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 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 3

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 4

True or false: Augustus personally led his troops at the Battle of Actium, despite having no military experience.

Accepted Answer

True. Though not a seasoned general, he commanded the fleet at Actium in 31 BCE, relying on his admiral Agrippa for tactics.

Question 5

True or false: Augustus never actually held the title of 'emperor' during his lifetime.

Accepted Answer

True. He refused the title 'emperor' (imperator) as a permanent name, preferring 'Princeps' or 'first citizen' to maintain republican illusions.

Question 6

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 7

True or false: Augustus suffered from severe health problems, including a chronic liver condition.

Accepted Answer

True. He had numerous ailments: weak joints, a liver abscess, and seasonal fevers, yet he lived to 76 through careful diet and treatment.

Question 8

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