1.
What did the word Invictus mean?
Correct Answer
A. Invincible
Explanation
The word "Invictus" means invincible. It refers to something or someone that cannot be defeated or overcome.
2.
Which Roman deities were described as invincible?
Correct Answer
C. Jupiter, mars, Hercules, Apollo, and Silvanus
Explanation
The correct answer is Jupiter, Mars, Hercules, Apollo, and Silvanus. These Roman deities were described as invincible because they were believed to possess immense power and strength, making them unbeatable and unconquerable. Jupiter was the king of the gods and the god of thunder and lightning, Mars was the god of war, Hercules was the strongest of all the gods, Apollo was the god of the sun, and Silvanus was the god of forests and fields. Together, they represented the ultimate power and invincibility in Roman mythology.
3.
What was Sol Invictus role?
Correct Answer
A. He played a prominent role in Mithraic mysteries
Explanation
Sol Invictus was a prominent figure in the Mithraic mysteries. The Mithraic mysteries were a religious cult that originated in the Roman Empire and worshipped the god Mithras. Sol Invictus, meaning "Unconquered Sun," was a syncretic deity associated with Mithras and was considered the god of the sun. In the Mithraic mysteries, Sol Invictus held a central role as the source of light and life, representing the power and vitality of the sun. The cult's rituals and beliefs revolved around the worship and veneration of Sol Invictus, making him a significant figure in the Mithraic mysteries.
4.
What represented the date of the 25th of December in ancient Rome?
Correct Answer
B. It was the date of the festival of the Sol Invictus
Explanation
In ancient Rome, the 25th of December was associated with the festival of the Sol Invictus. Sol Invictus, meaning the "Unconquered Sun," was a popular Roman festival that celebrated the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. This festival was held on December 25th, symbolizing the gradual return of longer days and the triumph of light over darkness. It was an important celebration in the Roman calendar and held religious significance for the Romans. The association of December 25th with the birth of Christ came later, as Christianity spread and adapted some existing pagan traditions.
5.
What's a solstice?
Correct Answer
A. It's an event occurring when the sun appears to reach its most northerly/southerly excursion relative to the celestial equator or celestial spHere.
Explanation
A solstice is an event that occurs when the sun appears to reach its most northerly or southerly point relative to the celestial equator or celestial sphere. This means that during a solstice, the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year. The correct answer accurately describes this phenomenon, stating that a solstice is an event occurring when the sun appears to reach its most northerly/southerly excursion.
6.
What are the other names for the deity Elagabalus?
Correct Answer
D. Jupiter and Sol
Explanation
Elagabalus was a Roman emperor who was known for his devotion to the Syrian sun god, Elagabalus. He changed his name to Elagabalus and promoted the worship of this deity in Rome. However, in addition to being associated with Elagabalus, he was also linked to the Roman gods Jupiter and Sol. Jupiter was the king of the gods in Roman mythology, while Sol was the personification of the sun. These names were likely used to emphasize his connection to both Roman and Syrian religious traditions.
7.
Who made the Sol Invictus Cult official on 25 December AD 274?
Correct Answer
B. The Roman Emperor Aurelian
Explanation
The Roman Emperor Aurelian made the Sol Invictus Cult official on 25 December AD 274.
8.
Who is Elagabalus?
Correct Answer
C. A syro-Roman sun god
Explanation
Elagabalus is a Syro-Roman sun god. He was a deity worshipped in the ancient Roman Empire, particularly during the reign of the Roman emperor Elagabalus. Elagabalus was originally a god from Emesa in Syria, and his worship was introduced to Rome during Elagabalus' rule. As a sun god, Elagabalus was associated with the sun's power and warmth, and his worship involved rituals and ceremonies centered around the sun. Therefore, the correct answer is A syro-Roman sun god.
9.
When was the last inscription referring to Sol Invictus recorded?
Correct Answer
A. AD 387
Explanation
The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus was recorded in AD 387.
10.
What inspired the Mithraic mysteries?
Correct Answer
A. It was inspired by the Iranian worship of the god Mithra
Explanation
The Mithraic mysteries were inspired by the Iranian worship of the god Mithra. This ancient religion originated in Persia and spread throughout the Roman Empire, particularly in the 1st to 4th centuries AD. The Mithraic mysteries were a secretive and exclusive cult that worshipped Mithra as a god of light, truth, and cosmic order. The rituals and beliefs of the Mithraic mysteries were influenced by Persian religious practices, including the concept of a divine hierarchy and the use of initiation ceremonies. The cult's popularity among Roman soldiers and its syncretism with other religions contributed to its widespread influence in the Roman Empire.