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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 rank does Anna says Alexius attained under Nicephorus?

2. What does Robert want that forced Alexius to fight him?

3. What does Anna Dalassena not want?

4. What do the Scythians attack after being driven off by Alexius?

5. Who is considered to take over the throne before Alexius according to Anna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What about Robert frightens Alexius?

2. What does Alexius realize about Robert in Book V?

3. What does Alexius do when distributing titles?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Alexiad" has several heretic or heretical groups, including the Paulicians, John Italus, and others. In an essay, compare two of the heretical groups discussed in "The Alexiad", focusing on their beliefs and the application of these beliefs, as well as how these heretical groups are suppressed by Alexius. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Alexiad", the Church played an important role and had authority to question Alexius over certain wrongdoing or poor behavior. In an essay, examine the role the church played, including priests and the pope, in the Byzantine Empire and in "The Alexiad".

Essay Topic 3

"The Alexiad" is set in the time of the Byzantine Empire, focusing especially on the time period of Alexius, Anna Comnena's father. Discuss the importance of setting in "The Alexiad" and analyze how it contributes to the reader's understanding of the book. Students should use examples from the book to support their discussion.

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