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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What innovation does Gylippus utilize in the second battle at Syracuse?
(a) Battering rams
(b) Cavalry
(c) Catapults
(d) Explosives

2. What happens in 411 BC to the Athenian democracy after the defeat at Syracuse?
(a) All the leaders resign in helplessness.
(b) Athenian democracy collapses under the pressure of assassinations and military defeat.
(c) The democracy splits into three separate factions.
(d) Martial law is declared to restore order and democracy.

3. Why are the Peloponnesian triremes better equipped?
(a) They carry flamethrowing catapults.
(b) They are made of teak wood imported from Africa.
(c) Their prows are stronger and their rams reinforced.
(d) They are carrying missle launching equipment.

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

5. What is the political position of Argos from 418 through 416 BC?
(a) Maintained neutrality
(b) Vascilation between Athens and Sparta
(c) Consistently pro-Athens
(d) Consistently pro Spart

6. What is the response to Nicias' communique during the winter of 414 BC?
(a) After debate, the city decides to send more reinforcements and new leadership.
(b) Athens answers that there are no more reinforcements available.
(c) There is cold silence after Nicias' request arrives in Athens.
(d) Nicias' correspondence is intercepted by Sparta.

7. How do the Athenians respond to the many defeats suffered in 414 BC?
(a) They order the Athenian navy to return to Athens.
(b) They recall Demosthenes and put him on trial.
(c) They continue to pour their resources and personnel into the Syracusan conflict.
(d) They refuse to believe that it is as bad as reported.

8. In 422 BC, what is the financial condition of Athens?
(a) The treasury has been largely expended and private subscriptions and extra taxes have been utilized for military expansion.
(b) Athens is bankrupt and has to forego paying its soldiers.
(c) Athenian wealth has grown far beyond what the Spartans had.
(d) The Athenian treasury is being supplied only from conquered territories.

9. How do scholars generally explain the contradictions in Thucydides' text?
(a) Over time. he revises his opinions and understanding but does not always update all relevant textual passages.
(b) Much of the manuscript is lost and Thucydides forgets what he has said earlier.
(c) Correctly analyzed, what appears to be contradictions are actually not.
(d) Thucydides seems to have a great deal of trouble making up his mind.

10. What does Sparta do in 414 BC?
(a) Sends new peace envoys to Athens.
(b) Twice invades Argos.
(c) Gives command of their armies to Alcibiades.
(d) Makes an alliance with Argos.

11. What are the Athenians doing in Italy at about the same time?
(a) Regrouping to attack Peloponnesus
(b) Preparing to invade Syracuse
(c) Taking a break from the war
(d) Calling an international conference

12. At first, what action by Athens signifies a lack of understanding of the defeat at Syracuse?
(a) They believe their allies will not desert them.
(b) They vote to build more ships and press forward with the war.
(c) They launch an attack on Sparta.
(d) They raise taxes and duties for military spending.

13. How do scholars from other disciplines consider the value of Thucydides' work?
(a) The strange chronology makes it useless for other fields of study.
(b) It provides enough corollary materials that is has been the subject of scrutiny across a diverse field of studies.
(c) Its' politics are not consistent with other writers' interpretations.
(d) Social analysts cannot get a picture of the development of democratic institutions.

14. What success does Cleon have during the time of Book 5?
(a) Cleon negotiates a cease fire with Crete.
(b) Cleon is elected to lead the country for life.
(c) Cleon leads an Athenian expedition to Thrace where he recaptures some areas formerly subjugated by Sparta.
(d) Cleon succeeds in reguilding the Athenian war machine.

15. What major battle occurs in the winter of 415 BC?
(a) Sparta versus Italy
(b) Athens versus Syracuse
(c) Thrace versus Thebes
(d) Sicily versus Macedonia

Short Answer Questions

1. Stylistically speaking, what is the quality of Thucydides' text?

2. What happens in Attica during the time of the battle at Amphipolis?

3. What are the results of Corinth's being alarmed during 421 BC?

4. Who negotiates with both sides--Sparta and Athens--after the defeat at Syracuse?

5. What desecration of religious idols is charged to Alcibiades?

(see the answer keys)

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