Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Imperator Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Evolution and Usage of the Roman Title *Imperator*

Cheat Sheet:
The Evolution and Usage of the Roman Title *Imperator* Study Guide

Origins and Republican Significance of *Imperator*

The original meaning of the Roman title *imperator* was equivalent to the modern concept of an 'emperor'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original meaning of the Roman title *imperator* was 'commander,' not the modern concept of an 'emperor.' Its meaning evolved significantly over time.

Return to Game

The Latin verb *imperare*, from which *imperator* derives, means 'to rule' or 'to govern'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Latin verb *imperare*, the root of *imperator*, signifies 'to command' or 'to order,' not 'to rule' or 'to govern'.

Return to Game

During the Roman Republic, an *imperator* was primarily a magistrate holding the authority known as *imperium*.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Roman Republic, an *imperator* was indeed primarily a magistrate vested with *imperium*, which denoted the legal authority to command armies and govern.

Return to Game

In the late Roman Republic, *imperator* was an official administrative title held continuously by magistrates.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the late Roman Republic, *imperator* was not a continuous administrative title for magistrates but rather an honorific title typically assumed by military commanders after significant victories.

Return to Game

A Roman general needed to be proclaimed *imperator* by his troops to be eligible for a triumph.

Answer: True

Explanation: A Roman general indeed required acclamation as *imperator* by his troops in the field to be eligible to petition the Senate for a triumph.

Return to Game

After receiving a triumph in the Roman Republic, a victorious general retained the title *imperator* permanently.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the reception of a triumph in the Roman Republic, a victorious general was required to relinquish both the title of *imperator* and his associated *imperium*.

Return to Game

Legions in the Roman Republic never influenced the awarding of the *imperator* title.

Answer: False

Explanation: Legions in the Roman Republic could significantly influence the awarding of the *imperator* title, as troop acclamation was a prerequisite for its conferral, and sometimes legions were incentivized to provide this acclamation.

Return to Game

Aemilius Paulus received the title *imperator* in 189 BC for his victory over the Gauls.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aemilius Paulus was granted the title *imperator* in 189 BC, but this was for his campaigns against the Lusitanians, not the Gauls.

Return to Game

Lucius Cornelius Sulla was granted the title *imperator* in 95 BC for restoring a king to the throne of Cappadocia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lucius Cornelius Sulla was indeed granted the title *imperator* in 95 BC, specifically for his role in restoring Ariobarzanes I to the throne of Cappadocia.

Return to Game

In the Roman Kingdom, the *comitia curiata* conferred the *imperium* necessary for a king's authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Roman Kingdom, the *comitia curiata* played a crucial role in conferring the *imperium* upon the elected king, which was essential for the formalization of his regal authority.

Return to Game

What was the original meaning of the Roman title *imperator*?

Answer: Commander or general

Explanation: The original meaning of the Roman title *imperator* was 'commander' or 'general,' signifying military leadership.

Return to Game

From which Latin verb does *imperator* derive?

Answer: Imperare

Explanation: The word *imperator* derives from the Latin verb *imperare*, which means 'to command' or 'to order'.

Return to Game

What does the Latin verb *imperare* mean?

Answer: To command or to order

Explanation: The Latin verb *imperare* means 'to command' or 'to order'.

Return to Game

Which of the following was a requirement for a Roman commander to be proclaimed *imperator* in the Republic?

Answer: Acclamation by his troops.

Explanation: A crucial requirement for a Roman commander to be proclaimed *imperator* during the Republic was acclamation by his troops in the field.

Return to Game

What happened to the title *imperator* and *imperium* after a Roman general received his triumph during the Republic?

Answer: He relinquished both the title *imperator* and his *imperium*.

Explanation: After a Roman general received his triumph during the Republic, he was required to relinquish both the title of *imperator* and his associated *imperium*.

Return to Game

Which individual was granted the title *imperator* in 189 BC for campaigns against the Lusitanians?

Answer: Aemilius Paulus

Explanation: Aemilius Paulus was granted the title *imperator* in 189 BC for his successful campaigns against the Lusitanians.

Return to Game

Which of the following figures was NOT listed as holding the title *imperator* during the late Roman Republic?

Answer: Augustus

Explanation: Augustus, while the first Roman Emperor, is not typically listed among those who held the title *imperator* during the late Roman Republic; his reign marked the transition to the imperial use of the title.

Return to Game

What did the title *imperator* signify for a magistrate in the Roman Republic?

Answer: The authority to command (*imperium*).

Explanation: For a magistrate in the Roman Republic, the title *imperator* signified possession of *imperium*, the authority to command.

Return to Game

What was the primary role of *imperator* in Roman Republican literature and epigraphy?

Answer: To signify a magistrate possessing *imperium*.

Explanation: In Roman Republican literature and epigraphy, the primary role of *imperator* was to signify a magistrate who possessed *imperium*.

Return to Game

How did the title *imperator* function during the late Roman Republic?

Answer: It was an honorific title assumed after significant victories.

Explanation: During the late Roman Republic, the title *imperator* functioned as an honorific title, typically assumed by military commanders following significant victories.

Return to Game

What was the significance of the *comitia curiata* during the Roman Kingdom concerning royal authority?

Answer: They conferred the *imperium* necessary for the king's authority.

Explanation: During the Roman Kingdom, the *comitia curiata* conferred the *imperium* upon the elected king, a vital step for formalizing his royal authority.

Return to Game

Imperial Transformation: *Imperator* from Augustus Onward

After Augustus established the Roman Empire, the title *imperator* was generally restricted to the emperor himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: While *imperator* became a primary title for the emperor, it was adopted as a permanent praenomen upon accession and used consistently, rather than being merely restricted or occasionally granted.

Return to Game

Roman emperors typically adopted *imperator* as their praenomen upon accession to power.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roman emperors typically adopted *imperator* as their praenomen, signifying their accession to power and establishing it as a core part of their imperial titulature.

Return to Game

After Tiberius's reign, being proclaimed *imperator* by troops signified a successful military campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Tiberius's reign, being proclaimed *imperator* by troops no longer signified a successful military campaign but rather the formal act of imperial accession or, if unauthorized, a declaration of rebellion.

Return to Game

During the imperial period, *imperator* was used as a victory title but was linked to the emperor as head of state.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the imperial period, *imperator* continued to function as a victory title, but it was intrinsically linked to the emperor's role as the supreme head of state, rather than being a standalone military honor.

Return to Game

The number of acclamations as *imperator* was indicated by a Roman numeral following the title, like 'IMP X'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The frequency of acclamation as *imperator* was indeed indicated in Roman imperial titulature by a Roman numeral following the abbreviation 'IMP,' for instance, 'IMP V' signifying five acclamations.

Return to Game

The title *imperator* was used inconsistently during the Principate and the Later Roman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title *imperator* was used relatively consistently as an element of a Roman ruler's title throughout the Principate and the Later Roman Empire, contrary to the assertion of inconsistency.

Return to Game

The title *imperator* was adopted as a praenomen by Roman emperors upon their accession.

Answer: True

Explanation: The title *imperator* was indeed adopted as a praenomen by Roman emperors, typically upon their accession to power, signifying their new status.

Return to Game

How did the meaning of *imperator* evolve from the Roman Republic to the Empire?

Answer: It evolved from an honorific military title to a primary title for the Emperor.

Explanation: From the Roman Republic to the Empire, the meaning of *imperator* evolved from an honorific military title, often granted after victory, to a primary title and praenomen adopted by the Emperor upon accession.

Return to Game

How did the title *imperator* function for Roman emperors after Augustus?

Answer: It was adopted as a permanent praenomen upon accession to power.

Explanation: For Roman emperors after Augustus, the title *imperator* functioned primarily by being adopted as a permanent praenomen upon their accession to power.

Return to Game

What did being proclaimed *imperator* signify during the imperial period after Tiberius's reign?

Answer: The formal act of imperial accession or rebellion.

Explanation: During the imperial period after Tiberius's reign, being proclaimed *imperator* signified the formal act of imperial accession or, if unauthorized, a declaration of rebellion.

Return to Game

Which event marked the transformation of the acclamation *imperator* into a formal accession marker after Tiberius?

Answer: Troop acclamation.

Explanation: The transformation of the acclamation *imperator* into a formal accession marker after Tiberius was primarily signified by troop acclamation.

Return to Game

How did the number of times an emperor was acclaimed *imperator* appear in titulature?

Answer: As a Roman numeral following 'IMP'.

Explanation: The number of times an emperor was acclaimed *imperator* was typically indicated in titulature as a Roman numeral following the abbreviation 'IMP'.

Return to Game

What does the statue of Augustus of Prima Porta visually represent regarding his role as *imperator*?

Answer: His role as a commander.

Explanation: The statue of Augustus of Prima Porta visually represents his role as *imperator*, the commander, through its depiction of him in military attire and a commanding pose.

Return to Game

Which statement best describes the use of *imperator* in the Principate and Later Roman Empire?

Answer: It was used relatively consistently as part of the ruler's title.

Explanation: In the Principate and Later Roman Empire, *imperator* was used relatively consistently as an integral part of the ruler's official titulature.

Return to Game

Legacy and Later Usage of *Imperator*

The title *imperator* ceased to be used in any form after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title *imperator* did not cease to be used after the fall of the Western Roman Empire; it continued to be adopted by subsequent European rulers, including those of the Carolingian, Holy Roman, and Austrian Empires.

Return to Game

The Holy Roman Emperors used the title *imperator* in Latin until the early 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Holy Roman Emperors indeed used the title *imperator* in Latin, continuing this practice until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806.

Return to Game

In medieval Spain, the title *imperator* was primarily used by the Kings of Aragon.

Answer: False

Explanation: In medieval Spain, the title *imperator* was not primarily used by the Kings of Aragon but rather by the Kings of León and Castile, as well as rulers of Navarre, Counts of Castile, and a Duke of Galicia.

Return to Game

Alfonso VI of León and Castile adopted the title *imperator totius Hispaniae* to signify his dominance over other Iberian kings.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alfonso VI of León and Castile did adopt the title *imperator totius Hispaniae*, signifying his claim to dominance and suzerainty over other Iberian rulers.

Return to Game

Ottoman rulers like Bayezid II used titles such as *Imperator Maximus* in diplomatic correspondence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ottoman rulers, such as Bayezid II, did employ titles like *Imperator Maximus* in their diplomatic correspondence, asserting imperial status derived from their conquests.

Return to Game

The English word 'emperor' is derived directly from the Latin *imperator* without any intermediate languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The English word 'emperor' is not derived directly from Latin *imperator*; rather, it entered English through Old French, while related terms like 'imperial' were imported directly from Latin.

Return to Game

The abbreviation 'IMP' in Roman inscriptions stands for *imperator*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The abbreviation 'IMP' commonly found in Roman inscriptions is indeed the standard abbreviation for *imperator*.

Return to Game

The title *imperator* was used by Austrian Emperors until the early 20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The title *imperator* was indeed used by Austrian Emperors, continuing in use until 1918.

Return to Game

How did the title *imperator* continue into the Byzantine period?

Answer: It was used to a lesser, more ceremonial extent, with *autokrator* preferred.

Explanation: In the Byzantine period, the title *imperator* continued to be used, albeit to a lesser and more ceremonial extent, with the Greek title *autokrator* generally being preferred.

Return to Game

Which post-Roman European empire used the title *imperator* in Latin until 1918?

Answer: The Austrian Empire

Explanation: The Austrian Empire utilized the title *imperator* in Latin until 1918, marking one of the latest continuations of the title in European history.

Return to Game

What was the significance of the use of the *imperator* title for medieval Spanish rulers?

Answer: Their equality with other major emperors and claim to suzerainty.

Explanation: For medieval Spanish rulers, the adoption of the *imperator* title signified their parity with other major emperors and asserted a claim to suzerainty over other Iberian kingdoms.

Return to Game

How did Ottoman rulers use the title *imperator* after conquering Constantinople?

Answer: They used it in diplomatic correspondence, claiming imperial status.

Explanation: After conquering Constantinople, Ottoman rulers utilized the title *imperator* in diplomatic correspondence to assert their imperial status and claim succession to Roman imperial traditions.

Return to Game

What does the abbreviation 'IMP' commonly stand for in Roman inscriptions?

Answer: Imperator

Explanation: In Roman inscriptions, the abbreviation 'IMP' commonly stands for *imperator*.

Return to Game

What does the inscription 'ROMANORU[M] IMPERATOR AUG[USTUS]' on the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire signify?

Answer: The emperor's status as Emperor of the Romans and Augustus.

Explanation: The inscription 'ROMANORU[M] IMPERATOR AUG[USTUS]' on the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire signifies the wearer's status as Emperor of the Romans and Augustus.

Return to Game

How is the English word 'emperor' related to the Roman title *imperator*?

Answer: It entered English through Old French from *imperator*.

Explanation: The English word 'emperor' is related to the Roman title *imperator* through its derivation via Old French.

Return to Game

Which of the following is true about the title *imperator* in the Eastern Roman Empire?

Answer: It continued to be used, though less commonly, with 'Autokrator' often preferred in Greek.

Explanation: In the Eastern Roman Empire, the title *imperator* continued to be used, though less commonly, with the Greek term *autokrator* often being preferred.

Return to Game

In what context did the title *imperator* continue to be used in Latin after the Western Roman Empire's collapse?

Answer: By Carolingian, Holy Roman, and Austrian Emperors.

Explanation: After the Western Roman Empire's collapse, the title *imperator* continued to be used in Latin by rulers of the Carolingian Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Austrian Empire.

Return to Game