Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 6
The Porcian family, to which Cato the Elder belonged, comprised patricians who had consistently held high Roman magistracies prior to his own political ascent.
Answer: False
Contrary to the assertion, the Porcian family was of plebeian status, and Cato the Elder was considered a 'novus homo' as his ancestors had not previously held high magistracies.
Historical accounts exhibit a consistent consensus regarding Cato the Elder's precise birth year, with definitive dating provided by Cicero and Pliny.
Answer: False
Historical accounts present discrepancies regarding Cato the Elder's birth year. While Cicero and Pliny suggest 234 BC, other sources indicate he was older, leading to differing calculations of his age at death.
Marcus Porcius Cato's formative years were predominantly spent in the urban environment of Rome, where he received formal instruction from esteemed Greek educators.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's youth was largely spent on his inherited Sabine farm, not in Rome. His education was influenced by emulation of figures like Manius Curius Dentatus, rather than formal instruction from Greek tutors in the city.
Marcus Porcius Cato's military career encompassed participation in the Second Punic War, with notable service recorded at the Battle of the Metaurus.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder's military service during the Second Punic War included engagements at Capua and Tarentum, culminating in his participation at the decisive Roman victory at the Battle of the Metaurus in 207 BC.
Lucius Valerius Flaccus rendered significant patronage, actively supporting Marcus Porcius Cato's initiation into Roman political life.
Answer: True
Lucius Valerius Flaccus was indeed a crucial patron for Cato the Elder, recognizing his potential and supporting his political ambitions, which facilitated Cato's entry into Roman public service.
Marcus Porcius Cato's military engagements during the Second Punic War failed to make a substantial contribution to his nascent reputation.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's military service during the Second Punic War, including participation in key battles, significantly contributed to establishing his reputation as a capable and valorous soldier, laying the groundwork for his political career.
Marcus Porcius Cato's background as a plebeian from a family with a tradition of military service significantly influenced his ambition and his identity as a self-made man within the Roman political arena.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder hailed from the Porcian gens, a plebeian family with a history of military service. This background, coupled with his own perceived capabilities, shaped his ambition and his rise as a 'novus homo' (new man) in Roman politics.
To which social class did Marcus Porcius Cato belong, rendering his ascent to high office particularly noteworthy?
Answer: Plebeian, considered a 'new man' (novus homo) as his family had not held high office.
Marcus Porcius Cato belonged to the plebeian class. His rise was notable because he was a 'novus homo' (new man), as his family had not previously held high magistracies.
Which significant conflict marked Cato the Elder's early military service?
Answer: The Second Punic War
Cato the Elder's youth was significantly marked by his military service during the Second Punic War.
Marcus Porcius Cato's public career adhered to a conventional trajectory, reaching its apex with his consulship prior to his tenure as censor.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder's public career progressed through a series of magistracies, including quaestor, praetor, consul, and finally censor, which he held in 184 BC.
The Porcian Laws, enacted during Cato the Elder's consulship, were designed to restrict the rights of Roman citizens.
Answer: False
The Porcian Laws, enacted by Cato during his consulship, were designed to enhance protections for Roman citizens, particularly against degrading punishments, rather than restrict their rights.
During his tenure as praetor in Sardinia, Marcus Porcius Cato was characterized by leniency towards usurers and a tolerance for official extravagance.
Answer: False
As praetor in Sardinia, Cato the Elder was known for his strictness, not leniency. He imposed severe penalties on usurers and reduced official expenses, demonstrating his commitment to fiscal prudence and justice.
During his censorship, Marcus Porcius Cato implemented stringent measures, including imposing substantial taxes on luxury items and advocating for policies to curtail the accumulation of wealth by women.
Answer: True
As censor, Cato the Elder imposed heavy taxes on luxury goods and supported measures like the lex Voconia to limit women's wealth accumulation, reflecting his conservative stance against extravagance.
Marcus Porcius Cato initiated the construction of the Colosseum as a component of his extensive public works initiatives.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder did not initiate the construction of the Colosseum. He did, however, oversee significant public works, including the repair of aqueducts and the construction of the Basilica Porcia.
The primary contention between Cato the Elder and Scipio Africanus stemmed from their divergent perspectives on foreign policy.
Answer: False
The animosity between Cato the Elder and Scipio Africanus was primarily rooted in their disagreements concerning military discipline and financial management, rather than foreign policy.
The Basilica Porcia, constructed under the direction of Cato the Elder, was the inaugural known structure of its type in Rome and functioned as a significant public nexus.
Answer: True
The Basilica Porcia, built by Cato the Elder during his censorship, was indeed the first basilica constructed in Rome and served as a vital center for political and commercial activities.
Marcus Porcius Cato's censorship was notably defined by his concerted efforts to uphold traditional Roman values and counteract perceived societal moral decline.
Answer: True
Cato's censorship was indeed characterized by his rigorous enforcement of traditional Roman values and his active opposition to perceived moral and cultural decline, particularly from Hellenistic influences.
During his censorship, Marcus Porcius Cato implemented measures to reduce the payments required from tax collectors (publicani), thereby augmenting state revenue.
Answer: False
As censor, Cato the Elder actually increased the amount paid by tax collectors (publicani) for the right to collect taxes, thereby increasing state revenue. He simultaneously reduced contract prices for public works.
Cato's primary opposition to the Scipiones stemmed from their perceived lack of military experience compared to Cato.
Answer: False
Cato's primary opposition to the Scipiones, particularly Scipio Africanus, stemmed from fundamental disagreements over military discipline and financial management, rather than a perceived lack of military experience on their part.
According to historical accounts, which office represented the final major magistracy held by Cato the Elder in his public career?
Answer: Censor
The office held last by Cato the Elder in his public career was that of Censor.
What was the principal objective of the Porcian Laws, enacted by Cato the Elder during his consulship?
Answer: To expand protections for Roman citizens against degrading punishments.
The primary purpose of the Porcian Laws was to enhance protections for Roman citizens against degrading punishments.
Which public work, recognized as the first of its kind in Rome, was initiated by Cato the Elder?
Answer: The Basilica Porcia
The Basilica Porcia, considered the first basilica in Rome, was initiated by Cato the Elder.
The dispute between Cato the Elder and Scipio Africanus primarily involved disagreements concerning:
Answer: Military discipline and financial management.
Military discipline and financial management.
Cato the Elder's censorship actions, including the imposition of heavy taxes on luxury items and the revision of senatorial lists, primarily aimed to:
Answer: Enforce traditional Roman values and combat perceived moral decline.
Enforce traditional Roman values and combat perceived moral decline.
Marcus Porcius Cato advocated for the continued enforcement of the Oppian Law, opposing its repeal which would permit women increased latitude in displaying their wealth.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder vehemently opposed the repeal of the Oppian Law, which had been enacted to curb luxury during the Second Punic War, arguing that its repeal would foster excessive extravagance among women.
Marcus Porcius Cato actively embraced Hellenization, promoting the adoption of Greek language and philosophy throughout Roman society.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder was a staunch opponent of Hellenization, viewing Greek cultural influences as potentially corrupting to traditional Roman values. His opposition was particularly evident during his censorship.
Marcus Porcius Cato perceived Greek physicians as invaluable assets to Roman society, actively encouraging their integration into public health initiatives.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder harbored a strong aversion to Greek physicians, viewing them with suspicion and cautioning his son against their practices, rather than seeing them as valuable assets.
Marcus Porcius Cato posited that senators ought to derive their principal income from engagement in trade and commerce.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder believed that senators should derive their income primarily from land ownership, not from trade and commerce, upholding traditional Roman values regarding wealth accumulation for the elite.
Marcus Porcius Cato perceived the societal transition from traditional Roman austerity towards Hellenistic luxury as a beneficial progression for Roman civilization.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder viewed the transition from traditional Roman austerity to Hellenistic luxury with considerable concern, considering it a decline that threatened core Roman virtues, rather than a positive development.
Marcus Porcius Cato regarded the 'Bacchanalian mysteries' favorably, perceiving them as an innocuous manifestation of foreign cultural practices.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder viewed the 'Bacchanalian mysteries' with strong disapproval, considering them a licentious practice influenced by foreign manners that threatened Roman morality.
Marcus Porcius Cato vigorously supported legislative measures, such as the lex Voconia, designed to impede the accumulation of substantial wealth by women.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder strongly supported legislation, including the lex Voconia (169 BC), aimed at limiting the amount of wealth women could possess, reflecting his conservative views on luxury and inheritance.
Marcus Porcius Cato advised implicit trust in physicians, citing their esteemed status within Roman society.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's advice regarding physicians was one of profound distrust, not implicit trust. He viewed them with suspicion, particularly Greek physicians, and cautioned against their influence.
Cato the Elder vehemently opposed the repeal of which specific law, arguing that its continuation curbed excessive extravagance?
Answer: The Oppian Law
Cato the Elder vehemently opposed the repeal of the Oppian Law, arguing it curbed excessive extravagance.
During which period of his career was Cato the Elder's opposition to Hellenization most pronounced?
Answer: His censorship.
Cato the Elder's opposition to Hellenization was most evident during his censorship.
What was Marcus Porcius Cato's general disposition towards Greek philosophers and physicians during his later years?
Answer: He viewed them with strong aversion, considering them potentially corrupting influences.
In his later years, Cato the Elder viewed Greek philosophers and physicians with strong aversion, considering them potentially corrupting influences.
What financial prerequisite did Cato the Elder deem essential for individuals serving as senators?
Answer: A net worth exceeding one million sestertii, preferably from land ownership.
A substantial net worth, preferably derived from land ownership, was considered essential.
What was Cato the Elder's perspective on the societal transition from traditional Roman values to Hellenistic influences?
Answer: He viewed it as a dangerous decline that threatened traditional Roman virtues.
He viewed it as a dangerous decline that threatened traditional Roman virtues.
The agricultural treatise 'De Agri Cultura' by Marcus Porcius Cato represents the oldest extant complete prose work in the Latin language.
Answer: True
Indeed, 'De Agri Cultura' by Cato the Elder is recognized as the oldest surviving complete prose work written in Latin, offering practical advice on farming and husbandry.
Cato the Elder's historical work, 'Origines', was composed in the Greek language to ensure broader accessibility.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's 'Origines' was a seminal work written in Latin, not Greek. It was the first historical account of Rome composed in the Latin language, establishing it as a literary medium for history.
Marcus Porcius Cato's historical work, 'Origines', is recognized for its role in establishing Latin as a formal literary language for historical composition.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder's 'Origines' was indeed pivotal in establishing Latin as a literary language for historical writing, marking the first such work composed in Latin.
Within his treatise 'De Agri Cultura', Marcus Porcius Cato designated grain cultivation as the most profitable agricultural pursuit.
Answer: False
In 'De Agri Cultura', Cato the Elder ranked vineyards as the most profitable aspect of a farm, placing grain cultivation sixth, reflecting the economic priorities and challenges of the time.
Cato's work 'Praecepta ad Filium' constituted a compilation of military strategies specifically designed for his son's tactical preparation on the battlefield.
Answer: False
Cato's 'Praecepta ad Filium' was not primarily a collection of military strategies but rather a guide for his son's moral development and education, including cautionary advice regarding foreign influences.
The principal objective of Cato's historical work, 'Origines', was to meticulously document the military strategies employed during the Punic Wars.
Answer: False
The primary purpose of Cato's 'Origines' was not solely to document military strategies but to provide a comprehensive history of Rome and Italy, emphasizing Roman virtues and identity, and establishing Latin as a literary language.
Marcus Porcius Cato assessed vineyards as the least profitable component of agricultural operations, ranking them subordinate to grain cultivation.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder considered vineyards the most profitable aspect of farming, ranking them first, while grain cultivation was placed sixth in his treatise 'De Agri Cultura'.
Marcus Porcius Cato's 'Origines' holds significance as the inaugural historical composition penned in the Greek language by a Roman author.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's 'Origines' is significant not because it was written in Greek, but because it was the first major historical work written in Latin by a Roman, establishing Latin as a language for historical narrative.
Cato's work 'Carmen de moribus' was a compilation of poems dedicated to celebrating Roman military triumphs.
Answer: False
While the exact nature of 'Carmen de moribus' is debated, it is generally understood not as a collection of poems celebrating military victories, but rather as a work conveying Cato's moral and ethical principles, possibly written in prose.
Marcus Porcius Cato's treatise 'De Agri Cultura' functioned as a primary textbook, concentrating on military tactics for nascent Roman agriculturists.
Answer: False
Cato's 'De Agri Cultura' was a practical manual on agriculture, husbandry, and estate management, not primarily focused on military tactics. It served as a textbook for profitable farming practices.
Which of Marcus Porcius Cato's literary works is recognized as the oldest surviving complete prose composition in the Latin language?
Answer: De Agri Cultura
Cato the Elder's work 'De Agri Cultura' is the oldest surviving complete prose work in the Latin language.
What was the principal focus of Cato's seven-book historical work, 'Origines'?
Answer: The history of Rome and Italy, written in Latin.
The primary focus of Cato's 'Origines' was the history of Rome and Italy, written in Latin.
In what manner did Cato the Elder contribute significantly to the development of Latin literature?
Answer: By writing the first history in Latin ('Origines') and the oldest surviving Latin prose ('De Agri Cultura').
By writing the first history in Latin ('Origines') and the oldest surviving Latin prose ('De Agri Cultura').
In his agricultural treatise, 'De Agri Cultura', which form of cultivation did Cato the Elder rank as paramount in terms of profitability?
Answer: Vineyards
Vineyards were ranked as the most important due to their profitability.
What was the probable purpose of Cato's work 'Praecepta ad Filium'?
Answer: To provide moral guidance and caution against foreign influences for his son.
To provide moral guidance and caution against foreign influences for his son.
The renowned declaration 'Carthago delenda est' by Cato the Elder was first articulated immediately following the conclusion of the Second Punic War.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder began his persistent declaration 'Carthago delenda est' after returning from a diplomatic mission to Carthage in 157 BC, well after the conclusion of the Second Punic War.
The military campaign led by Cato the Elder in Hispania Citerior was characterized by protracted progress and an aversion to decisive engagements.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's campaign in Hispania Citerior was notable for its rapid subjugation of the region, employing decisive tactics and untiring effort, rather than slow progress or reluctance to fight.
Marcus Porcius Cato received a Roman triumph in recognition of his successful campaign and the subjugation of Hispania Citerior.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder was indeed awarded a Roman triumph in 194 BC for his successful military achievements in Hispania Citerior, which included subduing the region and increasing provincial revenues.
The Latin phrase 'bellum se ipsum alet' translates to 'peace must be preserved at all costs'.
Answer: False
The Latin phrase 'bellum se ipsum alet' does not mean 'peace must be preserved at all costs'. It translates to 'the war will feed itself', reflecting a strategy of funding military campaigns through spoils of war.
The diplomatic mission undertaken by Cato the Elder to arbitrate the dispute between Carthage and Massinissa achieved a successful resolution.
Answer: False
The mission to arbitrate between Carthage and Massinissa, in which Cato participated, was unsuccessful in resolving the dispute. However, it profoundly influenced Cato, solidifying his conviction that Carthage must be destroyed.
At the Battle of Thermopylae in 191 BC, Marcus Porcius Cato served as a commander responsible for executing a decisive flanking maneuver.
Answer: True
During the Battle of Thermopylae (191 BC), Cato the Elder, serving as a legatus, successfully executed a flanking maneuver that surprised and defeated enemy auxiliaries, contributing significantly to the Roman victory.
Marcus Porcius Cato delivered a speech in Athens, conducted in Latin, with the express purpose of fostering an alliance with Antiochus III.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's speech in Athens, delivered in Latin, was intended to dissuade the Athenians from allying with Antiochus III, not to encourage it. This act demonstrated Roman dignity and assertiveness.
What famous, recurrent declaration did Cato the Elder make concerning Rome's principal rival?
Answer: Carthago delenda est (Carthage must be destroyed).
Cato the Elder famously and repeatedly declared, 'Carthago delenda est' (Carthage must be destroyed).
During his campaign in Hispania Citerior, Cato the Elder coined which pragmatic aphorism concerning warfare?
Answer: Bellum se ipsum alet (The war will feed itself).
During his campaign in Hispania Citerior, Cato the Elder coined the pragmatic phrase 'bellum se ipsum alet' (the war will feed itself).
For which specific military achievement was Cato the Elder awarded a Roman triumph?
Answer: Subjugation of Hispania Citerior.
Cato the Elder was awarded a Roman triumph for his successful campaign and subjugation of Hispania Citerior.
What significant effect did Cato's participation in the 157 BC mission to arbitrate between Carthage and Massinissa have upon him?
Answer: It solidified his conviction that Carthage posed an existential threat and must be destroyed.
It solidified his conviction that Carthage posed an existential threat and must be destroyed.
How did Cato the Elder's military service at the Battle of Thermopylae (191 BC) contribute to the Roman victory?
Answer: He executed a flanking maneuver that defeated enemy auxiliaries, contributing to the overall Roman success.
He executed a flanking maneuver that defeated enemy auxiliaries, contributing to the overall Roman success.
What was the significance of Cato the Elder's speech in Athens, and why is it considered notable?
Answer: It demonstrated Roman dignity by being delivered in Latin and dissuaded Athenians from allying with Antiochus III.
It demonstrated Roman dignity by being delivered in Latin and dissuaded Athenians from allying with Antiochus III.
The phrase 'bellum se ipsum alet', coined by Cato the Elder, reflects which military or economic concept?
Answer: The strategy of using spoils of war to fund the military campaign.
The strategy of using spoils of war to fund the military campaign.
What was the primary motivation underlying Cato the Elder's persistent opposition to Carthage?
Answer: A belief that Carthage's growing prosperity posed an existential threat to Rome.
A belief that Carthage's growing prosperity posed an existential threat to Rome.
The historical figure Marcus Porcius Cato is accurately identified by the epithet 'Cato the Younger', distinguishing him from his great-grandson.
Answer: False
The epithet commonly used to distinguish Marcus Porcius Cato from his great-grandson is 'Cato the Elder', not 'Cato the Younger'.
The cognomen 'Cato' is etymologically linked to the Latin term 'catus', signifying 'wise' or 'shrewd'.
Answer: True
The cognomen 'Cato' originates from the Latin word 'catus', which denotes 'common sense derived from natural wisdom and experience', indicating a distinguished attribute.
Throughout his distinguished political career, Marcus Porcius Cato delivered fewer than twenty speeches.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder was a prolific orator, delivering approximately 150 speeches during his career. Fragments of some of these speeches have been preserved.
Marcus Porcius Cato enforced rigorous discipline within his household, extending a comparable level of severity and esteem to his wife, children, and slaves.
Answer: True
Cato the Elder demanded rigorous discipline from his household, viewing his role as a continuous process of training. While he was severe, the assertion of equal esteem for wife and slaves requires nuanced interpretation based on Roman social structures.
The genealogical records indicate that Marcus Porcius Cato's family tree demonstrates a direct ancestral link to Julius Caesar via his maternal lineage.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's family tree does not show direct lineage to Julius Caesar. While his descendants married into prominent families, including that of Brutus, there is no direct connection to Caesar through his mother's side.
Marcus Porcius Cato's counsel concerning aged or infirm slaves advocated for the provision of extended care and retirement benefits.
Answer: False
Cato the Elder's advice regarding old or sickly slaves in 'De Agri Cultura' was pragmatic and severe: he recommended selling unproductive slaves, reflecting the economic view of enslaved people as property rather than individuals deserving of extended care.
The epithet 'Censorius' was conferred upon Marcus Porcius Cato due to his influential tenure as Roman censor.
Answer: True
The epithet 'Censorius' was indeed applied to Marcus Porcius Cato, highlighting his significant influence and rigorous approach during his tenure as Roman censor.
The lunar geological feature designated 'Dorsa Cato' has been named in homage to Marcus Porcius Cato, acknowledging his enduring historical significance.
Answer: True
The lunar feature 'Dorsa Cato' is indeed named in honor of Marcus Porcius Cato, recognizing his historical prominence and legacy.
The management of slaves, as delineated in Marcus Porcius Cato's 'De Agri Cultura', prioritized humane treatment and familial integration.
Answer: False
Cato's management of slaves, as described in 'De Agri Cultura', emphasized pragmatic and often harsh economic principles, including selling unproductive slaves, rather than humane treatment or familial integration.
What is the principal meaning conveyed by the cognomen 'Cato'?
Answer: Common sense derived from natural wisdom and experience.
The cognomen 'Cato' signifies 'common sense derived from natural wisdom and experience'.
Marcus Porcius Cato's personal life was characterized by:
Answer: Rigorous self-discipline and a demanding approach to his household.
Rigorous self-discipline and a demanding approach to his household.
Which statement best describes Cato's advice regarding the management of slaves in 'De Agri Cultura'?
Answer: Unproductive slaves should be sold, and slaves should be kept constantly working.
Unproductive slaves should be sold, and slaves should be kept constantly working.