Romulus Augustulus (475–476 CE)
  • 1. Romulus Augustulus, often referred to as the last Roman emperor of the Western Roman Empire, reigned from 475 to 476 CE, a brief period marked by significant political turbulence and the decline of Roman authority in the West. Ascending to the throne at a young age, he was largely regarded as a puppet ruler, with his father, Orestes, serving as a powerful general and the true power behind the throne. Romulus's reign was characterized by a lack of political stability, as various factions vied for control in a crumbling empire beset by foreign invasions and internal strife. His rule came to a dramatic end when the Germanic chieftain Odoacer led a revolt, deposing Romulus in September 476 CE. This event is commonly marked by historians as the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Post-abdication, Romulus Augustulus was granted a peaceful retirement, signifying the end of a millennium of Roman imperial rule in the West. His legacy remains a poignant reminder of the transformation from ancient Rome to the early medieval period, encapsulating the fragility of power and the inevitability of change in the face of emerging new kingdoms.

    What year did Romulus Augustulus become emperor?
A) 475 CE
B) 473 CE
C) 476 CE
D) 474 CE
  • 2. Who deposed Romulus Augustulus?
A) Odoacer
B) Alaric
C) Theodoric
D) Attila
  • 3. Romulus Augustulus's title means what?
A) Son of Mars
B) Mighty King
C) Great Emperor
D) Little Romulus
  • 4. Romulus Augustulus was placed on the throne by whom?
A) His father, Orestes
B) The military
C) Odoacer
D) The Senate
  • 5. In what year did Odoacer overthrow Romulus Augustulus?
A) 476 CE
B) 474 CE
C) 475 CE
D) 473 CE
  • 6. Where did Odoacer rule after deposing Romulus?
A) Britain
B) Gaul
C) Italy
D) Spain
  • 7. Which city was the capital during Romulus Augustulus's reign?
A) Constantinople
B) Rome
C) Ravenna
D) Alexandria
  • 8. Romulus Augustulus's reign symbolized a shift to which era?
A) The Classical era
B) The Middle Ages
C) The Enlightenment
D) The Industrial age
  • 9. Romulus's reign is often seen as the end of what aspect of Roman identity?
A) The Roman Empire in the West
B) The Roman religion
C) The Roman culture
D) The Roman military power
  • 10. After his deposition, where was Romulus Augustulus reportedly exiled?
A) Greece
B) Ravenna
C) Campania
D) Sicily
  • 11. Romulus Augustulus was a child of what age when he became emperor?
A) Around 10 years old
B) Around 20 years old
C) Around 15 years old
D) Around 25 years old
  • 12. What title did Odoacer take after overthrowing Romulus?
A) Caesar
B) Duke of Rome
C) Emperor of the West
D) King of Italy
  • 13. What was significant about the way Odoacer took power?
A) It was sanctioned by the Senate
B) It was a peaceful transition of power
C) It involved a significant battle
D) He was elected by the people
  • 14. What did Romulus Augustulus symbolize for historians?
A) The unification of Germany
B) The end of the ancient Roman world
C) The birth of modern Europe
D) The rise of the Byzantine Empire
  • 15. How did Romulus Augustulus live after his deposition?
A) He returned to Rome
B) He was sent into exile
C) He was executed
D) He became a general
  • 16. What was a major factor in the decline of the Western Roman Empire during Romulus's reign?
A) Economic prosperity
B) Strong military alliances
C) Invasion by barbarian tribes
D) Cultural renaissance
  • 17. What title did Romulus Augustulus hold?
A) Consul
B) Emperor
C) Dictator
D) Senator
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