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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. Which of the following works is referenced in the first chapter?

2. Where was Alcibiades from?

3. How many ships did Alcibiades lead?

4. How accessible is Xenophon's writing style for current readers?

5. How many ships were made available to Cyrus by his Spartan ally?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the funds that were raised used for during a war?

2. How many men did Xenophon lead in the military, and what were some of the complaints about them?

3. Who was Alcibiades and how is he described?

4. What was the politician's objection to the idea of plundering a town for money?

5. What is the significance of Xenophon's early background?

6. How did Mania oversee her military operations?

7. What caused the decisions made by Generals that resulted in the exile of many mid-range officers?

8. As indicated in the Introduction, what are Xenophon's motivations in writing "A History of My Times"?

9. How did wealth affect the ranking of a military officer, and why were the poor delegated to the lightest infantry?

10. How many ships were used in water and shoreline battles, and which locations are mentioned as receiving the most fighting in the first chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Continuing with his fascination of the virtues of military leaders, Xenophon presents the story of Polydamas.

1) Describe Polydamas's leadership style, including how he tests his men, and the actions taken as a result of those tests.

2) Explain how Polydamas's men are rewarded for their skills, and the value of honor and loyalty in the military.

3) Analyze the opinions of Jason, pertaining to the King of Persia, and how they compare to Xenophon's opinion of Persia in general.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the planning and assassination of Alexander of Pherae in Thessaly. Include how Alexander is viewed as a ruler, his reputation, and that of the town, the possible motivations for the murder, and the way it takes place.

Essay Topic 3

The different classes and ranks of the military are a significant part of Xenophon's story. 1) Describe the difference between higher and lower ranks, along with how they are assigned.

2) Explain why and how wealth is considered when delegating the ranks of the ancient military.

3) Analyze the participation of women in the military of ancient Greece, including the reasons they would want or not want to join.

(see the answer keys)

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