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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Plutarch report that Demosthenes and Cicero showed the differences in their personalities through their speeches?
(a) Demosthenes was somber and deliberte, but Cicero was trivial and lighthearted.
(b) Demosthenes was serious and eloquent, but Cicero loved to jest and make fun of his opponents.
(c) Demosthenes was trivial and lighthearted, but Cicero was somber and deliberate.
(d) Demosthenes loved to just and make fun of his opponents, but Cicero was serious and eloquent.

2. Who did wealthy land owners influence from the Senate to oppose Tiberius' efforts at land reform, according to Plutarch?
(a) Marcus Brutus, who opposed Caesars attempts to spread the wealth from captured cities.
(b) Octavius Caesar, who was son of Caesar.
(c) Caius Mancinus, who was a consul of bad reputation.
(d) Marcus Octavius, who was considered to be a friend of Tiberius.

3. Who does Plutarch report to be the father of Tiberius and Caius Gracchus?
(a) Julius Caesar.
(b) Tiberius Gracchus I.
(c) Caius Gracchus I.
(d) Cicero.

4. For what did Plutarch claim that Artaxerxes I of Persia was known?
(a) For a gentle and noble spirit and his right hand being longer than his left hand.
(b) For being a brutal tyrant.
(c) For being generous and patient.
(d) For overcoming Babylon at the height of its empire.

5. What did Plutarch claim to be the differences in motivation between Demosthenes and Cicero?
(a) Demosthenes was motivated by personal gain, but Cicero refused to take any gifts.
(b) Demosthenes sought glory and honor, but Cicero was motivated by personal gain.
(c) Demosthenes was motivated by inspiring Greeks to their past glory, but Cicero was driven by the desire for glory.
(d) Demosthenes was humble and generous, but Cicero was impulsive and greedy.

6. How did Ochus come to succeed Artaxerxes, according to Plutarch?
(a) He bribed his father.
(b) He was the favorite of his mother.
(c) He avoided war, but his brothers died in war.
(d) He murdered his brother Arsames and drove his other brother Ariaspes to suicide.

7. Who did Plutarch identify as the Senator that Brutus opposed, but joined in a civil war against Caesar?
(a) Sertorius.
(b) Crassus.
(c) Cassius.
(d) Pompey.

8. What political difference does Plutarch recognize between "The Spartans"?
(a) Agis was fiery and relentless, but Cleomenes was methodical and careful.
(b) Agis depended on sarcastic rhetorical skills, but Cleomenes rhetorical style was theatrical and well rehearsed.
(c) Agis showed a lack of determination, but Cleomenes inspired revolution with boldness and violence.
(d) Agis was an uncontrolled revolutionary, but Cleomenes sought peaceful negotiations as a means of change.

9. For what does Plutarch claim Artaxerxes II was known?
(a) He was known for his biting sarcastic rhetorical style.
(b) He was known as the Mindful.
(c) He was known for having one leg shorter than the other.
(d) He was known for constructing ana alliance of Greeks and Macedonians.

10. Why did Plutarch report Cyrus attempted to overthrow Artaxerxes?
(a) Because Artaxerxes' son, Darius, convinced him he would share power with him.
(b) Because the people of Persia could not support anymore wars.
(c) Cyrus listened to factious men that voiced the opinion that the times and size of the Persian Empire required a leader with Cyrus' talents.
(d) Because Cyrus knew he would have his mother's support.

11. In the comparison of Tiberius and Caius Gracchus (henceforth identified here as "The Roman Brothers") with Agis and Cleomenes ("The Spartans"), how does Plutarch refer to Tiberius and Caius as a unit?
(a) Sons of Gracchus.
(b) The Romans.
(c) Tiberius and Caius.
(d) The Gracchi.

12. How did Plutarch explain the tyrrant, Nicocles, rose to power?
(a) He took power from the other two members of a triumvirate.
(b) He inherited the position from his father.
(c) He invaded Sicyon and destroyed the leaders there.
(d) He assassinated Paseas.

13. After Dion drove Donysius II from Syracuse, what does Plutarch claim came of his attempt to form a government?
(a) A popular faction opposed his plans.
(b) He proved to be unable to implement his plans.
(c) He was chased from the city by supporters of Dionysius II.
(d) He could not get leaders of factions to agree.

14. What did Plutarch report to be the differences between Rome and Sparta at the time "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans" had their influence?
(a) "The Roman Brothers" lived at the time that Rome had risen to its greatest repute, but "The Spartans" lived when Sparta was sinking and debauched.
(b) "The Roman Brothers" became part of a movement to unite the provinces of Rome, but "The Spartans" were fighting to free Sparta from Macedonian domination.
(c) "The Roman Brothers" lived in a time of rebellion against Rome by its extended provinces, but "The Spartans" were part of a time of peace and industry.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" lived as Rome was transitioning from a Republic to an Empire, but "The Spartans" lived as Sparta was coming to the end of extended captivity to Macedon.

15. How was the Artaxerxes from Plutarch's "Lives" related to the first Artaxerxes to rule over Persia?
(a) They were the same person.
(b) He was the grandson to Artaxerxes through his mother, Parysatis.
(c) He was a distant nephew whose family conspired to come into the line of the throne.
(d) He was a general who just happened to have the same name.

Short Answer Questions

1. What Macedonian King did Plutarch claim regarded Aratus as a trusted adviser?

2. What quote from Plato does Plutarch use to begin a criticism in his profiles of Demetrius and Antony?

3. How does Plutarch explain public anger both Dion and Brutus received for their stands against Dionysius II and Caesar respectively?

4. Who does Plutarch claim to be the three Macedonian Kings under whom Demosthenes lived?

5. How did Plutarch claim Artaxerxes avoided a war with the Spartans?

(see the answer keys)

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