Ludi Novi Romani/MMDCCLXXI/Ipse Dixit Quiz - The 20th Anniversary Edition
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These Ludi Novi Romani are the games celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the founding of Nova Roma through March 1-15.
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IPSE DIXIT: 20th Anniversary Edition
Publius Annæus Constantinus Placidus omnis civibus, perigrinibusque bonæ voluntatis salutem plurimam dicit.
I am proud and happy to present, to all of you, Quirites and guests, a very special 20th Anniversary Edition of my long-running quiz based on famous quotations and sentences in Latin, from all times where our ancestors' noble language was used - from Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages to right now, because, believe it or not, someone still writes in Latin!
As of March 15th, 2771 a.U.c. (2018 A.D.), this edition of the quiz is finished. It has consisted of six items, each one with its own series of questions. All items and their solutions are listed here on this.
This edition of Ipse Dixit, after a laboriously-decided tiebreaker item, has been won by Quintus Septimius Niger. All details about this also appear on this page, at the end of the six regular items.
Item I: MANVS MANVM LAVAT
1. What is the LITERAL translation of this sentence into English? (2 points)
One hand washes one hand / The hand washes the hand.
2. Who wrote this? (2 points)
It has been attributed to various writers, including Seneca. However, the primary source is Gaius Petronius Arbiter, in the Satyricon.
3. What famous Italian writer, from the Romantic era, used the same sentence in a work of his, and extended it? (3 points)
Alessandro Manzoni, in his famous novel The Bethroted from 1840. He wrote: Una mano lava l'altra e le due lavano il viso = One hand washes the other and both wash the face.
4. Can you explain the meaning of the sentence in your own words? (2 points)
It refers to an exchange of favours - "You do me a favour, I'll do you a favour". In the original context, the meaning was ironical, as the favour being discussed was of an illicit or sleazy nature. The sentence is also used to indicate a collaboration or a cooperation between two people for a common effort.
Item II: GLADIATOR IN ARENA CONSILIVM CAPIT
1. What is the LITERAL translation of this sentence into English? (2 points)
The gladiotor makes his plan / his decision in the arena.
2. Who wrote this? (2 points)
Lucius Annæus Seneca the Younger.
3. Can you please explain in your own words the meaning of the sentence? (3 points)
It was originally intended as a warning to procrastinators, telling them that they should not to make their decisions when it is too late to make any decisions. It is also used to day in the meaning of "thinking in the present", i.e. adapting your behaviour according to the specific situation you find yourself in.
Item III: VELUT LVNA, STATV VARIABILIS; SEMPER CRESCIS AVT DECRESCIS.
Questions: 1. What is the literal English translation of this sentence? (2 points).
Like the moon, of a variable state; you always grow or decrease.
2. The first line of the poem from which this quote is taken was intentionally omitted. Who or what does the quote refer to? (1 point)
Fortuna, the Goddess of Fate and Destiny.
3. What is the full title of the poem, and what does the title mean? (2 points)
The poem is officially untitled. It is commonly known as "O Fortuna" (= Oh Fortune). The musical composition based on the poem (see below) is entitled "Fortuna imperatrix mundi" = Fortune, Empress of the World.
4. What is the title of the collection that the poem is taken from? (1 point)
Carmina Burana, meaning Songs of Beuern (i.e. Benediktbeuern, in Bavaria).
5. What is the actual date in which the collection was made? (1 point)
1230. Some of the material within it is earlier than that, and it was subsequently expanded much later.
6. What German contemporary composer wrote an extremely popular musical adaption of the poem? (1 point)
Carl Orff.
7. Can you please explain, in your own words, the meaning of the entire poem? (3 points)
The poem is a lamentation of the power of Fate and Destiny over ordinary people's lives.
ITEM IV: TERRA AVTEM ERAT INANIS ET VACVA, ET TENEBRÆ ERANT SVPER FACIEM ABYSSI. [...] DIXITQVE DEVS: FIAT LVX. ET FACTA EST LVX.
1. What is the LITERAL translation of these sentences into English? (2 points).
Earth, however, was lifeless and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the abyss. God said: (let) light be made. And light was (made). The final section is often translated as let there be light. And there was light, which is acceptable.
2. What is the name of the specific section (generally referred to as a 'book') of a larger book, from which these sentences are taken? (1 point)
The Book of Genesis, in the Bible.
3. The (complete) book which includes the sentences is usually called Versio Vulgata. What does this mean? (1 point) Version commonly used / Version in the speech of the common people.
4. Who wrote most of Versio Vulgata, revising it from an earlier version, and when did he begin writing it? (1+1 points)
Saint Jerome. He started in 382.
5. Can you please explain, in your own words, how and/or when the phrase "Fiat lux", or its English equivalent, is used today? (3 points)
Possible answers:
- It is used when somebody finds the solution to a problem, or a way out an unpleasant situation.
- It is used when somebody experiences a spiritual enlightment or an epiphany.
- It is used when the lights in a room are either switched on by somebody, or switch themselves back on after a blackout.
ITEM V: GRÆCIA CAPTA FERVM VICTOREM CEPIT
1. What is the literal translation of this sentence into English? (2 points)
Captured Greece (has) captured (its) savage victor/vanquisher.
2. Who wrote it? (1 point)
Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace).
3. Can you please explain the meaning of this sentence in your own words? (3 points)
Even though Rome conquered Greece, the rude and uncouth Roman people were conquered by Greece's arts and literature.
ITEM VI: SUB LUNA SALTAMUS
NOTE: This item is taken from a contemporary pop song.
1. What is the literal translation of this sentence into English? (2 points).
Under the moon we dance.
2. Who wrote this? (2 points).
The credited writers are Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus; the line is most probably the latter's.
3. What is the title of the song and who recorded its original version? (1 +1 point)
The Piper, originally recorded by ABBA.
4. This line has a particular feature within the song. Which is it? (3 points)
Possible answers:
- It is only line in the song which is sung in Latin.
- It is the only line which is sung a sa choir, in a quasi-ecclesiastical style and with no drumbeats under it.
- It is the only line which is sung twice in the song in two different languages but with the same meaning.
FINAL STANDINGS AFTER THE FIRST SIX ITEMS
First place: Sex. Lania Murena AND Q. Septimius Niger - 51 points
Second place: M. Pompeius Caninus - 50 points
Third place: M. Æmilius Agricola - 48 points
Fourth place: M. Claudius Nero - 25 points (did not provide answers for items V and VI
At the end of the six regular items, Sexta Lania Murena and Quintus Septimius Niger were tied with the full score of 51 over 51 available points.
TIEBREAKER ITEM
PERAS IMPOSUIT IUPPITER NOBIS DUAS
1. Translate the sentence into English.
Jupiter imposed on us two bags.
2. Who wrote the sentence?
Phædrus, translating Æsop.
3. What is the meaning of the fable from which the sentence is taken?
The two bags described by Phædrus represent people's faults. The bag in front of us is full of other people's faults, while the bag behind us is full of our own faults; so we always see other people faults and never see our own. It is a warning not to judge people only because of their faults.
4. Who expressed the same concept in a more serious way?
Saint Matthew, in his Gospel.
The correct answers to this item were given by QUINTUS SEPTIMIUS NIGER before anyone else gave them, so Septimius is THE WINNER OF THE GAME.
On my own side, and on behalf of the entire Cohors Ædilicia, I congratulate Septimius for his victory, and I give the warmest and most heartfelt THANKS to all the citizens who sent me their answers, hoping to find them all in the next edition of IPSE DIXIT!!
