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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 prompts Marius to pursue greater ambitions after his first military service?

2. What out dated method of punishment does Crassus use after his men's loss?

3. How does Mummius respond to Crassus's instructions against the Spartans at the arc?

4. Where in Italy is the famous statue of Gaius Marius located?

5. What is Crassus counting on as he proceeds to face the enemy troops in Syria?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rex Warner describe Plutarch's biography of Marius and why?

2. What questionable things does Marius do during his sixth term as consul?

3. Why does Sulla give up the dictatorship and how does he live his life at this point?

4. How does Sulla attempt to interfere with Pompey the Great's life?

5. How does the feud between Marius and Metellus begin?

6. Where does the expression, "one of Marius's mules" originate?

7. What is the mystery surrounding Marius's death?

8. What happens to Sulla's wife, Metella, and what does Sulla do?

9. How does the civil war between Marius and Sulla start, and what is the result of it?

10. What is interesting about Sulla's funeral and the inscription on his burial stone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pompey is mainly known for his military career, but he also entered the political arena. Analyze both his military and political experiences, how they contrasted each other, and which one had the most impact on Rome. Also, include a detailed explanation of why Pompey was so highly regarded for the way he handled himself during the military battles he was involved with.

Essay Topic 2

Plutarch mentions that Caesar has a more impressive military career than any of the other Roman leaders mentioned in the book. Analyze Caesar's military experience and the way he chooses to fight his battles, citing specific examples of what earns him so much respect from his soldiers and the people of Rome. Also, describe the way Caesar's military accomplishments compare to those of the other leaders and if your analysis supports Plutarch's opinion.

Essay Topic 3

During the Roman Empire, marriage was used as a way to exercise control over people and situations and was looked at much differently than it is today. Write an essay describing the way the Romans, and the leaders in particular, saw marriage, and how it differs from current times. Provide examples of the way marriage was used for political purposes in the book, how each of the leaders viewed it, and why there were so many different marriages within a short period.

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