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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What quote from Plato does Plutarch use to begin a criticism in his profiles of Demetrius and Antony?
(a) "Whence it was that, men say, Simonides called Sparta "the tamer of men," because by early strictness of education, they became wise."
(b) "Great natures produce great vices as well as virtues."
(c) "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
(d) It is not great wonder if in long process of time, while fortune takes her course hither and thither, numerous coincidences should spontaneously occur."

3. How did Tiberius finally push his land reform law through the Senate, according to Plutarch?
(a) He imposed an edict preventing all magistrates from performing their functions until the law was passed.
(b) He used his rhetorical skills to influence the senate to support his land reform law.
(c) He incited the homeless soldiers to storm the senate and forse it to support the law.
(d) He influenced the praetorian guard to enforce the law in spite of it not passing the senate.

4. For what does Plutarch claim Marcus Brutus is known?
(a) For being the, "Noblest Roman of them all."
(b) For his role in the civil war with Pompey.
(c) For being the illegitimate son of Caesar.
(d) Acting as one of the assassins of Caesar.

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

6. What is the first difference that Plutarch found between Demetrius and Antony?
(a) Demetrius lived a restrained life, but Antony was a victim of his vices.
(b) Demetrius was born into a humble family, but Antony was born into wealth.
(c) Demetrius' father proved his power as a great battle general, but Antony's father was not a warrior.
(d) Demetrius was a willing mercenary, but Antony fought only for the glory of Rome.

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

8. How did Plutarch claim Artaxerxes avoided a war with the Spartans?
(a) He joined with Alexander who then routed the Spartans.
(b) He offered the Spartans half his kingdom.
(c) He navigated his troops around the Spartans until they became exhausted and depleted.
(d) He bribed the Greeks to declare war with the Spartans.

9. According to Plutarch, what was Artaxerxes' name before he became king?
(a) Ariaspes.
(b) Darius.
(c) Ochus.
(d) Arsicas.

10. What role did Antony eventually take in Rome, according to Plutarch, after Caesar's assassination?
(a) He became the lead diplomat to Egypt.
(b) He took power with Lepidius and Octavian in a triumvirate similar to the one formed by Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
(c) He became the consul of the senate.
(d) He became one of Rome's most powerful generals.

11. What does Plutarch claim that Brutus' decision to betray Caesar prove?
(a) That he wanted the opportunity to rule Rome.
(b) That he harbored resentment for his abandoning his mother after their affair.
(c) That he was ungrateful for the grace that Caesar extended to him after the civil war with Pompey.
(d) That he was driven by principle and not emotion.

12. Why does Plutarch consider Demetrius' death more dishonorable than Antony's?
(a) Because Demetrius died fleeing from his own army.
(b) Because Demetrius died from alcoholism.
(c) Because Demetrius died after rebelling against his country.
(d) Because Demetrius died in captivity after a failed military adventure.

13. What does Plutarch identify as the difference in the characters between "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans"?
(a) "The Roman Brothers" had a desire for glory and honors, but "The Spartans" loved contests and aspired to despotic power.
(b) "The Roman Brothers" had a desire to strengthen the systems of the Senate, but "The Spartans" sought to place all power in a single king.
(c) "The Roman Brothers" aspired to despotic power, but "The Spartans had a desire for glory and honors.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" sought to serve the Romans, but "The Spartans" sought to inspire revolution against Sparta's kings.

14. 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 that he would rise above them in power.
(d) They feared he would have them killed.

15. Where does Plutarch claim that Demosthenes was when he committed suicide to avoid capture by the Macedonians?
(a) A temple in Calauria.
(b) In his home in Athens.
(c) On his way to the public baths.
(d) In the Athenian Assembly.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Plutarch explain the tyrrant, Nicocles, rose to power?

2. According to Plutarch, what was the difference in political support between "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans"?

3. With whom does Plutarch report that Cicero joined in a conspiracy with against the son of Caesar?

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

5. How does Plutarch explain that Aratus finally end Nicocles' reign over Sicyon?

(see the answer keys)

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