Q 01/05

In which year BC was Julius Caesar assassinated?

A) 44 BC

B) 58 BC

C) 49 BC

D) 53 BC

Answer · why

A) 44 BC

He had been declared dictator for life only weeks earlier, in February of that year.

Q 02/05

On which date, known by its Roman calendar name, was Caesar killed?

A) The Ides of May

B) The Ides of March

C) The Kalends of April

D) The Nones of June

Answer · why

B) The Ides of March

Until the mid-2nd century BC the 15th of March had been the day new consuls took office, which added to its symbolism.

Q 03/05

Which river did Caesar famously cross with his army in January 49 BC?

A) The Po

B) The Rhône

C) The Rubicon

D) The Tiber

Answer · why

C) The Rubicon

He brought a single legion, the Thirteenth, across the little river that marked the northern boundary of Italy.

Q 04/05

Which Greek playwright was Caesar reportedly quoting with 'let the die be cast'?

A) Euripides

B) Sophocles

C) Aristophanes

D) Menander

Answer · why

D) Menander

Plutarch and Suetonius say he spoke the line in Greek; the Latin 'alea iacta est' came later.

Q 05/05

Which single legion did Caesar lead into Italy in January 49 BC?

A) Legio XIII Gemina

B) Legio VI Ferrata

C) Legio X Equestris

D) Legio IX Hispana

Answer · why

A) Legio XIII Gemina

Pompey and much of the Senate fled south, wrongly assuming Caesar was racing straight for Rome.