View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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" sought to serve the Romans, but "The Spartans" sought to inspire revolution against Sparta's kings.
(c) "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.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" aspired to despotic power, but "The Spartans had a desire for glory and honors.

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

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

4. According to Plutarch, who prevented Cyrus from assassinating Artaxerxes at his inaugural ceremonies as king?
(a) Cyrus and Artaxerxes mother.
(b) Arsicas.
(c) Ochus.
(d) Ariaspes.

5. 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" had strong support from leaders in the senate, but "The Spartans" got their support from military men.
(c) "The Roman Brothers" kept opposition in check with strong support from the plebes, but "The Spartans" won political challenges through forceful personalities.
(d) "The Roman Brothers" had their support from military men, but "The Spartans" were supported by the general public.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. Why did Antigonus' son, Philip, kill Aratus, according to Plutarch?

3. What did Plutarch claim to be the main issue facing Tiberius after he was elected tribune of the people?

4. According to Plutarch, for what was Cicero's rhetoric noted?

5. After the death of Tiberius, what did Plutarch report to be the first office to which his brother, Caius was elected?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a primary difference that can be inferred between the ancient Spartan civilization and the ancient Roman Empire from Plutarch's comparison between the Gracchi and the Spartans?

2. What does Plutarch claim was the result of Opimius undoing the land reforms that Caius enacted?

3. What does Plutarch claim Atarus did to free Sicyon from the tyrant Nicocles?

4. What does Plutarch report to be the condition of Rome as Tiberius began his political career in Rome?

5. How does Plutarch claim that Demosthenes become the best orator of his time?

6. How did Ochus put himself in line to inherit Artaxerxes throne according to Plutarch?

7. How does Plutarch show the differences in the personalities between Demosthenes and Cicero through their rhetorical style?

8. 1.What does Plutarch recognize as the major difference between the governing styles between the Gracchi and the Spartans?

9. What important position does Plutarch report Atarus took with Achaea, a league of Greek cities?

10. Why does Plutarch claim that Dion was banished from the court of young Dionysius?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 882 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample