Imperial Image - Octavian Comes to Rome

Question 1

Who was Julius Caesar?

Answer 1

A gifted military general and dictator who led successful campaigns, including the Gallic Wars.

Question 2

What was Julius Caesar’s family background?

Answer 2

Born into the ancient Julian Clan, a patrician family claiming descent from Aeneas and Venus.

Question 3

What political faction did Julius Caesar align with?

Answer 3

He was a populares, favoring the urban poor and plebeians.

Question 4

What initiatives did Julius Caesar support to improve living conditions for the urban poor?

Answer 4

• Grain Dole
• Land distribution bill
• Doubling soldiers’ pay

Question 5

What was the First Triumvirate?

Answer 5

An alliance formed in 60 BC between Julius Caesar, Pompey Magnus, and Marcus Crassus for personal advantage.

Question 6

What significant action did Julius Caesar take in 49 BC?

Answer 6

He marched his army across the Rubicon, signaling civil war.

Question 7

What title did Julius Caesar declare for himself in 44 BC?

Answer 7

Dictator in Perpetuity.

Question 8

Who were the key conspirators in Julius Caesar’s assassination?

Answer 8

Brutus and Cassius.

Question 9

What date was Julius Caesar assassinated?

Answer 9

March 15, 44 BC (Ides of March).

Question 10

Who was Octavian?

Answer 10

Caesar’s heir, born into the politically insignificant Octavii family.

Question 11

What did Julius Caesar’s will specify about Octavian?

Answer 11

Octavian was named his heir and was to receive 75 denarii for each plebeian in Rome.

Question 12

What phrase describes the strategy of using cash and entertainment to win support?

Answer 12

Panem et circenses (bread and games).

Question 13

What did Octavian claim after a comet appeared at the games?

Answer 13

It was a sign of his father (Caesar) rising to become a god.

Question 14

What was Mark Antony’s role after Caesar’s death?

Answer 14

He positioned himself as Caesar’s legitimate heir and delivered a speech at Caesar’s funeral.

Question 15

Why did the Senate support Octavian over Antony?

Answer 15

• Seen as the lesser evil
• Politically inexperienced at 18 years old

Question 16

What significant military event occurred in 43 BC involving Octavian?

Answer 16

He was inducted into the Senate and led the Republican army against Antony at the Battle of Mutina.

Question 17

What was the outcome of the Senate’s refusal to grant Octavian honors after his victory?

Answer 17

Octavian marched on Rome demanding the consulship.

Question 18

What was the Second Triumvirate?

Answer 18

An alliance formed in 43 BC between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus.

Question 19

What were the purposes of the Second Triumvirate?

Answer 19

• Provide security for the Empire
• Avenging Caesar’s death
• Eliminate Senators and public enemies

Question 20

What does ‘Divi Filius’ mean?

Answer 20

Son of a God.

Question 21

What was the significance of Julius Caesar being declared a god?

Answer 21

Allowed Octavian to claim divine ancestry, enhancing his authority.

Question 22

What was the mos maiorum?

Answer 22

An unwritten code of behavior emphasizing duty to one’s ancestors.

Question 23

What military campaign did the triumvirs launch in 42 BC?

Answer 23

A campaign against Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philipi.

Question 24

What was the result of the Battle of Philipi?

Answer 24

Decisive victory for Octavian and Antony, forcing Brutus and Cassius to commit suicide.

Question 25

What temple did Octavian promise to build in thanks for victory?

Answer 25

A temple to Mars Ultor (Avenger).