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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Where is Thucydides writing his History of the Peloponnesian War?
(a) In exile
(b) Underground Athens
(c) In the Library of Alexandria
(d) In Sparta

3. What is the contradiction of Tissapherne's interaction with Sparta?
(a) Even as he declares an alliance with Sparta, he begins to cut material contributions to the Peloponnesians.
(b) After making an alliance with Sparta, he continues negotiating with Athens.
(c) He never intends to keep his promises to Peloponesus.
(d) He makes an alliance with Sparta but also makes a secret alliance with Syracuse.

4. What are the results of Corinth's being alarmed during 421 BC?
(a) Corinth, in particular, is alarmed as are numerous other cities and a series of alliances began to develop.
(b) Several spies are caught checking out their defenses.
(c) Its borders are too exposed on all sides.
(d) Athens and Sparta agree to attack Corinth from both sides.

5. Where are most of the skirmishes fought in 411 BC?
(a) The Hellespont
(b) At Lycros
(c) In Miletus
(d) In Crete

Short Answer Questions

1. What transpires in Syracuse in 414 BC?

2. Who are the main antagonists over the military strategy in 416 BC?

3. What innovation does Gylippus utilize in the second battle at Syracuse?

4. What major battle occurs in the winter of 415 BC?

5. Why does the Athenian attack on Messana fail?

Short Essay Questions

1. What explanation is given to the stylistic density and complexity of History of the Peloponnesian War?

2. What shift in the balance of power occurred immediately after the disastrous defeat of the Athenian army and navy at Syracuse?

3. What was the mindset of Athens after the defeats at Syracuse?

4. What commonly held belief did Thucydides reject but observed its impact on the war?

5. What unusual twist of fortune occurred for Alcibiades in 411 BC?

6. To what did Thucydides attribute the final rout of the Athenian navy in the harbor at Syracuse?

7. In 422 BC, what caused the popularity of the Athenian general, Cleon, to rise?

8. What shenanigan was attributed to Alcibiades prior to his setting sail for Sicily?

9. What was so alarming about the revolt of Chios?

10. During the so-called peace of Nicias, what marked the military conflict between Athens and Sparta?

(see the answer keys)

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