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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. What work by Pope Gregory did Asser help translate?

2. After his capture, what was the relationship between Alfred the Great and the king of the Vikings?

3. Why did Asser never attempt to circulate his book?

4. With whom did the Vikings make peace in 872?

5. What is included in the annals put together during and following Alfred's reign?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does most of what we know about Alfred come from?

2. Explain Asser's dedication in his Life of King Alfred.

3. Who were Alfred's children? What lives did they lead?

4. What audience read Asser's Life of King Alfred?

5. What happened on Easter in 878?

6. Into what three periods can Alfred's reign be divided?

7. What was the relationship between Asser and Alfred?

8. What three themes characterize the political history of Anglo-Saxon England in the first half of the ninth century?

9. How did Aethelwulf attempt to keep his sons from fighting after his death? What happened when Aethelwulf died?

10. Who are at least three rulers who share Alfred's title of "the Great?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the Alfred Jewel. What is known about it? What is not known about it? Why is information about the Alfred Jewel included in Alfred the Great?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why it was important for Asser to include King Alfred's lineage in his biography, particularly on his father's side.

Essay Topic 3

What are appendices? What are the purposes of the appendices in Alfred the Great? What do they add to the book? How would the book be different if they were not there?

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