View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Polia tell neighbors she saw the murder and then deny it?
(a) She was ashamed.
(b) She was trying to protect Eco.
(c) She was paid off by the murderers.
(d) She killed Roscius.

2. Who is the Roman dictator?
(a) Eruscius.
(b) Polonius.
(c) Sulla.
(d) Cicero.

3. Where does Gordianus encounter Marcus Licinius Crassus?
(a) At the tavern when he got into a fight.
(b) At the site of a tenement fire, trying to cheat someone out of money.
(c) At his home when he returns there at the end of the day.
(d) On the street outside the House of Swans.

4. In Cicero's opinion, why is the other man prosecuting his client?
(a) For vengeance.
(b) The emperor requires it.
(c) The man married his daughter.
(d) For money and notoriety.

5. Marucs Tullius Tiro is___________.
(a) Cicero's father.
(b) A young man.
(c) A freed slave.
(d) The murder suspect.

6. When Gordianus questions Polia, she__________________.
(a) Denies seeing the murder.
(b) Cries.
(c) Pulls a knife on him.
(d) Kicks him.

7. How important was social class in ancient Rome?
(a) Not that important; not that different from modern America.
(b) Important in determining what kind of job one had.
(c) Irrelevant; all citizens were considered equals.
(d) Very important; it impacted every aspect of life.

8. In what way did Roscius (pater) breech strict societal codes?
(a) He drank in excess.
(b) He fell in love with a prostitute.
(c) He favored one son over another.
(d) He socialized with both noble and menial classes.

9. At the end of Chapter 15, Gordianus leaves for_________________.
(a) Ameria.
(b) The mountains.
(c) Greece.
(d) The sea.

10. Who is Cicero's client?
(a) Tiro.
(b) Gordianus.
(c) Sextus Roscius (filius).
(d) Marcus Valerius Messalla.

11. What is Gordianus's first impression of Cicero?
(a) That he is slightly crazy.
(b) That he must be in debt.
(c) That he is not as smart as everyone says.
(d) That he is older than Gordianus thought.

12. Gordianus finds a pool of blood and a bloody hand print near_________________.
(a) A bath house.
(b) A sundry shop.
(c) A brothel.
(d) A library.

13. Gordianus discovers, upon returning to his house after a day of investigating, that_______________________.
(a) Cicero has fired him.
(b) His home is burned down.
(c) His home has been broken into.
(d) His slave has been killed.

14. Who was with Roscius (pater) when he died?
(a) A prostitute.
(b) His faithful slaves.
(c) His wife.
(d) No one.

15. Who is Sextus Roscius's (pater) oldest and dearest friend?
(a) Polia Ruffus.
(b) Tiro Sulla.
(c) Caecilia Metella.
(d) Circus Flaminius.

Short Answer Questions

1. Caecilia Metella tells Gordianus that on the night he was murdered, Roscius (pater) received______________.

2. What disability does Eco have?

3. Eco communicates that the man who stabbed Roscius has what distinguishing characteristic?

4. Why does Tiro go to the home of Gordianus?

5. Who are Felix and Chrestus?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 515 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample