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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. Why does Augustus move the sword-fighters out of the city?

2. What project does Livia stop Claudius from completing?

3. Tiberius trusted Nerva because of his. . .

4. When Tiberius adopts Germanicus, Claudius's brother is brought into which family?

5. What do the eagles drop into Claudius's gown?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Claudius wait until Germanicus returns to Rome to tell him that Postumus was innocent?

2. What does Livia do to bring Tiberius back to Rome?

3. How does Germanicus keep the Roman regiments from revolting?

4. How is Claudius related to Augustus Caesar?

5. How does Claudius find out that his letters to Germanicus are being intercepted?

6. Why does Tiberius need Livia's help in running the government?

7. How does Claudius feel about his son, Drusillus?

8. What criticism does Pollio make about Livy?

9. How does Tiberius react to Germanicus's loyal quelling of the troop revolts?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Historical fiction is a blend of fact and imagination. Write a paper pointing out when Robert Graves is basing his story on fact and when he is allowing himself to imagine what might have happened.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Of the three emperors shown in this novel, the progression goes from good to bad to horrible. Was this related to the power that grew from one emperor to another? Write an essay addressing the role that unchecked power plays in the corruption of a ruler.

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