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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. From a more historical point of view, how does the peace of Nicias seem to scholars?
(a) It seems to be misnamed for Nicias and should be credited to Cleon.
(b) It appears to be a gradual cessation of hostilities.
(c) It looks like a failed effort at diplomacy.
(d) It does not look like a peace at all.

2. What military plan is put into effect in response to Nicias' request?
(a) Demosthenes commands a large group of hoplites who are taken to Syracuse by ship.
(b) Demosthenes prepares to lead a fleet to Sicily while another Athenian fleet raids along the Peloponnesus.
(c) Demosthenes becomes the first casualty of the naval war.
(d) Demosthenes declines to get involved in the war.

3. What is the first step in the unraveling of the Athenian force?
(a) The raids on Peloponnesus become ineffective.
(b) The Spartan presence in fortified Decelea causes difficulty in Athens, and Sparta sends reinforcements to Syracuse.
(c) There starts to be a lot of defections.
(d) Money is playing out in Athens.

4. What unusual plan does Syracuse put into operation against Athens?
(a) Syracusans build a fleet and attack the Athenian navy.
(b) Syracusans lead land attacks.
(c) Syracuse sends sick civilians into the Athenian ranks to spread disease.
(d) Syracusans put out a rumor that the city has the plague.

5. How is Argos able to withstand the Spartans?
(a) Argos has new military weaponry.
(b) They have impenetrable walls.
(c) There is intervention and the Spartans have to retreat.
(d) They ally with Athens who fights with them.

Short Answer Questions

1. What s Sparta's excuse to resume major hostilities against Athens?

2. How does the text of Thucydides' history end?

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

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

5. How are the triremes used in naval combat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was the charismatic Athenian who promulgated an anti-Spartan alliance in the Peloponnesus? What weakness did he seem to have?

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

3. How did the arrival of Gylippus made a difference in the Athenian attack on Syracuse?

4. After Gylippus' arrival in Syracuse, what immediate conflict began between Syracuse and the Athenians?

5. What unusual event transpired at Amphipolis in 422 BC and how did Thucydides view the results?

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

7. What feature of Thucydides' writing would not be acceptable in historical writing today?

8. What design changes in the new Peloponnesian triremes made them more effective against the Athenian navy?

9. What happened in Athens after the revolt of Euboea?

10. How did Alcibiades respond to his recall to face charges of blasphemy?

(see the answer keys)

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