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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What makes it plausible that Thucydides begins his history from first-hand knowledge?
(a) He is a wealthy Athenian and general in the early days of the war.
(b) His father is Athenian and his mother is from Sparta.
(c) He is a financier who has connections in high places.
(d) He is associated with the highest levels of diplomacy in the early days.

2. What s Sparta's excuse to resume major hostilities against Athens?
(a) Athens refuses to receive Spartan envoys.
(b) Alcibiades informs Sparta that Athens is out of money.
(c) The continue raids in Lycos.
(d) Athens has allied with Argos against the Spartans.

3. Who are the main antagonists over the military strategy in 416 BC?
(a) Alexander and Phillip
(b) Nician and Alcibiades
(c) Thucydides and Cleon
(d) Brasias and Pericles

4. Why does the Athenian attack on Messana fail?
(a) A betrayal by Alcibiades
(b) The Spartans arrive before Athens.
(c) An earthquake stops the invasion.
(d) Bad weather sinks many Athenian ships.

5. What event precipitates the beginning of the war?
(a) An attempted sea attack agains Athens from Sparta
(b) The beheading of Athenian envoys to Sparta
(c) The actual advent of hostilities comes about through a Theban surprise attack against Plataea.
(d) Word that Thrace had invaded Corinth.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do scholars generally explain the contradictions in Thucydides' text?

2. What happens to the Spartan offer of peace?

3. How does Thucydides picture certain charismatic generals during the years of the Peloponnesian War?

4. What military involvement in 416 BC is hotly argued in Athens?

5. What did Sparta demand of her allies?

(see the answer key)

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