View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Melissenus reconsider his claim to the throne according to Anna?

2. What army does Tzelgu command according to Anna in Book VII?

3. What does Tatus bring to the fight against the Scythians?

4. What happens when people realize Alexius survived battle with Robert?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Alexius discover on his way back to Constantinople and what does Alexius do as a result?

3. What happened to Paleaologus during one of the battles described in Book IV?

4. What about Robert frightens Alexius?

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

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

7. Who were the Paulicians and what happened during their suppression?

8. In Book V, what ancient law did Alexius examine and who acted in opposition?

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

10. What does Alexius do when distributing titles?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Anna Comnena applauds her parents and their relationship in "The Alexiad". In an essay, analyze their role in the author's life and conclude whether you think this praise is deserved. Use examples from the text and secondary sources to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

The Scythian War began as a result of Tzelgu's actions; however, it was perpetuated because of Alexius' lack of belief that the Scythians wanted peace. In an essay, discuss Alexius' refusal to believe them and the result of this conclusion, using the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 3

"The Alexiad" focuses heavily on alliances established to help provide funding for wars, troops, ships and other means of fighting the enemy. In an essay, discuss the importance of establishing alliances and give examples of how these alliances benefit those involved. Students should use examples from the book to support their discussion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample