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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. Among the principal military commanders who accompany Julian into Persia are all of these except:

2. In Section XXIII, the Persians attack during the hiatus and the skirmish escalates, until:

3. When Julian's friend Maximus arrives in Constantinople, the two friends discuss a plan for a military campaign against:

4. Julian's troops enter Persia and make camp at this river:

5. Julian claims to have information that _____ is behind the plot to kill him.

Short Essay Questions

1. Priscus, for one, takes a different viewpoint about Julian's popularity and his claims that he is beloved by the army and the people of Rome. What does Priscus say to Libanius about Julian's public image at the time of his ascension to Augustus?

2. Throughout his life, Julian is influenced and makes decisions based on signs, omens and dreams. At one point, he dreams about a tree. Describe this dream and his interpretation of it.

3. Describe Julian's lifestyle after he becomes Augustus.

4. Describe the scene of the battle near Ctesiphon the next day. What does Julian do during the battle? What does he do immediately after the battle?

5. After Constantius dies and his will is read, Julian's position as Augustus is solidified and validated. How? What is the first thing Julian does to demonstrate his power?

6. How does Julian deal with the famine in Antioch?

7. When Julian's army and the general populace begin calling for Julian to become Augustus, he seems unsure how to react. Do you think he wants to become Augustus or not? Why does he seem to act so coy about the people's call?

8. Julian may have a sense that he is becoming drunk with power and losing touch with real people and real issues. Describe the incident at the baths that illustrates his awareness.

9. In his memoirs and his journal, Julian insists that his army and the people love him, that he goes to great lengths to avoid confrontation and do right by the populace, and that his ascension to power is due to the will of the people. Some of these recollections are rather self-serving. Describe some examples of these recollections.

10. Several things happen that suggest to Julian that his death may be imminent. Cite some of these occurrences. What does Julian think about these incidents and how does he react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select a minor character from the story of Julian and discuss this character's role in the overall story. Explain how this character is developed throughout the story and what his/her purpose is from a literary standpoint.as well as with respect to advancing the plot and revealing the main character, Julian.

Essay Topic 2

Several differing points of view are presented in the story of Julian. Julian, Libanius and Priscus serve as narrators at various times in the story and they see some events differently. Compare and contrast their points of view. Why does the author include differing points of view? How does this contribute to the texture of the story? Which point of view represents the truth or the most accurate historical perspective?

Essay Topic 3

Julian enjoys his 47 days in Athens immensely. Why does Athens appeal to Julian? What does it represent to him? Explain the significance of this period in Julian's life.

(see the answer keys)

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