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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. Who joins armies with Bohemund, the Counts and Godfrey according to Anna at the start of Book XI?

2. What condition does Bohemund pose in order to visit with Alexius?

3. Who does Alexius make Duke of the fleet?

4. What does Alexius learn about after the event of Levunium?

5. What type of alliance is Bohemund seeking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the negotiations discussed at the end of Book XIII result in?

2. What does Alexius hope to do Bohemund's allies, friends, and servants?

3. What happened to the Scythians in the battle at Levenium that proved pivotal to the war?

4. What happened with Diogenes at the end of Book IX?

5. What plot did Alexius create in Book X of "The Alexiad" and was it successful?

6. Why did Alexius' advisers try to dissuade him?

7. What happens to Bohemund's ships and what happens as a result?

8. In Book XIII, what happens between Alexius and Aaron?

9. Why are the Turks terrified?

10. What does Bohemund do when he reaches Lombardy in Book XII?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bohemund was one of Alexius' opponents during the war as described in "The Alexiad". Compare Alexius' strategies with that of Bohemund, using the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

"The Alexiad" is set in the time of the Byzantine Empire, focusing especially on the time period of Alexius, Anna Comnena's father. Discuss the importance of setting in "The Alexiad" and analyze how it contributes to the reader's understanding of the book. Students should use examples from the book to support their discussion.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Alexiad", Alexius is described as being set on war to expand his country or territories. In an essay, compare Alexius' focus on the war with his focus on peace within his family. Discuss the differences in his character by comparing his actions in different parts of "The Alexiad".

(see the answer keys)

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