10 Questions
What is the Historia Augusta?
The Historia Augusta is a late Roman collection of biographies of the Roman emperors, their junior colleagues, designated heirs, and usurpers from 117 to 284.
How many biographies does the collection comprise?
The collection, as extant, comprises thirty biographies.
What are some of the major problems associated with the Historia Augusta?
The major problems include the nature of the sources it used, and how much of the content is pure fiction.
During whose reigns were the works supposedly written?
The works were supposedly written during the reigns of Diocletian and Constantine I.
How many alleged documents does the collection contain?
The collection contains in all about 150 alleged documents.
Who is considered to be the single author of the Historia Augusta?
A single author, who wrote either in the late 4th century or the early 5th century
What is the assumed original title of the Historia Augusta?
de Vita Caesarum or Vitae Caesarum ("Lives of the Caesars")
Who are the six Scriptores who dedicate their biographies to Diocletian, Constantine, and various private persons?
Aelius Spartianus, Julius Capitolinus, Vulcacius Gallicanus, Aelius Lampridius, Trebellius Pollio, and Flavius Vopiscus (of Syracuse)
What is the assumed name under which the work was originally called?
de Vita Caesarum or Vitae Caesarum
Which Roman author composed a Roman History in 485, using the Historia Augusta?
Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus
Test your knowledge of the late Roman collection of biographies, the Historia Augusta, which covers the period from 117 to 284 AD. Learn about the Roman emperors, their junior colleagues, designated heirs, and usurpers through this quiz.
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