film

What century marks the founding of Rome as a small town in Italy?

8th Century BC.

During which centuries did Rome expand around the Mediterranean, conquering the Carthaginian Empire and Hellenistic Greek kingdoms?

3rd-2nd Centuries BC.

Who led the slave revolt from 73-71 BC?

Spartacus.

What was the First Triumvirate, and when was it formed?

It was an alliance between Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar formed from 60-53 BC.

In which year did Julius Caesar first invade Britain?

55 BC.

What significant action did Julius Caesar take in 49 BC?

He crossed the Rubicon, initiating a civil war.

Where did Julius Caesar defeat Pompey in 48 BC?

In Egypt.

What major event happened to Julius Caesar in 44 BC?

He was assassinated.

Who defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium?

Octavian.

What year marks the suicide of Mark Antony and Cleopatra and the establishment of Egypt as a Roman province?

30 BC.

Who became the first Roman Emperor in 27 BC?

Octavian, who took the name Augustus.

What era is referred to as the Pax Romana?

A period of peace and stability across the Roman Empire.

In what year did Nero die, leading to a civil war?

AD 68.

Which dynasty ruled from AD 69-96?

Flavian Dynasty.

What characterizes the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty from AD 96-180?

Emperors were adopted and not blood-related.

Who reigned from AD 161-180?

Marcus Aurelius.

What significant event occurred in AD 180?

The death of Marcus Aurelius.

Who reigned from AD 180-192?

Commodus.

What crisis affected the Roman Empire in the 3rd century?

Crisis of the Third Century.

Who divided the Roman Empire into four sections in AD 293?

Diocletian.

Who became the first Christian Roman Emperor in the early 4th Century?

Constantine.

What did Christianity become in the Roman Empire under Theodosius I in AD 380?

The state religion.

What was destroyed by Christians in AD 391?

The Temple of Serapis in Alexandria.

In what year did Theodosius I die and lead to the division of the Roman Empire for the last time?

AD 395.

Who became Bishop of Alexandria in AD 412?

Cyril.

Who was murdered in AD 415, signaling the end of the Agora?

Hypatia.

What year marks the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

AD 476.

In what year did the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) fall?

AD 1453.

What are some visual cues used in films to indicate ancient Rome?

Costumes, architecture, and interior decor.

Name a made-up character in a Roman historical film.

Maximus in Gladiator.

What common alteration is made to historical figures in films?

Changed characters for a more compelling story, like Commodus.

What impact do portrayals of slaves and gladiators have in films?

They influence audience perceptions of the 'good guys'.

What external threats did Rome face?

Barbarians and 'effeminate' Easterners.

What are the characteristics of historical epic films?

On-screen text for context, large sets, strong characters, and heavy themes.

How does the film Spartacus (1960) relate to its contemporary context?

Made during the Cold War and Civil Rights Movement.

What is Carry On Cleo (1964) known for?

Being a parody of historical epics.

What contemporary issues does Gladiator (2000) reflect?

Anxieties about power and leadership.

What theme does Agora (2009) respond to?

Religious fundamentalism and the 'War on Terror.'