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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 are the Athenians doing in Italy at about the same time?

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

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

4. What does Thucydides say about the new Peloponnesian triremes?

5. What is commonly called the peace of Nicias by modern scholars?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How did Syracuse put the Athenian forces on the defensive?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Go through the history and identify some of the major mistakes Athens made during the Peloponnesian War. Be specific about what the mistakes were and how they affected the outcomes. Use other examples from the book than the major mistake of the invasion of Syracuse.

Essay Topic 2

Recalling the treatment Athens meted out to any conquered people, write an opinion paper about how their disregard for human value eventually worked against them. Then apply the idea to modern day international relations. Express an opinion about the fall of despots and how the people react.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 947 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample