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. How do the Druids practice religious cleansing?

2. What does the high priest advise Herod?

3. Why is it difficult for Petronius to follow through with Caligula's orders?

4. Who attempts assassination on Claudius?

5. For whom does Claudius gain more respect as he settles into the emperor's role?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Claudius show that his power is beginning to affect him while in Ostia?

2. Although Silas helps Herod many times over, how does Silas depend on Herod?

3. What are the differences between a punitive and conquering campaign?

4. When both Alexandrian Greeks and Jews send envoys to Claudius to gain his favor, how does Claudius react?

5. What is Claudius' intention when he brings up his past reputation of being the fool and imbecile to the Senate the eve of Scribonianus' rebellion?

6. What does Claudius do to embarrass the amateur actors that performed under Caligula's rule? Why does he do this? What does this show about Claudius' character?

7. Good friends with Caligula, what causes Herod to become hesitant of Caligula's rule?

8. How does Claudius frighten the corn factors into giving him a loan of a million gold pieces?

9. What suspicious behaviors and rumors about Herod make the reader believe he might do something dishonest? What changes does Claudius notice about Herod?

10. Herod seems to always be on the run, yet others predict Herod's future as powerful. Name these instances, who prophesies them, what they predict and how Herod reacts.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Messalina and Claudius' relationship. How do they have control over one another? What is their relationship based on?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of the emperor versus the role of the adviser? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each role? Cite examples from the book to show the pros and cons of each position.

Essay Topic 3

What is the prophecy of the Jewish Messiah? Why would King Herod believe he is the one? What contributing factors lend him to such a belief?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,375 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample