Questions and Answers
What was the translation of 'nox erat'?
It was night.
What were the rich consuming in great houses?
Splendid dinners.
What miserable life were the poor living in high apartment buildings?
A miserable life due to hunger.
What was being built near the forum?
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Who was in charge of the construction work?
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What was Glitus trying to do for Haterius?
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What did the craftsmen do a little before the first hour?
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What did the two captives sing in prison?
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Study Notes
Night in Ancient Rome
- The setting is a night in Rome, characterized by a calm sky with shining moon and stars.
- Nighttime is traditionally a period of rest for men, but Rome lacks this peace, filled with noise and activity.
Rich vs. Poor Living Conditions
- In affluent neighborhoods, extravagant dinners were held with lavish food and wine served by slaves.
- Skilled cithara players entertained the wealthy, showcasing the stark contrast to the lives of the impoverished.
Struggles of the Poor
- In high tenement buildings, the poor faced dire circumstances, often on the brink of starvation.
- Many wrote letters to patrons seeking help, while others contemplated committing crimes.
Construction of a Monument
- A significant noise around the forum signified the construction of a grand arch on the Via Sacra.
- Craftsmen worked diligently, sculpting figures and inscriptions, racing against time to finish before dawn.
Imperial Honors and Hostility
- Emperor Domitian planned to dedicate the arch to his deceased brother, Titus, despite harboring animosity towards him in life.
- Domitian aimed to appease the Roman populace who had loved Titus, displaying a complex dynamic of honor and rivalry.
Leadership and Authority
- Quintus Haterius Latronianus, a notable contractor, oversaw the construction, motivating craftsmen late into the night.
- Gaius Salvius Liberalis, Haterius's patron, pressured Haterius, anxious about his influence over the Emperor's decision.
Completion and Reflection
- A little before dawn, the craftsmen completed the arch, taking a moment of respite in an otherwise bustling city.
- One craftsman, while heading home, heard the sorrowful cries of two captives lamenting their fate in prison, highlighting the city's unseen sorrows amidst public triumphs.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Latin vocabulary and translation with this quiz focused on the theme of night. Explore phrases and sentences about the tranquility of night and the bustle of life in Rome. Perfect for students learning Latin.