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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Plutarch suggest Nicocles was wary of Aratus?
(a) Because he had a reputation of being vengeful and rebellious.
(b) Because he was known to be a scheming politician.
(c) Because he had a score to settle with the tyrants of Sicyon.
(d) His character was highly regarded by exiles from Nicocles tyranny.

2. Where did Demosthenes encourage Greeks to resist the rule of Philip and Alexander, according to Plutarch?
(a) At the battle of Chaeronea.
(b) In the Athenian Assembly.
(c) Through a Greek defensive alliance called Achaea.
(d) On the streets of Athens.

3. Who did Brutus join in the successful assassination attempt against Caesar, according to Plutarch?
(a) Antony.
(b) Cassius.
(c) Crassus.
(d) Pompey.

4. Who does Plutarch claim led a successful conspiracy to murder Dion?
(a) His half brother Ochus.
(b) Gelon.
(c) His friend, Callippus.
(d) His brother Thearides.

5. What does Plutarch record that Antony did in response to Brutus' and Cassius' assassination of Caesar?
(a) Used the vacancy created by Caesar's death to attempt to fill a power vacuum.
(b) Started an immediate pursuit to execute them for their crimes.
(c) Recommend them as governors for Roman provinces.
(d) Joined their alliance so he could become part of the Roman power structure.

6. Who did Plutarch report to be the first Roman official to try to take up the issue that confronted Tiberius after his election as tribune?
(a) Scipio.
(b) Cicero.
(c) Caius Laelius.
(d) Crassus.

7. What is the difference Plutarch cites between the leaders that Dion and Brutus overthrew?
(a) Dion overthrew a king over a city, but Brutus overthrew the leader of a vast empire.
(b) Dion overthrew a popular king, but Brutus overthrew a despised tyrant.
(c) Dion overthrew an obvious tyrant, but there is no evidence that Caesar was a tyrant.
(d) Dion overthrew a king in his own castle, but Brutus overthrew a leader on the floor of the senate.

8. What Macedonian King did Plutarch claim regarded Aratus as a trusted adviser?
(a) Alexander.
(b) Antigonus.
(c) Philip.
(d) Antipater.

9. Why did Plutarch claim that Tiberius was beaten to death on the Senate Floor?
(a) Because homeless soldiers got tired of waiting for his success and stormed the senate floor and cornered Tiberius.
(b) Because Octavius made a speech that associated Tiberius' actions with those who had ambitions to become king.
(c) Because the senate was convinced that he was involved in the conspiracy against Caesar by Antony.
(d) Because landowners became frustrated by his persistence and decided to end it in the senate.

10. How does Plutarch explain the differences in the public acceptance with Demetrius' collection of wives and mistresses and Antony's affair with Cleopatra?
(a) The Spartans commonly practiced polygamy whereas monogamy was the standard in Rome.
(b) Demetrius pursued both wealthy and common women, but Antony only pursued wealthy women.
(c) Demetrius only married Spartan women, but Antony pursued women of many nationalities.
(d) Demetrius married many women to leave many sons, Antony only pursued women to enhance his political status.

11. Why did Plutarch claim Artaxerxes' mother favored Cyrus as king when Darius died?
(a) Because Cyrus was peaceful and Artaxerxes was a warrior.
(b) Because Artaxerxes' mother became pregnant with him while Cyrus was married to another woman.
(c) Because Artaxerxes travelled on campaigns with his father, while Cyrus stayed and managed the home for his mother.
(d) Because she had given birth to Cyrus after Darius had become king.

12. How does Plutarch explain public anger both Dion and Brutus received for their stands against Dionysius II and Caesar respectively?
(a) The public was angry at Dion for leaving Syracuse after he overthrew Dionysius II, but it was angry at Brutus for not staying in Rome.
(b) The public was angry at Dion for opposing an effective leader, but it was angry at Brutus for not having a trial on Caesar's crimes.
(c) The public was angry at Dion for trying to take Dionysius II's throne, but it was angry at Brutus for turning away from the vacant throne.
(d) The public was angry at Dion for having allowed Dionysius II to escape, but the public was angry with Brutus for killing a popular leader.

13. Who did Demetrius kill to take the throne of Macedon, according to Plutarch?
(a) Antipater.
(b) Alexander, son of Cassander.
(c) .Cassander.
(d) Alexander, son of Philip.

14. Who does Plutarch report was to be successor to Artaxerxes throne?
(a) His oldest son Darius.
(b) His scheming son, Ochus.
(c) His favorite son, Ariaspes.
(d) His second son, Arsames.

15. What does Plutarch report that Antony did after his first reaction the Assassination of Caesar?
(a) Joined Octavius and Lepidus in a triumvirate.
(b) Organized a tribunal to judge the members of the conspiracy.
(c) He delivered a speech that turned the Roman population against Brutus and Cassius.
(d) Began a civil war to punish Brutus and Cassius.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Plutarch identify as the father of Aratus?

2. What honor does Plutarch report this earned for Demetrius and Antigonus from the Athenians?

3. 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?

4. Why does Plutarch suggest that Dion was banished from Syracuse by the supporters of Dionysisus' son, Dionysisus II?

5. How did Tiberius finally push his land reform law through the Senate, according to Plutarch?

(see the answer keys)

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