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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What further mischief does a former Athenian general create in 412 BC?

4. Why is Book 5 of the History of the Peloponnesian War such a short book?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Besides a war history, what value is placed on the History of the Peloponnesian War?

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

3. What is today generally referred to as the peace of Nicias?

4. After the defeat at Syracuse, what was the condition of of the Athenian league?

5. What historical turning point is inaugurated by Athens in 415 BC?

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

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

8. Aside from the disintegration of Athens and its allies, what was the political/military condition of the Grecian world in 412 BC?

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

10. What was Thucydides' intention for his history of the war in terms of future reference?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the strident training and discipline of the Spartan warriors. Show how that even though they were persistent underdogs in the Peloponnesian War, the Spartans behaved with uncommon valor. In preparing for this paper, you might want to look up the story of the Spartan 300.

Essay Topic 2

Successful generals often rise to great political power. Write an essay about the events leading to the political power of Demosthenes, Cleon, and Alcibiades. In your essay, contrast the way each of these managed to gain their position.

Essay Topic 3

Using information about motives and prejudices among both the Spartans the Athenians, write a paper about the absurdity of war. Evaluate what was actually accomplished from the Peloponnesian War. Include your assessment of war in general.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 952 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample