View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What tyrannical Syracusan King does Plutarch report Dion served as he became wealthy?
(a) Nicocles.
(b) Dionysius I.
(c) Dionysius II.
(d) Sylla.

3. What honor does Plutarch report this earned for Demetrius and Antigonus from the Athenians?
(a) They were given powerful positions in the Athenian Assembly.
(b) They were named among the Athenian dieties.
(c) They were awarded with vineyards and gold.
(d) They were given a palace.

4. How was Cyrus' effort to overthrow Artaxerxes ended, according to Plutarch?
(a) He saw his challenge was harmful to Persia and committed suicide.
(b) He died in battle, supposedly by a spear thrown by Artaxerxes.
(c) Cyrus was killed in a conspiracy led by Artaxerxes' son Darius.
(d) Their mother demanded they stop.

5. How does Plutarch claim that Demosthenes became the best orator of his time?
(a) By practicing long hours to develop a dramatic, persuasive style.
(b) He had a natural flare that came naturally.
(c) He was trained in rhetorical arts by Aristotle.
(d) He was an avid reader and often quoted from the ancient masters.

6. According to Plutarch, what lead to the death of Aratus' father?
(a) He was killed by a jealous magistrate wanting to take his power.
(b) He was chosen to as a magistrate over Sicyon as it tried to relieve itself from several tyrannies.
(c) He was killed after being exposed as leader of a conspiracy to overthrow a tyranny.
(d) He died in battle for Sicyon.

7. What did Plutarch claim to be the main issue facing Tiberius after he was elected tribune of the people?
(a) Land reform to restore property taken by the wealthy class while common landowners were fighting wars.
(b) Internal improvements to help Rome transport goods in and out of the cities of the empire.
(c) Raising revenues through taxes to support Rome's many wars and Empire.
(d) Reforming the laws to even justice between the wealthy and the poor.

8. Who does Plutarch identify as the father of Aratus?
(a) Cleon.
(b) Timoclides.
(c) Abantidas.
(d) Clinias.

9. 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) Cicero.
(b) Crassus.
(c) Scipio.
(d) Caius Laelius.

10. Why does Plutarch suggest that Dion was banished from Syracuse by the supporters of Dionysisus' son, Dionysisus II?
(a) They feared that he was plotting to take Dionysius II's throne.
(b) They feared the influence he was having against the Dionysius II use of tyrrany.
(c) They feared he would have them killed.
(d) They feared that he would rise above them in power.

11. What did Plutarch claim that Caius had to overcome before he was elected to tribune?
(a) His fear that the animosity for his brother still existed.
(b) The unwillingness of the senate to release lands that were under its authority.
(c) False charges that he had been defiant to his authorities as a quaestor, that he had excited insurrections among allies, and had been involved in conspiracies.
(d) The hold that landowners had over the senate.

12. How does Plutarch compare the motivations of rebelling between Dion and Brutus?
(a) Many supported Dion's revolution, but Brutus was opposed by the general public.
(b) Dion rebelled against tyranny, but Brutus sought to restore the Roman Republic.
(c) Many thought Dion sought power for himself, but Brutus wanted only to serve Rome.
(d) Dion rebelled for the benefit of Syracusans, but Brutus wanted power.

13. What does Plutarch consider to be the difference in the military achievements between Dion and Brutus?
(a) Don was a better tactician, but Brutus was more courageous.
(b) Dion favored closed confrontations, but Brutus preferred fighting in open fields.
(c) Brutus was a better general, but Dion faced more worthy opponents.
(d) Dion was the better general, but Brutus faced a more worthy opponent.

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

15. According to Plutarch, what was the difference in political support between "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans"?
(a) "The Roman Brothers" had strong support from leaders in the senate, but "The Spartans" got their support from military men.
(b) "The Roman Brothers" kept opposition in check with strong support from the plebes, but "The Spartans" won political challenges through forceful personalities.
(c) "The Roman Brothers" were opposed by influential men of their day, but "The Spartans" were supported by history and the authority of one of the most important political leaders of Sparta.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" had their support from military men, but "The Spartans" were supported by the general public.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which one of the four being compared does Plutarch report had no great action worthy of a commander?

2. What affect does Plutarch claim Aratus' education and his father's death have on Aratus?

3. How did Plutarch explain the difference between Tiberius and Caius when they delivered speeches?

4. Who does Plutarch report to be the father of Tiberius and Caius Gracchus?

5. Why did Plutarch claim Artaxerxes' mother favored Cyrus as king when Darius died?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,008 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample