The Toga-Clad People Quiz

by H. Stauffer

You're visiting ancient Rome. Based on the evidence provided, make the best guess for the following scenarios.

1. You've arrived during one of the middle decades of the 5th century B.C. You see before you a crowd of the toga-clad. One stands out because he is well-weathered, scarred and has a single stripe across his toga. Who do you think he might be?
A triumphing general.
The tyrant of Syracuse.
One of the consuls.
The emperor of Rome.

2. Same scenario. What can you tell about him?
He is a patrician.
He is a priest.
He is a soldier.
He might be either a patrician of a plebeian.

3. Looking around, you see lots of people in togas. One stands out for its bright whiteness. What can you say about the wearer?
He is a member of the Arval Brethren.
He is trying out for a rung of the cursus honorum.
She is a prostitute.
She is a young unmarried girl showing off her skills.

4. This time you've arrived at an indeterminate period in ancient Rome. You're colorblind. You see someone wearing a dark toga. Which is a pair of possibilities?
It's a religious ceremony during the period of kings and he is the Pontifex Maximus.
He is a candidate or a free-born youth.
He is a foreigner or she is a street-walker.
He is the emperor or someone in mourning.

5. Which of the toga-clad people would you not find in the toga picta?
A candidate.
A praetor.
A general celebrating a triumph.
A consul during the time of emperors.

Score =
Correct answers: