Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian

Question 1

Which period ended when Domitian died?

Answer 1

End of Flavian period

Question 2

How did Nerva replace Domitian?

Answer 2

Palace conspirators killed Domitian and replaced him with Nerva

Question 3

What is the new period in history called when Nerva started to rule?

Answer 3

Antonine period

Question 4

How did Nerva improve his popularity with the Senate?

Answer 4

• Forgave those accused of treason under Domitian.
• Consulted the Senate regularly.
• Refused gold and silver statues of himself.
• Offered food for poor children
• Ended unfair Jewish taxes.

Question 5

What controversial actions did Nerva take early in his reign?

Answer 5

Executed informers but later stopped due to chaos.

too lenient

Question 6

What were the key plots against Nerva?

Answer 6

Calpurnius Crassus: Tried bribing the Praetorian Guard but failed to assassinate Nerva; exiled and later executed by Hadrian.

Casperius Aelianus: Praetorian Prefect who captured Nerva, demanding punishment of Domitian’s assassins.

Question 7

What weaknesses did Nerva face during his reign?

Answer 7

Lacked military support; struggled to control the Praetorian Guard.

Forced to endorse punishment of Domitian’s murderers.

Seen as a compromised leader, easily pushed by others.

Question 8

Who was the next heir after Nerva?

Answer 8

Nerva adopted Trajan to be his heir

Question 9

How did Nerva die?

Answer 9

Died of a fever in Gardens of Salis

Question 10

What did Nerva rename the Domitian’s palace to?

Answer 10

• House of the people
• to return the golden house to the people

Question 11

What political position did Trajan hold under Domitian?

Answer 11

He served as consul

Question 12

Why didn’t Trajan go to Rome immediately after becoming emperor?

Answer 12

He toured the empire to secure loyalty, especially from the army.

Question 13

How did Trajan enter Rome after becoming emperor?

Answer 13

On foot, greeting senators as equals.

Question 14

What notable quote illustrates Trajan’s humility and dedication?

Answer 14

“Take this sword, in order that, if I rule well, you may use it for me, but if ill, against me.”

Question 15

How did Trajan maintain good relations with the Senate?

Answer 15

He treated them with dignity and attended social events without a guard.

Question 16

What were Trajan’s major military campaigns?

Answer 16

Dacian Wars

Parthian Campaign

Question 17

What title was Trajan given for his character and accomplishments?

Answer 17

Optimus Princeps (“Best Ruler”).

Question 18

What major construction projects did Trajan undertake?

Answer 18

Public works (bridges, roads)

improved Roman Infrastructure

Question 19

What health issues led to Trajan’s death?

Answer 19

suffered stroke and failing health

Question 20

Who secured the empire for Hadrian after Trajan’s death?

Answer 20

His wife Plotina and his friend Attianus, a Praetorian Prefect.

Question 21

What did Trajan build in his forum to commemorate his work?

Answer 21

An enormous column, serving as a monument to himself and his work, made possible by leveling a hill for the forum.

Question 22

What parts made up Trajan’s Forum and Markets?

Answer 22

Libraries, offices, marketplaces, open spaces, public business areas, and a temple for the divine region.

Question 23

What war funded Trajan’s Forum and Markets?

Answer 23

The Dacian Wars, which expanded Roman territory into modern Romania.

Question 24

What was the primary purpose of Trajan’s Market?

Answer 24

It included market stalls, administrative rooms, and spaces for public business.

Question 25

What did Trajan's Column commemorate?

Answer 25

it commemorates his victories in the Dacian Wars

Question 26

What inscription is at the base of Trajan's Column?

Answer 26

A dedication to Trajan by the Senate and people of Rome, highlighting the excavation work for the forum.

Question 27

What is depicted on the helical frieze of Trajan's Column?

Answer 27

A narrative of the Dacian Wars, including sacrifices, Roman soldiers in action, and scenes of conquest.

Question 28

Why is the helical frieze significant in design?

Answer 28

It spirals from the bottom to the top, requiring viewers to walk around it to follow the story.

Question 29

What major infrastructure improvement did Trajan make in Ostia?

Answer 29

He constructed a hexagonal port to enhance Rome's grain supply and commercial activity.

Question 30

What were the Baths of Trajan, and why were they significant?

Answer 30

The largest imperial baths of their time, built on the Esquiline Hill, featuring spaces for entertainment, libraries, and lecture halls.

Question 31

What does the Arch of Trajan at Beneventum symbolize?

Answer 31

Trajan’s compassion, humanitarian efforts, and achievements in foreign and domestic policy.

Question 32

How did Trajan’s projects emphasize his role as a humanitarian?

Answer 32

- By providing grain for children - building public works - improving trade infrastructure.

Question 33

What was Hadrian mocked as a child for?

Answer 33

His "uncultivated accent"

Question 34

Who did Hadrian marry?

Answer 34

Trajan's niece (Plotina)

Question 35

What was much of Hadrians due to?

Answer 35

His wife Plotina

Question 36

Why was Trajan praised during his reign?

Answer 36

He expanded Rome to its largest size.

Question 37

Why was the Roman Empire unstable despite Trajan’s success?

Answer 37

Trajan's conquests left the empire overstretched and vulnerable.

Question 38

What controversial decision did Hadrian make early in his reign?

Answer 38

He gave up the lands Trajan conquered beyond the Euphrates River.

Question 39

What policies did Hadrian enact to gain loyalty?

Answer 39

He provided double donatives to soldiers, relieved government debts, and remitted crown taxes.

Question 40

How did Hadrian demonstrate humility in construction?

Answer 40

He only put his name on the Temple of Trajan and aqueducts outside of Rome.

Question 41

How did Hadrian address military discipline?

Answer 41

He simplified the soldiers' diets, removed luxuries, and encouraged exercise.

Question 42

How did Hadrian consolidate the empire’s borders?

Answer 42

He built Hadrian’s Wall in Britain and fortified the German frontier with earthworks.

Question 43

What criticism did Hadrian face for spending little time in Rome?

Answer 43

He traveled extensively, which some viewed as neglect of the capital.

Question 44

Name some structures Hadrian built in Athens.

Answer 44

The Arch of Hadrian Temple of Olympian Zeus Hadrian’s Library The Panhellenion.

Question 45

What did the Arch of Hadrian symbolize?

Answer 45

The division between ancient Athens ("City of Theseus") and Hadrian’s Athens ("City of Hadrian").

Question 46

What is the most iconic structure Hadrian rebuilt in Rome?

Answer 46

The Pantheon, which has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Question 47

Why did Hadrian build libraries in the Athens?

Answer 47

sign of great respect in greek learning and culture

Question 48

What did the Temple of Venus and Roma represent?

Answer 48

Hadrian’s architectural innovation and his personal design contributions.

Question 49

Why was the Mausoleum of Hadrian built?

Answer 49

To replace the full Mausoleum of Augustus as the burial place for emperors.

Question 50

What was the purpose of Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli?

Answer 50

Served as his suburban residence

Question 51

What does the Maritime Theatre symbolize?

Answer 51

Hadrian’s desire for privacy while remaining near imperial administration.

Question 52

Why did Hadrian need to plan for succession?

Answer 52

Childless, suffered a stroke

Question 53

Who was Hadrian’s first choice for successor?

Answer 53

Ceionius Commodus, the elder

Question 54

What happened to Ceionius Commodus, Hadrian's first successor?

Answer 54

He went north as a governor, became sick, and died

Question 55

What did Hadrian say after Ceionius Commodus’ death?

Answer 55

“We have leaned against a falling wall and we have lost 300 million sesterces that we gave to the people and the soldiers to mark the adoption of Commodus.

Question 56

Who was Hadrian’s second choice for successor?

Answer 56

Arrius Antoninus (Antoninus Pius).

Question 57

What condition did Hadrian set for Antoninus Pius’ adoption?

Answer 57

Antoninus Pius had to adopt Marcus Annius Verus (Marcus Aurelius) and Lucius Ceionius Commodus, the younger as his heirs.

Question 58

Why was Antoninus Pius a significant choice?

Answer 58

He was selected despite being reluctant to engage in public affairs. His adoption ensured a merit-based dynasty that served the empire well for two generations.

Question 59

How did Hadrian ensure stability for the future of the empire?

Answer 59

By consciously selecting three successors

Question 60

Who was with Hadrian at the time of his death?

Answer 60

Antoninus Pius.

Question 61

How did Antoninus Pius ensure Hadrian’s legacy?

Answer 61

Carried Hadrian’s remains to Rome with reverence. Placed them in the Gardens of Domitia. Instituted honors such as a quinquennial contest and a temple for Hadrian.

Question 62

How was Hadrian perceived by his contemporaries?

Answer 62

He was unpopular with the Senate at the time of his death. His legacy was largely secured through Antoninus Pius’ efforts.