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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Claudius start rumors that Britannicus is epileptic?
(a) Britannicus started rumors about Claudius' impotence.
(b) So Britannicus will find a true love and not one who wants his potential power.
(c) So the populace will focus on Nero.
(d) Because he hates Britannicus.

2. Who is a possible suspect in the first account of Claudius' death?
(a) The cook.
(b) Nero.
(c) Halotus, his taster.
(d) Galba.

3. Who hands Caractacus over to Ostorius?
(a) The Belgian tribes.
(b) King of Icenians.
(c) Queen of the Brigantians.
(d) The men of South Wales.

4. What is the purpose of the Saecular games?
(a) To celebrate human advances.
(b) To celebrate a new cycle of the age of men.
(c) To celebrate the freedom of religion.
(d) To celebrate Roman citizenry.

5. In the second account of Claudius' death, what motivates Agrippinilla to hire Locusta?
(a) Xenophon is back in Cos and Locusta is great at medicines.
(b) Locusta is Nero's cousin.
(c) Claudius states he is going to claim Britannicus his sole heir.
(d) Nero is becoming impatient and urges his mother.

6. What becomes of Claudius in Hell?
(a) He resides in court trials.
(b) He becomes Messalina's slave.
(c) He rolls dice forever in a bottomless cup.
(d) He keeps court records in Hell.

7. Why does Narcissus keep the truth of Messalina from Claudius?
(a) He wants to spare Claudius' feelings.
(b) He thought Claudius deserved it.
(c) He is as guilty as all the other men she sleeps with.
(d) He does not believe in meddling.

8. How do the people accept Nero as the succeeding emperor after Claudius?
(a) With surprise.
(b) Bitterly.
(c) Joyfully.
(d) With fear.

9. Why does Claudius celebrate with a ten-day festival and a mock sea battle?
(a) It's the year of Neptune.
(b) Rome just won a sea battle against the Norse.
(c) It's time to drain Fucine Lake.
(d) Because he feels bored.

10. What does Claudius do on his first triumph anniversary?
(a) Honor Posides.
(b) Give money to the needy populace.
(c) Erect a gold statue of himself.
(d) Honor Aulus.

11. How do the Britons come to worship Claudius as a god?
(a) Aulus orders them to build a temple in Claudius' name.
(b) Claudius' "magic" in war compels them to believe he is a God.
(c) Claudius' triumph over them fulfills a legendary prophecy.
(d) They mistake Claudius as Augustus.

12. Who tries to persuade Claudius to adopt Lucius Domitius?
(a) Pallas.
(b) Octavia.
(c) Lucius Domitius.
(d) Agrippinilla.

13. What do Messalina and Claudius do to cheat Barbillus' supposed prophecy about Messalina?
(a) They divorce.
(b) Claudius purposefully cheats on Messalina.
(c) Messalina purposefully cheats on Claudius.
(d) They have another child.

14. What is the only thing Umbonius sells at his public auction?
(a) His Senatorial robes.
(b) His Corinthian goods.
(c) A staff Claudius gave him.
(d) Corn.

15. What causes a disagreement between Claudius and the generals?
(a) Claudius wants to lead with the camels.
(b) Claudius wants to attempt a diamond formation.
(c) Claudius does not want a frontal attack.
(d) Posides insults Claudius' background in campaigns.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Marsus suggest to Claudius?

2. What causes a rivalry between Narcissus, Pallas and Callistus?

3. How does Claudius end up in Hell?

4. How does Narcissus protect Claudius from Messalina's cunning ways?

5. What do Cleopatra and Calpurnia see in Rome that causes them alarm for Claudius?

(see the answer keys)

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