Roman Occupations

Question 1

What is the Latin term for a secretary?

Answer 1

amanuēnsis/librarius

This term refers to someone who assists in writing or managing documents.

Question 2

What profession does ‘argentārius’ refer to?

Answer 2

banker

Bankers played a crucial role in managing finances in Roman society.

Question 3

What is the role of a ‘carnifex’?

Answer 3

butcher

Butchers were responsible for preparing meat for consumption.

Question 4

What does ‘caupo’ mean in Roman occupations?

Answer 4

innkeeper

Innkeepers provided lodging and food for travelers.

Question 5

Define ‘chirurgus’.

Answer 5

surgeon

Surgeons performed medical operations in ancient Rome.

Question 6

What is a ‘discobolus’?

Answer 6

discus thrower

This term refers to an athlete who competed in the discus throw event.

Question 7

What does ‘fullò’ refer to?

Answer 7

fuller, laundry man

Fullers cleaned and processed textiles in ancient Rome.

Question 8

What is the role of an ‘insularius’?

Answer 8

custodian of an apartment house (insula)

Insularii managed residential buildings in Roman cities.

Question 9

What does ‘leno’ mean?

Answer 9

pimp - sold female slaves for immoral purposes

Leni were involved in the illegal trade of slaves.

Question 10

What is a ‘mangò’?

Answer 10

wholesale dealer - seller of slaves

Mangò operated in the slave trade market.

Question 11

What does ‘metator’ refer to?

Answer 11

surveyor

Surveyors measured land and established property boundaries.

Question 12

What is the role of a ‘nuntius’?

Answer 12

messenger

Messengers were responsible for delivering messages and news.

Question 13

Define ‘nutrix’.

Answer 13

nurse

Nurses cared for the sick and assisted in childbirth.

Question 14

What does ‘pictor’ mean?

Answer 14

painter

Painters created artworks, including frescoes and portraits.

Question 15

What is a ‘piscator’?

Answer 15

fisher

Fishers caught fish for food and trade.

Question 16

What does ‘pistor/pisitor’ refer to?

Answer 16

bread baker - crushed spelt into puls

Bakers were essential for producing staple foods in Rome.

Question 17

What is a ‘corpus/collegium’?

Answer 17

guild of bread bakers

Guilds regulated trade practices among bakers.

Question 18

What does ‘prima rudis’ mean?

Answer 18

fencing master

Fencing masters taught combat skills in ancient Rome.

Question 19

What is the role of a ‘publicanus’?

Answer 19

tax collector

Tax collectors managed the collection of taxes for the state.

Question 20

Define ‘scriba’.

Answer 20

scribe

Scribes were responsible for writing and copying documents.

Question 21

What does ‘sutor’ refer to?

Answer 21

shoe maker

Shoemakers crafted and repaired footwear.

Question 22

What is a ‘tabellārius’?

Answer 22

mailman

Mailmen delivered letters and messages across distances.

Question 23

What does ‘tonsor’ mean?

Answer 23

barber

Barbers provided grooming services and haircuts.

Question 24

Define ‘topiärius’.

Answer 24

ornamental gardener - hedge trimmer and ivy grower

Topiarii specialized in gardening and landscaping.

Question 25

What is the role of ‘vigilēs’?

Answer 25

watchmen, firmen, policemen

Vigilēs maintained order and safety in urban areas.

Question 26

True or False: Lawyers in ancient Rome were allowed to accept pay for their services.

Answer 26

False

Lawyers were forbidden by law to accept pay.

Question 27

True or False: Architecture was considered a reputable profession in ancient Rome.

Answer 27

True

Architecture was held in high regard, similar to medicine.