Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE)

Question 1

Who was Pliny the Elder?

Answer 1

Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, naturalist, and naval commander best known for his encyclopedia Naturalis Historia.

Question 2

When and where was Pliny the Elder born?

Answer 2

Pliny the Elder was born in AD 23 in the town of Como, modern-day Italy.

Question 3

What is Pliny the Elder’s most famous work?

Answer 3

Pliny’s most famous work is Naturalis Historia, an encyclopedia spanning 37 volumes.

Question 4

What subjects did Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia cover?

Answer 4

Naturalis Historia covered topics such as astronomy, geography, biology, medicine, art, and more.

Question 5

How did Pliny the Elder die?

Answer 5

Pliny the Elder died in AD 79 during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius while trying to observe the volcanic activity.

Question 6

Which Roman emperors did Pliny the Elder serve under?

Answer 6

Pliny the Elder served under the emperors Vespasian and Titus.

Question 7

How did Pliny the Elder’s work influence future generations?

Answer 7

His Naturalis Historia was used as an authoritative source on various subjects for centuries, particularly in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Question 8

What philosophical influence shaped Pliny the Elder’s view of the world?

Answer 8

Pliny the Elder was influenced by Stoic philosophy, which emphasized rationality and self-control.

Question 9

What was the historical period during Pliny the Elder’s life?

Answer 9

Pliny lived during the height of the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD.

Question 10

How is Pliny the Elder remembered today?

Answer 10

Pliny the Elder is remembered for his dedication to knowledge and curiosity about the natural world, as well as his encyclopedic work.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Pliny the Elder’s nephew, __________, documented much of his uncle’s life and death.

Answer 11

Pliny the Younger

Question 12

What was one criticism of Pliny’s Naturalis Historia?

Answer 12

It contained numerous errors due to reliance on second-hand reports and myths.

Question 13

What unique event did Pliny the Elder attempt to document before his death?

Answer 13

Pliny tried to document the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Question 14

What notable role did Pliny the Elder hold in the Roman government?

Answer 14

He was a commander of the Roman naval fleet.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Pliny the Elder’s work, Naturalis Historia, was one of the first attempts to __________ human knowledge.

Answer 15

organize

Question 16

What funny remedy did Pliny the Elder suggest for sore throats?

Answer 16

He suggested using boiled mouse ashes to treat sore throats.

Question 17

What odd cure did Pliny the Elder believe could cure a cough?

Answer 17

Pliny believed that wearing a live frog in a bag around your neck could cure a cough.

Question 18

What did Pliny the Elder often do while bathing?

Answer 18

He would have his slaves read to him or take dictation while he bathed.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Pliny the Elder is considered one of the earliest known figures to study __________ activity.

Answer 19

volcanic

Question 20

What was Pliny the Elder’s work schedule like?

Answer 20

He would wake up at midnight and start working, continuing his studies throughout the day.