Weekend Quiz

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

It’s a whole lotta love…

Test your knowledge with these ten thought-provoking questions, all based on the latest Classical Wisdom articles.

With Valentine’s Day having taken place this past week, we looked at the MANY different words the Greeks had for love, as well as some of mythology’s greatest love stories. The Superbowl final also inspired us to have a look at sport’s ultimate spectacle from the ancient world: the tainted glory of the gladiator.

Answers are available just below the quiz. If you’d like to revisit any of this week’s resources, you can find them all just below as well!

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1. According to the ancient Greeks, which type of love represented selfless and universal affection?

A) Eros
B) Philia
C) Agape
D) Ludus

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2. In the myth of Psyche and Cupid, what was the ultimate test Aphrodite assigned to Psyche?

A) To steal fire from Mount Olympus
B) To retrieve Persephone’s beauty ointment from the underworld
C) To capture the winged horse Pegasus
D) To weave a golden tapestry depicting the gods

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3. Gladiatorial combat originally evolved from what type of event in early Roman history?

A) A military training exercise
B) A ritual sacrifice to honor the dead
C) A form of democratic justice
D) A way to determine political leadership

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4. Why did the Roman poet Lucretius warn against the dangers of romantic love?

A) He believed love was an illusion created by the gods
B) He saw love as a form of madness that disrupted rational thought
C) He argued that love was only useful for political alliances
D) He thought love was a punishment for past-life sins

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5. What was the paradox of the gladiators’ role in Roman society?

A) They were revered as heroes but legally considered infames (outcasts)
B) They were trained for war but forbidden from military service
C) They were required to fight but could never win their freedom
D) They were celebrated in death but denied burial rites

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6. The myth of Psyche and Cupid is often interpreted as an allegory for what?

A) The struggle between passion and duty
B) The journey of the soul towards enlightenment
C) The inevitability of fate in human relationships
D) The dangers of defying divine authority

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7. In what way did gladiatorial games change from their early origins to later Roman history?

A) They became less violent and more theatrical over time
B) They shifted from private family rituals to large-scale public entertainment
C) They were outlawed within a century of their first appearance
D) They evolved into military recruitment programs

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8. What was one reason why early Christian thinkers opposed gladiatorial combat?

A) They viewed it as a form of human sacrifice
B) They believed it trained soldiers for rebellion
C) They feared it would erode public morality
D) They saw it as a pagan religious practice

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9. How did the myth of Psyche and Cupid influence later literature?

A) It introduced the concept of tragic romance
B) It established the trope of lovers overcoming trials
C) It inspired the Greek concept of soulmates
D) It was the first myth to depict love as divine intervention

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10. What did the ancient philosopher Epicurus believe was the key to a happy life?

A) The pursuit of fame and wealth
B) The rejection of romantic love
C) The elimination of unnecessary desires
D) The worship of the gods

Need to refresh your memory? Check out this week’s resources just below…

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Ancient Love Discover some of the world’s oldest and most enduring love stories, including Cupid and Psyche, as well as Daphnis and Chloe in our exclusive e-book on The Ancient Novel

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Answers:

Here are the answers to The Weekly Wisdom Quest quiz:

1. C) Agape (Represents selfless and universal affection.)

2. B) To retrieve Persephone’s beauty ointment from the underworld (Psyche's ultimate test from Aphrodite.)

3. B) A ritual sacrifice to honor the dead (Gladiatorial combat originated from funeral rites.)

4. B) He saw love as a form of madness that disrupted rational thought (Lucretius warned against love’s irrational influence.)

5. A) They were revered as heroes but legally considered infames (outcasts) (Gladiators were admired but socially degraded.)

6. B) The journey of the soul towards enlightenment (The myth of Psyche and Cupid is often interpreted as an allegory of the soul’s trials.)

7. B) They shifted from private family rituals to large-scale public entertainment (Originally small-scale, gladiatorial games became grand spectacles.)

8. A) They viewed it as a form of human sacrifice (Early Christians opposed gladiatorial combat for its sacrificial nature.)

9. B) It established the trope of lovers overcoming trials (Psyche and Cupid's myth inspired countless love stories.)

10. C) The elimination of unnecessary desires (Epicurus believed this was key to happiness.)

The Wisdom Scale

How wise are you in the ways of love, battle, and myth? Check your score and claim your title!

0-2 correct: Novice Philosopher – You’ve taken your first steps on the path of knowledge. Keep reading!
3-4 correct: Aspiring Sophos – You’re developing wisdom, but the ancients still have much to teach you.
5-6 correct: Agora Adept – Your knowledge would earn you a seat at the symposium!
7-10 correct: Master of the Classics – Plato himself would be impressed by your insight. Bravo!

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Did you enjoy this week’s journey through love, mythology, and the arena? Share your results and let us know!

All the best,

Sean Kelly

Managing Editor

Classical Wisdom

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