Livy Primary Source Quiz

What is the scope of Livy’s history and why does he write it?

• Livy writes about the early days of Rome from its founding through the late Republic, to offer moral lessons and preserve Roman values.

• Livy’s history covers the Roman Empire from Augustus to the fall of Rome, written to celebrate imperial achievements.

• Livy only covers the founding of Rome, focusing on the exploits of the early kings.

• Livy writes a history of the Roman Empire to emphasize military conquests and expansion.

According to Livy, the Roman people claim who as the “Father of their Founder”? What does that suggest about Romans?

• Jupiter

• Mars

• Apollo

• Saturn

What is the purpose of history in Livy’s opinion?

• History serves as a guide for moral education and political wisdom, offering lessons from past successes and failures.

• History is an entertainment tool for the public to enjoy stories of great figures.

• History is a record of political events with no intended lessons.

• History is solely for recording military victories.

How does Livy feel about contemporary Roman society? What has happened to his people since Rome’s founding?

• He is proud of the virtues of contemporary Romans, seeing them as more enlightened than their ancestors.

• He is nostalgic for the virtues of early Romans and laments the decline in morals, discipline, and virtues in his time.

• He celebrates the material wealth and luxury of contemporary Romans.

• He views the contemporary Romans as the embodiment of the same virtues as their founders.

Why were Aeneas and Antenor allowed to survive by the Greeks?

• They were great warriors in the Trojan War.

• They were spared because they helped the Greeks conquer Troy.

• They were descendants of Greek gods and granted immunity.

• They advocated for peace and were seen as honorable by the Greeks.

How did their relationship with Indigenous inhabitants fare when they found places to settle (1 and 2)?

• Aeneas and Antenor peacefully settled with the local tribes without conflict.

• Aeneas was met with hostility but formed an alliance, while Antenor fought and displaced the local population.

• Aeneas was immediately accepted by the indigenous people, while Antenor was driven out and forced to fight for other territory.

• Both Aeneas and Antenor were killed by the local inhabitants shortly after settling.

For what reasons was Lavinia left regent of her son, Ascanius?

• She was the most capable of all the Roman leaders and was given the role by popular demand.

• Ascanius was too young to rule, and Lavinia took control to maintain order until he matured.

• She was left as regent because Ascanius was a weak and unfit ruler.

• Lavinia was chosen because of her military prowess.

Briefly retell the story of Romulus and Remus in parts 4-7.

• Romulus and Remus were abandoned and raised by a she-wolf, grew up to be leaders, killed King Amulius, and founded Rome together.

• Romulus and Remus fought in wars but never established the city of Rome.

• Romulus and Remus were abandoned, grew up as shepherds, killed their uncle Amulius, but Romulus became the sole ruler after a dispute over the founding of Rome.

• Romulus and Remus founded Rome together, ruling jointly for many years before their death.

How did Romulus become the sole founder and ruler of Rome?

• Romulus was elected by the Roman people after a series of successful military campaigns.

• Romulus killed Remus during a dispute about the founding of Rome and became the sole ruler.

• Romulus was chosen by the gods through a vision, and Remus accepted him as king.

• Romulus and Remus jointly ruled for several years before a peaceful division of power.

What is the institution of Evander?

• Evander was an important Roman lawgiver.

• Evander was a king who established the city of Rome.

• Evander was the founder of the Roman Senate.

• Evander established a colony in Italy and introduced important religious practices.