Final Exam Study Guide for Roman Civilization

Exam Structure and Overview

  • Instructor: Dr. Korzeniewski, RC. Spring 26

  • General Information:
      - The exam will cover material introduced after the midterm, with an emphasis on the themes and characters in the provided bullet points.
      - A few questions may reference overarching themes or points introduced before the midterm, such as Romulus.
      - Approximately 95% of the exam content will relate to post-midterm material.
      - Lecture notes are available on Canvas for review.

Exam Format

  • Part A:
      - Questions will be in Scantron© format, consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions based on themes and issues in this guide.

  • Part B:
      - Short answer questions will require answering 7 out of 10 scenarios provided during the exam.
      - Examples of Short Answer Questions:
        - Scenario: A day at the Colosseum
          - What are “arena events”?
          - Which sport garnered the most popularity in Rome, and why?
          - Explanation of why women could attend the Games.
        - Historical Question Related to Romulus and Remus:
          - Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their mother’s pregnancy and subsequent events.
          - Exploration of the legend concerning whether they were nursed by a she-wolf or explained through their human stepmother.

  • Grading Notes:
      - The grading will focus on content understanding rather than essay quality.
      - The exam aims to be fair and manageable within the allotted time.

Content Clarification and Focus Areas

  • Text Reference:
      - The exam will not delve into overly specific details from the texts (e.g., precise page numbers or quotes).
      - Focus will be on major points and concepts discussed in class.

  • Study Points:
      - Content is organized into bullet points, some of which are broader thematic discussions (e.g., Catullus’ Poetic Agenda) and others focus on specific figures and events (e.g., Romulus Augustulus).
      - Some themes may present complex ideas requiring nuanced understanding (e.g., Role of Women).

Major Themes and Topics

  • Topics to Study:
      - Triclinium
      - Dido, Queen of Carthage (& Aeneid 4)
      - Neoterics
      - Roman Cuisine and Dining Habits
      - Nisus & Euryalus
      - Roman Calendar
      - Adultery
      - Roman Numerals
      - Slavery   

  • Additional Topics:
      - Spartacus
      - Arena Events
      - Role of Women
      - Contraceptive Measures
      - Gladiators
      - “Homosexuality” in Rome
      - Catullus’ Lesbia
      - Lupanar
      - Constantinople
      - Gellius (associated with Catullus)
      - Apollo Library in Rome
      - Jewish Revolts
      - Relations between Rome & Judaism
      - Unwanted Pregnancies
      - Romulus Augustulus
      - Ara Pacis
      - Nominalia
      - Constantine & Milvian Bridge
      - Pax Romana
      - Roman Sexuality
      - Biography of Catullus
      - Attitudes toward Sex: Bestiality, Oral, Anal
      - Garum (a fish sauce)
      - Temple of Deified Caesar
      - Chariot Racing
      - Praenomen, Nomen, Cognomen, Agnomen (naming conventions in Rome)
      - Sacred Band of Thebes
      - Hysteria
      - Augustan Art
      - Julia, Caesar's Daughter
      - Scipio Africanus
      - Temple of Janus
      - Roman Wine Drinking
      - Contrasting Eros vs. Aphrodite
      - Priapus (Roman fertility deity)
      - Why Marry?
      - Relations between Rome & Christianity
      - Prima Porta Statue
      - Zythum (a kind of beer)

Disclaimer

  • Caveat:
      - These notes may not encompass every possible question, but they aim to be comprehensive within the scope of topics covered in class throughout the course.
      - Some bullet points may not have been discussed explicitly in class, reflecting variability in course coverage from semester to semester.

  • Quote on Error:
      - As Roman philosopher Seneca stated, "Errare est humanum," meaning "to err is human."