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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the stated purpose of Book One of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War?
(a) To discuss the daily life of people in Sparta and Athens.
(b) To establish background and attempt to examine the causes of the war.
(c) To establish the credentials of Thucydides as a historian.
(d) To show the importance of Corinth in the Peloponnesian War.

2. What does Cleon do at Sphacteria?
(a) He brings in Barbarian mercenaries to finish the job.
(b) He sends Demosthenes to finish the job.
(c) He recalls the army because it was hopeless.
(d) He takes command and drives the attack to successful conclusion.

3. What happens to the Athenian attack on Amphipolis?
(a) It fails.
(b) The Athenians easily win.
(c) Sparta is there waiting for the Athenians.
(d) The Athenians are surprised by ambush.

4. How is the book historically divided by modern scholars?
(a) Book One is divided in two seasons--winter and summer.
(b) Book One has historically been subdivided into two named segments although these do not exist as such in the text itself.
(c) Book One is usually looked at as a whole in keeping with Thucydides' method.
(d) Book One has historically been divided into four major parts with certain aspects emphasized.

5. The war is between what two powers?
(a) The Athenian empire and the Peloponnesian League, an alliance of city-states led by Sparta.
(b) The Corinthian Empire and the Macedonians.
(c) Greece and Italy.
(d) The Persian Empire and Sparta.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Sparta somewhat weakened at the start of the war?

2. What is the main result of the 428 BC attack on Attica?

3. What problem soon arises for Athens?

4. After the prominent Spartan general, Pausanias, briefly becomes politically powerful, what causes his defeat?

5. Between Corinth and Corcyra, which side does Athens eventually decide to support?

(see the answer key)

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