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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 makes it plausible that Thucydides begins his history from first-hand knowledge?

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

3. Who is instrumental in getting Sparta to join Syracuse against Athens?

4. What charismatic individual rises to prominence in 420 BC?

5. How do the Athenians respond to the many defeats suffered in 414 BC?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In 411 BC, what happened to Athenian democracy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail the Greek phalanx which at one time was considered impregnable. Include the military innovations of the day which finally put an end to that form of warfare. Then discuss how military technology has changed warfare repeatedly down through the ages since the Peloponnesian war.

Essay Topic 2

Trace the activity of the general Demosthenes and give your opinion as to his leadership abilities. Include in your paper an assessment of both his successes and his failures as a general. In part of his career he refused to return to Athens after a defeat but, unlike Alcibiades, he did not defect. Compare the two generals.

Essay Topic 3

The most intriguing of the Greek generals of his day was Alcibiades. Trace his defections to Sparta, Egypt, and Persia before he was finally recalled at Samos and made commander of the loyal Athenian troops. Contrast Alcibiades with America's Benedict Arnold in terms of how extraordinary it was for Alcibiades to ever return to Athens.

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