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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. What town does Anna say gave itself freely to Robert at the start of Book V?

2. Who proclaimed himself emperor of Rome and was defeated by Alexius?

3. What are the names of Robert's sons?

4. What was John Italus accused of spreading?

5. Which of Alexius' allies is wounded in battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was the victory against the Turks significant and when did the conflict occur?

2. What does Anna note about the state of Rome?

3. What happens to the night ambush Alexius planned in Book IV?

4. What is the significance of the adoption discussed in Book II?

5. What does Alexius do when distributing titles?

6. What does Anna believe about her fortune and why?

7. What is the conflict over choosing the Emperor?

8. How does Alexius drive Byrennius out of Castoria at the beginning of Book VI?

9. What problems arise with the Ducas family at the beginning of Book III?

10. At the end of Book V, what happened to the heretic when Alexius returned home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Alexiad", written by Anna Comnena, was focused on the life of Alexius, her father. The book details his actions and decisions from his time as a war general to that of an emperor. In an essay, discuss Alexius' death and what kind of an impact it had on the Byzantine Empire. Use secondary sources to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

"The Alexiad" includes several conspiracies which focus on destabilizing Alexius and the throne. In an essay, compare two or three of the conspiracies discussed in "The Alexiad", including how they were planned and the tactics that would have been employed had they not been uncovered. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is one of the most significant religious and cultural settings in the Byzantine Empire. In an essay, discuss the significance of the Church and give examples from the text to support your discussion.

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