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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. Who does Claudius blame for the mistakes that led to a Germanic uprising?

2. What really happened to Postumus?

3. What title does Tiberius refuse on Livia's behalf?

4. What honor does Livia create for Urgulania?

5. What is the best part of Germanicus's final incursions against the Germans?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rome so vulnerable to attack by the German forces after Varus dies?

2. Why does Livia target Julilla and her unborn child?

3. What does the nobleman predict will happen based on Claudius catching the wolf cub?

4. How does Livia get rid of Postumus?

5. How does Claudius describe Urgulanilla?

6. Explain the meaning of the prophecy that the Oracle Sibyl told to Claudius?

7. Why does Augustus refuse to eat or drink anything but bread, water, and figs straight from the tree?

8. How is Claudius related to Augustus Caesar?

9. Why is it better for Claudius that Livia thinks he is an idiot?

10. What three things does Antonia tell Claudius are impossible?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Research a paper about the institution of slavery in Ancient Rome.

Essay Topic 2

Is this novel simply an entertaining story, or are there parallels to our modern world? Write an essay identifying and analyzing any parallels you can find, whether social, political, or moral, to our modern world.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Claudius survive, when all his other relatives perish? Write an essay that explains his longevity.

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This section contains 492 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample