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. Whom does the young Caesar eventually take on as his colleague?

2. Along with the dowry from his wife, what helps Cicero maintain his modest lifestyle?

3. Who argues against the death penalty for the conspirators who plan to kill the senators?

4. How does Vergentorix, the commander of the Gaul forces, surrender?

5. Who supports the law to give Pompey increased powers to fight the pirates?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the differences between Caesar and Pompey lead to Caesar becoming the dictator of Rome, and what does he do with the position?

2. How does the rivalry between Cicero and Clodius begin?

3. What does Cicero's name mean, why was he given it, and how does his response to it indicate his sense of humor?

4. What actions does Caesar make following the deaths of his aunt and wife that endear him to the people of Rome?

5. How does Pompey face criticism for pursuing Caesar and what happens when the two meet for the final time?

6. How does Pompey's reputation contrast with his father's?

7. Why does Cicero leave Rome after he draws the ire of Clodius, and how does he return?

8. What age is Pompey when he does battle with Caesar and what happens when the two first meet?

9. What are some of the omens that Plutarch discusses leading up to Caesar's death?

10. What is the contrast between Caesar's troops and Pompey's troops, and how does that affect the outcome of their war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Caesar's political career was hugely successful as he became appointed a dictator for life by the Roman people.

1) Compare Caesar's approach to politics and the offices he held with others who came before him, particularly Sulla, who had a distinctly different view of the people.

2) Describe the key events that caused Caesar to become so popular among the people, how his decisions and actions contributed to the popularity, and why the people connected with him in that way.

3) Analyze Caesar's political accomplishments and the situations that led him to become consul and then dictator. Also, include a description of the things that Caesar does to lose the support of the people and what his reasons are for them.

Essay Topic 2

Sulla makes his quest for control clear in the way he takes control of Rome.

1) Describe the events that lead up to Sulla attacking Rome and gaining control of it for the first time. Include your analysis of his actions and the motives behind them.

2) Explain what Sulla does after regaining control of Rome, how many soldiers are affected as a result, and what Sulla chooses to do with the control he gives himself.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the war between Cicero and Catiline, why it starts, how Cicero becomes involved in it, and the way Catiline is dealt with. Explain Cicero's involvement and actions in detail along with why he has the ability to stop Catiline and his plans.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,279 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample