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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. Maximus claims to tell about the location and manner of Julian's death by:

2. Julian proposes burning his own ships so that:

3. After Julian becomes emperor, Priscus notices a change in his temperament. Priscus describes Julian as becoming:

4. Constantius's will names this person as his successor.

5. In Section XX, in order to engage the Persians, the Roman troops have to cross:

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. Describe the situation when Julian enters Persia at the start of the campaign when Julian, his generals and the troops first reach the Euphrates River.

4. The relationship between Julian and Eusebia is never really made clear. Describe what you know about this relationship.

5. Shortly after the battle of Ctesiphon, Julian is wounded in another battle when he is pierced in the side by a spear. Describe the incident and tell what the outcome is.

6. 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?

7. What happens when Julian's army encounters the Persian army near Ctesiphon? What orders does Julian give? How does he act in front of the troops? What do you think is actually going on in his mind?

8. Julian travels overland to Antioch stopping in various towns along the way. What reason does he give for the journey and what does Julian hope to accomplish by visiting the towns en route?

9. What happens during the year of the famine in Antioch? Who is responsible for the famine? Who is blamed?

10. Julian has grown more and more enamored with belief in the Hellenistic gods and more distant from Christianity. His dislike of Christian holidays is well known. Why does he publicly celebrate Epiphany?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This is a book of historical fiction. Describe the genre of historical fiction and explain why this story fits into the literary category. Does historical fiction help readers understand and relate to other times and historical figures or does it simply romanticize and falsify history? Use characters and incidents from the story to explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Hellenism involves the practice of ritual sacrifice as a way of acknowledging, appeasing, thanking or honoring the powers that be. Do some research on the practice of ritual sacrifice as it is practiced in Hellenism and also as it occurs in other cultures/religions. What purpose does sacrifice serve in Julian's mind? What does this aspect of Hellenism reveal about Julian and about his faith?

Essay Topic 3

From an early age, Julian has a nose for political correctness and self-preservation. Explore how this tendency to internalize his real thoughts and feelings (some might say deceive others about his true beliefs and intentions) manifested in several aspects of Julian's life.

(see the answer keys)

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