreviations gtt., t.i.d., rx., and a.c. are all commonly found on medication. Give the Latin
and English for any one of them.
GUTTAE = DROPS, TER IN DIĒ = THREE TIMES PER DAY, RECIPE = TAKE,
ANTE {CĒNAM / CIBŌS} = BEFORE FOOD / MEALS / DINNER
. Forming the border between the two parts of Gaul, what natural feature had to be crossed by Hannibal to
reach Italy, though many elephants died among the snowy peaks?
ALPS
What mountain range also had to be crossed by Hannibal to reach Transalpine Gaul from Spain?
PYRENEES
What mountain range ran along the spine of Italy?
APENNINES // APENNINE MOUNTAINS
Congratulations! You’ve been selected to go on an all expense paid trip to the country of your choice.
What two-word Latin phrase could be used to describe the daily allowance you have to spend on food
for the duration of your trip?
PER DIEM
Winning such a trip is certainly a unique opportunity. What two word Latin phrase, literally meaning
“rare bird”, might be used to describe such a prize?
RARA AVIS
Though grateful to be selected, you want to be sure the winning is bonā fidē and not a scam. What
does bonā fidē mean?
IN GOOD FAITH
Which of the following pieces of clothing or jewelry would appear lowest on a person’s body: petasus,
bulla, solea, stola?
SOLEA
Which of those pieces of clothing or jewelry would appear highest on a person’s body?
PETASUS
What is the Latin word for a “brooch”?
FIBULA
What region became Rome’s first province after victories at Agrigentum and Mylae, among others,
ended the First Punic War and brought it under Roman control?
SICILY
What battle, presided over by the consul Lutatius Catulus, officially brought an end to the First
Punic War?
(BATTLE OF) AEGATES ISLANDS
What term refers to the grappling hooks with boarding bridges that Rome used to essentially turn
their naval battles into land battles?
CORVĪ / CROWS
In what modern-day country were the cities of Smyrna, Carrhae, and Byzantium—which is now called
Istanbul—found?
TURKEY
To what name was Byzantium renamed at the behest of a Roman emperor?
CONSTANTINOPLE / CONSTANTINOPOLIS
What is the modern name for the city of Carrhae?
HAR(R)AN
Translate the motto of Johns Hopkins University, vēritās vōs līberābit.
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
: Give the Latin and English for the motto of Hunter College
MIHI CŪRA FUTŪRĪ – MY CARE IS FOR THE FUTURE
Give the Latin and English for the motto of Brown University
IN DEŌ SPĒRĀMUS – IN GOD WE TRUST
What type of person would give out sportulae during each morning’s salūtātiō when he was visited at
his house by his clientēs?
PATRON // PATRŌNUS
: A sportula typically either consisted of a gift of money or what else?
(COLD) FOOD
What is the name for the process in which a patron led his clients to the forum?
DĒDUCTIŌ
What three-word Latin phrase was uttered after the battle of Zela by Caesar in allusion to his victory?
VĒNĪ, VĪDĪ, VĪCĪ
: Which quotation of Juvenal means “a sound mind in a sound body”?
MĒNS SĀNA IN CORPORE SĀNŌ
: What elliptical, four-word quotation from Horace means “life is short, art is long”?
ARS LONGA, VĪTA BREVIS
What is the three-word Latin version of the quote attributed to Julius Caesar as his final words, even
though it is not actually found in classical literature?
ET TŪ BRŪTE
What other Latin quote, commonly attributed to Augustus and meaning “make haste slowly,” is also
not found in classical literature, although it is a direct translation of a real Greek quote?
FESTĪNĀ LENTĒ
What other Latin quote, commonly associated with Constantine and meaning “in this sign you shall
conquer,” is also not found in classical literature, although it is a loose translation of a real Greek quote?
IN HŌC SIGNŌ VINCĒS
What modern-day country contains the ancient cities of Lugdunum, Burdigala, and Lutetia and is
roughly equivalent to Gallia or Gaul?
FRANCE
For five points each, give the modern-day names of two of Lugdunum, Burdigala, and Lutetia
LUGDUNUM = LYON(S), BURDIGALA = BORDEAUX, LUTETIA = PARIS
Trajan hailed from what modern-day country, the site of cities like Numantia and Carthāgō Nova?
SPAIN
What was the praenōmen of Tarquinius Superbus’s most famous son, whose deeds brought about
the end of the monarchy?
SEXTUS
Which of the following states, if any, does not have a Latin motto: Oklahoma, New York, New
Hampshire, Alabama?
NEW HAMPSHIRE
: Give the English for the motto of New York, excelsior
(EVER / ALWAYS) HIGHER
Give the English for the motto of Oklahoma, labor omnia vincit
{LABOR / WORK} CONQUERS ALL (THINGS)
What modern-day country saw a revolt by a queen named Boudicca, the construction of Hadrian’s Wall,
and the foundation of cities like Londinium?
ENGLAND // U.K. // UNITED KINGDOM
What emperor, the third to rule, faked an invasion of Britain and commanded his soldiers to merely
collect seashells along the southern shore of the English Channel?
What did the Romans call the meal consisting primarily of bread, salads, and cold meats that was eaten
just before the midday rest and is the equivalent of our modern lunch?
PRANDIUM
: In which room of the house, consisting of three adjacent couches, did Romans eat most of their
meals?
TRĪCLINIUM
What did the Romans call the early morning meal usually consisting of bread, olives, and cheese?
IENTACULUM
Which of the following Latin words cannot describe a person: socius, fīlia, culīna, captīvus?
CULĪNA
Which of the following cities was not destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius: Neapolis,
Herculaneum, Stabiae, Pompeii?
NEAPOLIS
: Give the modern-day name for Neapolis, which suffered only minor damage, despite being on the
same bay as the other three cities
NAPLES / NAPOLI
In what month and year A.D. did Vesuvius erupt and destroy Herculaneum, Stabiae, and Pompeii?
{AUGUST / OCTOBER}, 79 (A.D.)
Which of the following hills, if any, is not a hill of Rome? Caelian, Esquiline, Capitoline, Viminal.
NONE // THEY ALL ARE
What sort of celebratory event ended at the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus?
(MILITARY) TRIUMPH
What location — home to the Ara Pacis and Pantheon — is where a triumph would start and has a
name meaning “field of Mars”?
CAMPUS MĀRTIUS
During a period between 494 B.C. and 287 B.C., what group of Romans undertook a series of five
secessions in an attempt to extract concessions from the ruling patrician class?
PLEBEIAN(S) // PLEB(S) // PLEBEIAN CLASS
In one instance, the plebeians seceded in 449 B.C. because they were dissatisfied with certain
omissions from what codification of law?
(LAW OF THE) TWELVE TABLES
Give the English for the motto of Brown University, in deō spērāmus.
IN GOD WE {HOPE / TRUST}
Give the English for the motto of Johns Hopkins University, vēritās vōs līberābit
(THE) TRUTH {WILL / SHALL} {SET YOU (ALL) FREE // FREE YOU (ALL)}
Give the English for the motto of Florida State University, vīrēs, artēs, mōrēs.
{STRENGTH / MIGHT / FORCE / POWER}, {ART(S) / SKILL(S)},
{CUSTOMS / PRINCIPLES / MORALS}
Let’s talk about Taylor Swift. Swifties believe Taylor has a very specific m.o. where she slowly releases
information about upcoming projects by leaving cryptic clues. Some wish she would come out and say
what she’s up to, but other fans revel in her cryptic way of operating. Give the Latin for the abbreviation
m.o., meaning “way of operating.”
MODUS OPERANDĪ (MEANING “WAY OF OPERATING”)
Taylor Swift is the first person to simultaneously hold the top ten spots on Billboard’s Top 100. She
has ten studio albums, has directed short films, and starred in movies — e.g. The Giver. Give the Latin
and English for the abbreviation e.g
EXEMPLĪ GRĀTIĀ, FOR (THE SAKE OF AN) EXAMPLE
All these acts have given Taylor quite the c.v., or résumé. Give the Latin for the abbreviation c.v.
CURRICULUM VĪTAE
Which of the following Latin words does not belong due to meaning: oculus, aurum, pēs, caput?
Which of the following mountain ranges, if any, runs through Italy? Pyrenees, Apennines, Taurus, Atlas
APENNINES
What mountain range runs through modern Italy but only reached as far as Cisalpine Gaul in the
time of the Romans?
ALPS
Which of the mountain ranges in the toss-up separates Spain from France?
PYRENEES
: On one occasion, Theodosius was forced to repent for a massacre by Ambrose, the bishop of what
city, from which Constantine had issued an edict that promised to improve treatment of Christians?
MILAN / MEDIOLANUM
At what battle in 394 A.D. did Theodosius defeat the two usurpers Eugenius and Arbogast?
FRIGIDUS (RIVER) // FRIGID (RIVER)
What two foods are used in the Latin version of a phrase that idiomatically means “from start to finish,”
ab ōvō usque ad māla?
EGG(S) & APPLE(S)
In what context would you reply to someone “dē mortuīs nil nisi bonum”?
IF THEY INSULT A DEAD PERSON // IF THEY ASK YOU TO INSULT A DEAD PERSON
What Latin motto of Canada is similarly structured to the Latin expression from the tossup?
Ā MARĪ USQUE AD MARE
Due to his unpopularity, Domitian was stricken from the public record and depictions. What
two-word Latin phrase meaning “condemnation of memory” do historians use to refer to this erasure?
DAMNĀTIŌ MEMORIAE
What type of event was begun by fetiālēs hurling a spear into the Temple of Bellona before the legiōnēs
were directed by the consuls?
WAR
Before consuls, which Roman officials assumed the military responsibilities of the kings, and were
attended by 6 lictors while leading an army?
PRAETOR
Name any of the subunits of a Roman legion.
COHORT(S), MANIPLE(S), or {CENTURY / CENTURIES}
