The Engineering Marvel of the Roman Colosseum

In 83 A.D., Emperor Domitian plans grand games at the Coliseum, aiming to surpass his predecessors. He commissions a hypogeum, an underground labyrinth, to create spectacular effects. Master builder Haterius faces engineering challenges but succeeds, leading to a memorable event that enhances Domitian's popularity and leaves a lasting legacy.

What was Emperor Domitian's primary goal with the renovation of the Colosseum?

• To increase the seating capacity

• To add a roof to the structure

• To improve the acoustics

• To create the most astonishing games of all time

Who was the master builder responsible for the hypogeum's construction?

• Pliny

• Vitruvius

• Haterius

• Seneca

What was the main function of the hypogeum in the Colosseum?

• To house the emperor's quarters

• To store weapons

• To allow animals, humans, and scenery to appear on the arena floor

• To serve as a drainage system

What engineering device was crucial for the functioning of the hypogeum?

• Hydraulic lifts

• Gears

• Pulleys

• Levers

What was the crowd's reaction to the games held in the renovated Colosseum?

• They were confused

• They were disappointed

• They were indifferent

• They were excited and captivated

What did the poet Martial describe about the Colosseum's special effects?

• A volcano erupted

• A river flowed through the arena

• A mountain appeared

• A cliff crawled and a wood ran forward

How many people attended the games in the Colosseum?

• 50,000

• 10,000

• 25,000

• 100,000

What was the outcome for Emperor Domitian after the games?

• He was overthrown

• He gained popularity

• He was criticized

• He was exiled

What does the Tomb of the Haterii reveal about Haterius?

• His political career

• His military achievements

• His family lineage

• His involvement in the construction of the Colosseum

What does the Colosseum symbolize today?

• The decline of the Roman Empire

• The architectural style of the Greeks

• The cultural diversity of ancient Rome

• The power and might of the Roman Empire