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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. There is a battle on the plain west of Antirhion. Who do the Spartans fight there?

2. What punishment do Alexandros and Xeones receive?

3. Why does Diomache feel that no man will want her?

4. Why is Xerxes warned about the story of the Spartans?

5. How do the Spartans view war?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author jump from place to place in the story?

2. How do Alexandros and Xeones get across the Gulf of Corinth when following the army?

3. How does Xeones describe the Spartan view on war?

4. What is a helot?

5. Describe the battlefield at Antirhion.

6. How does Xeones come to follow the Spartan army when they march out to war?

7. Why does Xerxes become impatient with Xeones?

8. How do the Spartans count their dead?

9. Why does Polynikes seem to think that Spartans are better than any other men?

10. Describe the Spartan line formation.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After seeing what losses he takes fighting the Spartans, Xerxes almost leaves Greece and abandons his campaign. How is he persuaded to remain? What emotion drives him to stay? Is Xerxes in control of his own emotions here? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

During the battle at Thermopylae, several soldiers are caught trying to desert. Answer the following questions:

1. What reasons do the men give for desertion?

2. What reasons does Leonidas give for allowing the men to flee?

3. Why do some of the men beg to be allowed to return to duty after the speech that Leonidas gives?

4. How do the other men feel about those who desert? What do the other men want to do about it?

Essay Topic 3

In ancient Greece, just like many other ancient civilizations, crimes were punished much more severely than they are now. Many crimes involving stealing would result in losing a hand, or having the hands crippled. Have students write an essay answering the following questions:

1. What are these kinds of punishments no longer in use? What caused them to be discontinued in the Western world?

2. Are these kinds of punishments still in use today? If they are, then where, and why?

3. Do you feel that capital and corporal punishment is appropriate punishment for most crimes? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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