quiz 2

Question 1

Question: What does Virtus Romana represent?

Answer 1

Answer: Virtus Romana represents manliness, the ideal man in Roman culture. Gladiators are considered representatives of virtus, and it is a crucial concept for the Romans.

Question 2

Question: Why was Hercules worshipped in Rome?

Answer 2

Answer: Hercules was worshipped in Rome for his strength.

Question 3

Question: Name three types of national gladiators

Answer 3

Answer: Thraex (Thracian), Gallus (Galle), and Samnite are all examples of national gladiators. It is important to note that these gladiators are all Romans.

Question 4

Question: Why were there no Roman gladiators?

Answer 4

Answer: Romans avoided having Roman gladiators because it would be bad press if a Roman lost to a foreigner. The use of foreign gladiators was more entertaining for the audience.

Question 5

Question: What is the concept of mercy in gladiatorial combat?

Answer 5

Answer: The concept of mercy, known as Missio, involves fighting until someone submits or dies, depending on the circumstances.

Question 6

Question: What is the ultimate goal of gladiatorial games?

Answer 6

Answer: The ultimate goal of gladiatorial games is entertainment. This includes allowing breaks to avoid tired fighters and mixing pairings to ensure a variety of matchups.

Question 7

Question: What is Infamia in the context of gladiators?

Answer 7

Answer: Infamia is a concept of pollution or social stigma that follows gladiators, making it undesirable for people to associate with them.

Question 8

Question: What role did gladiators play in Roman politics

Answer 8

Answer: Gladiators were used as tools for political gains, bought, reused, and even employed as bodyguards or followers by individuals seeking political influence.

Question 9

Question: How did emperors gain popularity through the games?

Answer 9

Answer: Emperors gained popularity by providing food during shows, using sparsiones (perfumed mist), and increasing the extravagance of the games. Gambling on winners also increased emotional involvement.

Question 10

Question: What were the distinguishing factors between good and bad gladiatorial shows?

Answer 10

Answer: Good shows included innovation, quality fights, gifts for the crowd, a clear link to euergetism, strong animals, and an interested editor. Bad shows involved weak/starved animals, low-quality/mismatched gladiators, and an uninterested editor.

Question 11

Question: What was the significance of the Spartacus revolt?

Answer 11

Answer: The Spartacus revolt was the last major slave rebellion, the largest in scale, and it contributed to the popular imagination about gladiators.

It symbolizes the rebellion against Roman empire, became a symbol of freedom.

It also highlighted the threat of owning too many gladiators.

Question 12

Question: Why would some free people choose to be gladiators?

Answer 12

Answer: Some free people chose to be gladiators for the allure of glory, fame, and money that came with being skilled in the arena.

Question 13

Question: What is Augustalia?

Answer 13

Answer: Augustalia is a foot race for young (unmarried) girls in Roman culture, reflecting the participation of elite women in sports and games.

Question 14

Question: What role did the Lex Tullia play in Roman politics?

Answer 14

Answer: The Lex Tullia, introduced by Cicero as a consul, aimed to prevent political bribery by prohibiting games two years before election time.

Question 15

Question: In the late republic, what political opportunities did munera provide?

Answer 15

Answer: Munera in the late republic offered political opportunities for individuals to gain votes and achieve their political goals.

Question 16

Question: What was the significance of imperial games during the Roman Imperial period?

Answer 16

Answer: Imperial games were organized to celebrate the emperor and his family, serving as displays of wealth and control over nature, subjects, and other territories.

Question 17

Question: How did emperors interact with the people during the games?

Answer 17

Answer: The games provided an opportunity for emperors to have a dialogue with the people, although it also became a place for receiving criticism. Liked emperors might later be deified

Question 18

Question: How did the games contribute to socialization during ancient Rome

Answer 18

Answer: The games served as a great place for socialization, possibly even facilitating romantic encounters.

Question 19

Question: What was the role of Aediles in organizing shows and games?

Answer 19

Answer: Aediles could put on shows and games using their own money, potentially getting into debt. They played a role in the government and could influence political matters.

Question 20

Question: How did gladiators contribute to political gains?

Answer 20

Answer: Gladiators were used as tools for political gains, being bought, reused, and employed as bodyguards or followers by those seeking influence.

Question 21

Question: What are the limits of the concept of Romanization?

Answer 21

Answer: Romanization does not produce a homogenous response from different populations; it varies, and case studies are needed to understand the influence of Romans on different cultures.

Question 22

Question: Name important cities in Gaul and their corresponding regions

Answer 22

In Gaul, important cities include Gallia Narbonensis with Nemaus (Nimes), Arlelate (Arles), and Narbo (Narbonne), and Gallia Lugdunensis with Lugdunum (Lyon

Question 23

Question: What sources do historians use to study Roman influence in Gaul?

Answer 23

Answer: Historians use archaeology, inscriptions, artwork, and a few literature sources (often focused on Rome) to study Roman influence in Gaul.

Question 24

Question: What are the proofs of the popularity of Gallic Munera?

Answer 24

Proofs include mosaics, paintings, sculptures, lamps, ceramic vessels, and kitchen artwork depicting Roman culture. Additionally, a permanent amphitheater in Lugdunum (Lyon) reflects elite engagement.

Question 25

Question: How did elites show their presence in organizing games?

Answer 25

Answer: Elites demonstrated their presence through dedications, statues, religious and political offices related to organizing games, as well as monetary gifts.

Question 26

What was the attempt in Gaul to romanize the people, and how were amphitheatres involved?

Answer 26

Answer: Amphitheatres were established as Roman spaces to spread propaganda and attempt to romanize the people.

Question 27

Question: What was the significance of amphitheatres in Gaul?

Answer 27

Answer: Amphitheatres in Gaul served as places of elimination of threats and were used to highlight the virtues (Virtus) of gladiators, especially evident in the Gladiators cemetery of Nimes.