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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Plutarch, what lead to the death of Aratus' father?

2. How did Plutarch claim Artaxerxes avoided a war with the Spartans?

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

4. Why did Plutarch report Cyrus attempted to overthrow Artaxerxes?

5. What did Plutarch identify as the primary difference between "The Roman Brothers" and "The Spartans"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Artaxerxes become King of Persia, according to Plutarch?

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

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

4. Why does Plutarch suggest Caesar showed favor to Brutus despite Brutus siding with Pompey during the civil war with Caesar?

5. What difference does Plutarch recognize in the raising of the Gracchi Brothers (Tiberius and Caius) and The Spartans (Agis and Cleomenes)?

6. According to Plutarch, how did Tiberius' death affect Caius' entry into Roman politics?

7. How did Plutarch describe the defeat of Brutus after the death of Caesar?

8. Why does Plutarch claim that Philip had Atarus poisoned?

9. 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?

10. How does Plutarch claim Artaxerxes averted war with the Spartans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plutarch's biography of Sertorius established a pattern of examining the life of a leader whose live and experiences were intertwined with other lives that were covered by Plutarch. Sertorius directly confronted Pompey in Spain and both were affected by the Roman tyrant Sylla. How were both Sertorius and Pompey affected by Sylla, and how did the different relationships with Sylla influence the confrontation they had with each other?

Essay Topic 2

Agis and Agesilaus were half brothers who served as Spartan Kings from 427-360 B.C. Detail the unusual circumstances of their paternal relationship and Agesilaus' ascension to the throne after Agis' death. Explain Cleomenes' role in Sparta as it relates to Agis. Use details from Plutarch's "Lives" to explain your points.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the rhetorical styles of Demosthenes and Cicero. Use quotes from Plutarch's lives to make your illustrations. In the comparison identify the affects that each speaker had on his audiences, legislative bodies, and on the support or opposition of people in powerful positions.

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