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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. Who does Anna's father fight against before becoming emperor?

2. Why does Anna write the book?

3. What language does Anna speak according to the Preface and Book I?

4. Who crowns Alexius emperor?

5. What does Pope Gregory VII accuse the one he had a dispute with of?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Book VII, what plot does Alexius hear of?

2. What did Anna the Elder do for the Empire?

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

4. At the beginning of Book IV, what was happening with Robert?

5. What is the dissension over Pope Gregory VII, as noted at the end of Book I and why is it significant?

6. What is the prophecy at the end of Book II?

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

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

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

10. What happened when people heard that Alexius survived the battle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, discuss and define the importance of succession, including the succession in a lineage when pursuing the throne. Use the book and secondary sources as needed to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Bohemund was one of Alexius' opponents during the war as described in "The Alexiad". Compare Alexius' strategies with that of Bohemund, using the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

The Emperor was an important figure in the Byzantine Empire. In an essay, discuss the role of the Emperor, including significant tasks and responsibilities. Discuss how Alexius met these responsibilities while using the book to support your statements.

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