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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Gaius die?
(a) Accidental fall.
(b) Food poisoning.
(c) Battle.
(d) Murder.

2. When Gordianus begins his investigation in Chapter 9, where does he go?
(a) Roscius's favorite ale house.
(b) Esquiline Hill.
(c) Ameria.
(d) The street where the House of Swans is located.

3. Who is Marcus Tullius Cicero?
(a) An advocate in a murder case.
(b) A noble member of Roman society.
(c) A freed slave.
(d) The governor of Rome.

4. What relationship complicates that of Cicero and Tiro?
(a) Tiro was born into the same class as Cicero, but his family was disgraced and that is why he is a slave.
(b) Tiro is Cicero's illegitimate son.
(c) Tiro's grandfather is a freed slave of Cicero's.
(d) Tiro is somebody else's slave, but has run away to stay with Cicero.

5. How is the relationship between Tiro and Cicero different than most of their respective classes?
(a) Cicero speaks to his slaves, whereas it is customary to avoid talking to them when others are around.
(b) Even though Tiro is a slave, Cicero has seen to his education and often treats him as an equal.
(c) Even though Cicero is a noble man, he still associates with lower classes like Tiro.
(d) Cicero and Tiro are secretly lovers.

Short Answer Questions

1. After questioning Polia, Gordianus and Tiro stop at a tavern. Gordianus_______________.

2. Gordianus finds a pool of blood and a bloody hand print near_________________.

3. How does Tiro react to these events in Chapter 2?

4. How does Cicero's house indicate that he is of a higher class?

5. How does Gordianus react to the events in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What elements of Cicero's home seem to contradict one another?

2. Who do you think is smarter: Gordianus or Cicero? Why?

3. In Chapter 5, Cicero says to Tiro, "A fit subject for debate: Is it possible that a slave can be too loyal to his master? That is to say, too enthusiastic in his devotion, too ready to spring to his master's defense." What is your answer to that question?

4. When Gordianus and Tiro see the tenement fire, what is the significance of that?

5. Electra tells Gordianus and Tiro that some men bought Elena. What else does she reveal?

6. Do you think Gauis's death was accidental or a murder? Why?

7. What is the significance of the fact that the men who break into Gordianus's house had come earlier in the day?

8. Do you think Elena really was pregnant? Or was she setting Roscius up to be attacked?

9. Why would the shopkeeper and his wife lie about witnessing the attack of Roscius?

10. Explain why Caecilia would house Sextus Roscius (filius) in an unsavory part of her house, near the stinking indoor toilets.

(see the answer keys)

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