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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Xeones refuse to narrate anymore?

2. Where does the Spartan king march and fight, relative to the rest of his army?

3. How does the Egyptian number the Persian fleet?

4. What is the purpose of the speech Leonidas gives after this battle?

5. What do the Spartans call their science of fear discipline?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the concern of the lady Paraleio, Alexandros' mother?

2. What does the lady Arete reveal to Xeones?

3. What is a helot?

4. Why does Xeones refuse to continue with the story? What happens that causes him to continue?

5. Why do the Spartans punish their young boys by whipping them?

6. What happens to Xeones after his city is burned?

7. Who catches Alexandros not using his shield properly? What happens?

8. Why does the author jump from place to place in the story?

9. How do the Spartans count their dead?

10. Why is Xeones depressed? What happens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, Xeones describes several things that are common to ancient warfare, such as smoke and fire, rape, and the mutilation of the enemy dead. What other factors are common to ancient warfare? Why do these things occur in ancient times? Do they still happen today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What role do the women play in ancient Sparta? What rights and restrictions do they have? Compare and contrast the role of women in ancient Spartan culture to other warrior societies. Compare the role of women in ancient Sparta to the role of women in the modern world.

Essay Topic 3

The preferred style of combat for the Spartans is the heavy infantry phalanx. Answer the following questions about the Spartan phalanx:

1. Describe the structure of the phalanx.

2. What role does discipline play in the successful phalanx?

3. What role does cohesive teamwork play in the successful phalanx?

4. What strengths and weaknesses does the phalanx have?

(see the answer keys)

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