View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What caused the Arcadians to value their status?

2. What caused the status of Athens to change?

3. What statue provided inspiration for troops as they defeated the enemy without losing a single soldier?

4. What is the description given to Dercylidas in this current section of the book?

5. What was a main factor of decision-making for the Spartans?

Short Essay Questions

1. What things does the adviser in Xenophon's story think that a woman should be in order for his friend to marry her?

2. How did the Arcadians gain their self-importance, and what did that do for the region?

3. What is an oracle?

4. Who was Dercylidas and how is he described?

5. What type of a ruler was Alexander of Pherae in Thessaly?

6. What led Athens and Sparta to contemplate an alliance?

7. What was the result of the sacrifice made by the Spartans?

8. How could the information obtained from an oracle seem confusing?

9. What message is Xenophon delivering with the story of Attica?

10. According to Xenophon's story, what is the first thing that a man should consider when deciding which woman to marry, and how does that compare to today's culture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of funding is an important one for military operations to continue.

1) Explain the use of funds during a war including why it is vital for a military to raise the money.

2) Describe the different options the ancient military had in raising funds for a war or campaign.

3) Analyze the situation of the sailors in Chios and the hardships they encounter there.

Essay Topic 2

The author's motivations for writing the book, "A History of My Times", are revealed by the editor, establishing an important framework for the reader.

1) Explain what motivates Xenophon to write his story, based on the editor's notes and his own commentary.

2) Describe the main points that Xenophon is trying to make in the book and why.

3) Compare Xenophon's writing style with the style of contemporary non-fiction writers.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the events surrounding the surprise massacre of a town during a religious festival. Include the reasons for the attack, how religion is valued in ancient Greece, why this story might contradict that value, and what message Xenophon could be attempting to deliver.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 904 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample