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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. How does Silas react to news that Herod is dying?

2. In the second account of Claudius' death, what motivates Agrippinilla to hire Locusta?

3. What does Claudius say he plans to do in his 7th year of rule?

4. What literary innovation does Claudius suggest to the Senate?

5. How does Vitellius die?

Short Essay Questions

1. How might reinstating Mithridater to the Armenian throne help quell the alliance forming in the Near East?

2. What is the reaction of those in Hell when Claudius arrives? Why do they react this way?

3. What is Britannicus relationship with his father? How does it change in the last years of Claudius' life?

4. How does Claudius use his power as an emperor for personal use, and how does he justify his action?

5. What is the fate of the British isle now that the Romans have conquered it?

6. Of the five additional honors the Senate gives Claudius for his victory in Britain, describe two of them and explain why he is chosen to have these honors.

7. How do rumors that Lucius is protected by double cobras come about?

8. Why does Claudius call for support from the palace guards? What about them does he trust above others?

9. How does Silius react to Claudius when they meet for his trial? Does Silius show malicious intent in his acts or as a victim of Messalina?

10. What attitude does Claudius take on when he marries Agrippinilla? How does the public respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Herod states that he is still an "uncivlized Edomite at heart" and it is a privilege to learn from a Roman matriarch, Claudius Antonia. Write an essay explaining why Herod might feel this way despite being raised in Rome since childhood.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the punishments doled out during the ancient Roman times. Examples are execution, banishment, or imprisonment. How effective are each of these punishments? When and how does a jury, emperor, or judge decide on which punishment to give? Cite examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Compare Claudius' reign as he sees it to how others may see him. What is the same and what is different?

(see the answer keys)

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