View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the reason Plutarch gives for Aratus deciding to make alliance with Philip of Macedon?
(a) To defend Greece from the Spartans.
(b) To prevent being attacked by Philip.
(c) To benefit from the empire Philip was building.
(d) Cleomenes' victories over nearly all Achaean cities.

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

3. 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 a distant nephew whose family conspired to come into the line of the throne.
(c) He was a general who just happened to have the same name.
(d) He was the grandson to Artaxerxes through his mother, Parysatis.

4. 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 was humble and generous, but Cicero was impulsive and greedy.
(c) Demosthenes was motivated by inspiring Greeks to their past glory, but Cicero was driven by the desire for glory.
(d) Demosthenes sought glory and honor, but Cicero was motivated by personal gain.

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

6. 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) It is not great wonder if in long process of time, while fortune takes her course hither and thither, numerous coincidences should spontaneously occur."
(c) "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
(d) "Great natures produce great vices as well as virtues."

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

8. 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 opposing an effective leader, but it was angry at Brutus for not having a trial on Caesar's crimes.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 the senate was convinced that he was involved in the conspiracy against Caesar by Antony.
(c) Because Octavius made a speech that associated Tiberius' actions with those who had ambitions to become king.
(d) Because landowners became frustrated by his persistence and decided to end it in the senate.

11. According to Plutarch, what was the difference in political support between "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans"?
(a) "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.
(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" had strong support from leaders in the senate, but "The Spartans" got their support from military men.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" had their support from military men, but "The Spartans" were supported by the general public.

12. What did Plutarch report Darius did to prevent his ascension to Artaxerxes' throne?
(a) He was discovered in a conspiracy to kill Artaxerxes and was executed.
(b) He fled for Rome.
(c) He made himself a eunuch.
(d) He married a Spartan woman.

13. 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 hold that landowners had over the senate.
(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 unwillingness of the senate to release lands that were under its authority.

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

15. According to Plutarch, why was the issue still alive for Tiberius in spite of previous efforts to address the issue?
(a) Crassus' well known animosity for Caesar put his causes on the losing side in the senate.
(b) Cicero's sarcastic rhetorical style alienated more senators than it won over.
(c) Caius Laelius folded under political pressure from men of authority.
(d) Scipio could not overcome the political influence of senators who had sold their votes to wealthy landowners.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Plutarch claim Demetrius fell into disfavor with the Athenians?

2. How does Plutarch compare the motivations of rebelling between Dion and Brutus?

3. Who led a conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Government that Plutarch reports Cicero exposed in the Senate?

4. What does Plutarch consider to be the difference in the military achievements between Dion and Brutus?

5. What does Plutarch claim Demosthenes did with his suicide?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,186 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample