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Subjects · Leaving Cert Classical Studies

Leaving Cert Classical Studies: Role of spectacle: Rome & today

How often Role of spectacle: Rome & today comes up on the Classical Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 2 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

OL Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Role of spectacle: Rome & today, Higher Level(7 marks)

Quick ones on Role of spectacle: Rome & today.

(a)How did the audience at an Athenian tragedy differ from an arena crowd?
  1. They were forbidden to show any emotion during the plays
  2. They watched a civic-religious festival that invited thought
  3. They came mainly to bet on which playwright would win
(b)Whose phrase is 'bread and circuses' for keeping the Roman people quiet?
  1. Martial
  2. Horace
  3. Juvenal
(c)Why did Roman politicians pay for games?
  1. To win popularity and votes
  2. To raise money for the army
  3. The law required every citizen to
Show the answers

(a) They watched a civic-religious festival that invited thought

(b) Juvenal

(c) To win popularity and votes

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Role of spectacle: Rome & today.

Higher Level

Asked on 2 of the last 3 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q6
2024Q16
2023Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 3 of the last 3 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q12
2024Q11
2023Q7

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Role of spectacle: Rome & today questions

Role of spectacle: Rome & today, 3 marks

What is a key difference between arena games and Athenian tragedy?

  1. Only Roman shows used masks
  2. Athenian tragedy had no link to religion
  3. Arena deaths were real; tragic deaths were acted
Show the answer

Arena deaths were real; tragic deaths were acted

In tragedy, deaths happen offstage and are reported by a messenger. In the arena, people and animals really died in front of the crowd.

Role of spectacle: Rome & today, 2 marks

Which Roman writer used the phrase bread and circuses?

  1. Virgil
  2. Juvenal
  3. Horace
Show the answer

Juvenal

The satirist Juvenal said the Roman people now only wanted free grain and games. The phrase suggests spectacle was used to keep the people quiet.

Role of spectacle: Rome & today, 3 marks

Which is one way Roman games are like modern sport?

  1. Fans passionately support a team and its colours
  2. Players are often killed on purpose for the crowd
  3. Fans must sit in silence throughout the contest
Show the answer

Fans passionately support a team and its colours

Circus fans followed their faction colours, much like GAA or soccer supporters. Huge crowds, star performers and rich sponsors also link then and now.

Other Classical Studies topics

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