Higher Latin - Pliny Letter 1

Where was Pliny the Elder stationed at the time of the catastrophe?

• Rome

• Misenum

• Pompeii

• Athens

What did Pliny the Elder observe about the cloud from a distance?

• It looked like an umbrella pine

• It was white in color

• It was a normal cloud

• It was rising from Mount Etna

Who sent a message to Pliny the Elder asking for rescue?

• Rectina

• His uncle

• His friend Pomponianus

• His mother

What did Pliny the Elder do after receiving the message from Rectina?

• He went to take a cold bath

• He left the house immediately

• He ordered a boat to be made ready

• He continued with his studies

What did Pliny the Elder do when the ash and pumice started falling on the ships?

• He ordered the ships to be abandoned

• He continued towards the danger zone

• He turned back to Misenum

• He abandoned the ship and swam to safety

What did Pliny the Elder do to allay the fears of his companions when they saw flashes in the distance?

• He panicked and ran to the shore

• He ordered them to abandon the ship

• He assured them it was just bonfires left by the inhabitants

• He remained silent

What did Pliny the Elder do when the buildings started shaking violently?

• He stayed indoors

• He went to the shore to investigate

• He took his chance in the open

• He ordered everyone to evacuate

What did Pliny the Elder do when he realised that the sea was too dangerous?

• He panicked and ran back to the ships

• He ordered the slaves to abandon him

• He decided to take a nap on the shore

• He asked for cold water to drink

What caused Pliny the Elder's sudden collapse?

• A stroke

• The dense fumes and ash from the eruption

• The fear of impending death

• A heart attack

What was the condition of Pliny the Elder's body when it was found?

• Missing

• Partially buried in ash

• Intact and uninjured

• Burnt and disfigured