What is the Roman innovation to the lectus?

• A. lectus with a back (to recline)
• B. a cushioned settee
• C. a circular table
• D. a folding stool

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how Romans adapted lounging furniture for dining. A lectus was the couch people reclined on during meals in the triclinium. Making it with a backrest gave solid support to the head and torso, making reclining more comfortable and stable for longer banquets. This small change reflects how Roman dining culture valued extended, social reclining on furniture that could support the body in a relaxed, semi-upright position. The other ideas don’t fit this specific development: a cushioned settee is a later or more generic term and doesn’t capture the Roman innovation of adding a back to the lectus; a circular table and a folding stool relate to different furniture concepts and uses.