Question 1

True or false: Augustus ordered the construction of the Colosseum as a gift to the Roman people.

Accepted Answer

False. The Colosseum was built by his successors, Vespasian and Titus, decades after Augustus died. He built the Ara Pacis and Forum of Augustus instead.

Question 2

True or false: Augustus Caesar was the grandnephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar.

Accepted Answer

True. Augustus, originally Gaius Octavius, was the son of Atia, daughter of Julia (Caesar's sister), making him Caesar's grandnephew. Caesar adopted him in his will, making him his heir and adopted son.

Question 3

True or false: Augustus was born with the name Octavian and never changed it legally.

Accepted Answer

False. He was born Gaius Octavius, then adopted posthumously by Julius Caesar, becoming Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus. Later, the Senate granted him 'Augustus'.

Question 4

True or false: Augustus Caesar was the biological son of Julius Caesar.

Accepted Answer

False. Augustus Caesar was not Julius Caesar's biological son; he was his grandnephew and was posthumously adopted as his heir.

Question 5

True or false: Augustus Caesar was assassinated by members of the Roman Senate.

Accepted Answer

False. Augustus Caesar died naturally at age 75 in 14 AD. Unlike his adoptive father Julius Caesar, he was not assassinated.

Question 6

True or false: Augustus Caesar initiated the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace in the Roman Empire.

Accepted Answer

True. The Pax Romana, a 200-year era of stability and minimal expansion, began under Augustus Caesar's rule after his consolidation of power and reforms.

Question 7

True or false: Augustus was present at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, but his admiral Marcus Agrippa masterminded the decisive naval victory.

Accepted Answer

True. Ancient sources confirm Octavian was at Actium, but he delegated tactical command to Agrippa, whose brilliant strategy defeated Antony and Cleopatra.

Question 8

True or false: Augustus was awarded the title of 'Augustus' by the Roman Senate in 27 BC.

Accepted Answer

True. In 27 BC, the Senate bestowed upon him the honorific name Augustus, meaning 'the illustrious one', marking the formal start of his reign.

Question 9

True or false: Augustus banned all forms of public entertainment, including gladiator games, to promote morality.

Accepted Answer

False. He actually expanded and regulated games, using them as political tools, though he did pass moral laws against adultery and luxury.

Question 10

True or false: Augustus Caesar was the first Roman emperor, ruling from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.

Accepted Answer

True. Augustus Caesar ended the Roman Republic and established the Principate, becoming the first emperor. His reign began in 27 BC and lasted until his death in 14 AD.

Question 11

True or false: Augustus Caesar's original name before his adoption was Gaius Octavius.

Accepted Answer

True. Augustus Caesar was born Gaius Octavius. After his adoption by Julius Caesar, he became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, later receiving the title Augustus.

Question 12

True or false: Augustus Caesar was born in the city of Rome in 63 BC.

Accepted Answer

True. Suetonius confirms Augustus was born on the Palatine Hill in Rome in 63 BC. While some sources mention Velitrae, the accepted birthplace is Rome.

Question 13

True or false: Augustus Caesar was the Roman emperor who ordered the construction of the Colosseum.

Accepted Answer

False. The Colosseum was built under the Flavian emperors Vespasian and Titus, decades after Augustus Caesar's death in 14 AD.

Question 14

True or false: Augustus was only 19 years old when he was first named consul of Rome.

Accepted Answer

True. He was made consul at 19 in 43 BCE, an unprecedented age, thanks to his adoption by Julius Caesar and political maneuvering.

Question 15

True or false: Augustus suffered from various health problems, including a liver abscess.

Accepted Answer

True. Suetonius records that Augustus had numerous ailments, including a liver abscess, bladder issues, and a limp, yet he lived to age 75 through careful habits.

Question 16

True or false: Augustus had a pet lion that he took to Senate meetings to intimidate rivals.

Accepted Answer

False. No record exists of a pet lion. He used subtle political tactics, not wild animals, to control the Senate.

Augustus Caesar Trivia Questions