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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the Commander of the relief force that has arrived to help Marcus's battalion fight the tribesmen in Chapter 4?
(a) Centurion Drusillus.
(b) Centurion Herpinius.
(c) Centurion Pilus Prior.
(d) Centurion Clodius Maximus.

2. From what tribe does Esca hail?
(a) The Atrebates.
(b) The Catuvellauni.
(c) The Brigantes.
(d) The Belgae.

3. Who is the cook at Uncle Aquila's home?
(a) Tartarus.
(b) Typhon.
(c) Lutorius.
(d) Sassticca.

4. What is Marcus's response when Esca asks him in Chapter 8, "Was it as bad as that" (108)?
(a) "Go to sleep."
(b) "Don't ask."
(c) "Yes."
(d) "I cannot say."

5. Who is the master of the circus slaves that Marcus goes to see in Chapter 6?
(a) Lucius.
(b) Beppo.
(c) Procyon.
(d) Herpinius.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of design is described on Marcus's dagger sheath in Chapter 7?

2. To what god does Marcus pray in Chapter 3?

3. Near what ancient city did Marcus Flavius Aquila grow up with his mother on the family farm?

4. What is the name of the Legate of the Sixth Legion that visits Uncle Aquila in Chapter 9?

5. What does the narrator describe Marcus's wolf cub hunting in Chapter 7?

Short Essay Questions

1. From what narrative point of view is the novel related?

2. What are the Saturnalia Games and what entertainments are provided at the Games that Marcus attends?

3. Where has Marcus been assigned in Chapter 2? How many men does he command?

4. Why does Marcus grant Esca his freedom in Chapter 10?

5. What information does Marcus learn of the conclusion of the battle in Chapter 4?

6. Why does Marcus buy the slave Esca?

7. How did Tribune Placidus insult Esca at the hunt in Chapter 6?

8. What do the Centurions discover to be making noise outside the fort in Chapter 3? How do they respond?

9. What rumor regarding the Eagle does the Legate describe in Chapter 10?

10. Why does Marcus release Cub in the wild?

(see the answer keys)

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