Roman Soldiers and the Colosseum

1. What was the 'testudo' or turtle formation used by Roman soldiers?

• A. A way to build bridges across rivers
• B. A method of carrying heavy supplies on their backs
• C. A defensive formation using locked shields to block arrows
• D. A dance performed during Roman celebrations

2. Why did Roman soldiers use a short sword called a gladius?

• A. It was the only type of metal they could find
• B. It was perfect for stabbing in close, crowded battles
• C. It was light enough to be used as a small dagger
• D. It was meant to be thrown at the enemy from far away

3. What was the purpose of the 'hypogeum' in the Colosseum?

• A. To provide seating for the wealthiest senators
• B. To serve as a place for spectators to buy food
• C. To act as a basement for elevators, tunnels, and animal cages
• D. To provide a place for soldiers to train in private

4. What did the phrase 'bread and circuses' mean to the Roman emperors?

• A. A way to provide free food and entertainment to keep citizens happy
• B. The name of a popular gladiator fighting style
• C. A rule about how to train soldiers to cook their own meals
• D. The menu served to visitors at the Colosseum

1. How did the Roman army use its engineering skills to stay successful?

• A. They only built structures for the Emperor to live in
• B. They built bridges and fortified camps to stay prepared any place they went
• C. They focused only on training for sword fighting
• D. They avoided building anything so they could travel faster

2. What is a main difference between a Roman soldier and a gladiator?

• A. Soldiers fought for the state/public safety, while gladiators were entertainers
• B. Gladiators were better trained than soldiers
• C. Soldiers were always forced to fight to the death, while gladiators were not
• D. There is no difference between the two

3. Why would the seating at the Colosseum show the status of the spectators?

• A. The seats were colored to show someone's favorite gladiator
• B. The best, closest seats were for elites, while the higher seats were for the poor
• C. People sat in alphabetical order by their names
• D. Women were only allowed to stand at the back

4. Why might the Romans re-enact famous battles inside the Colosseum?

• A. To practice for upcoming real wars
• B. Because they didn't have any new plays to show the audience
• C. To turn a military victory into patriotic entertainment for the people
• D. To show the audience what it was like to be a prisoner of war