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. What emperor sent Alexius to fight in eastern provinces?

2. Whose daughter is Irene?

3. What marriage are Isaac and Anna Dalassena able to arrange?

4. What city does Bryennius hold?

5. What family helped Alexius secure the right of the throne over his brother Isaac?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who was Tzachas, as introduced in Book VII?

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

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

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

7. What occurred at the synod held before Cosmas stepped down?

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

9. What does Alexius do when distributing titles?

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 Norman War began in 1081. Discuss the goals and reasons for the war, as well as strategies used to fight the war as described in "The Alexiad". Use primary and secondary sources to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

"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.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Alexiad", Alexius is described as being set on war to expand his country or territories. In an essay, compare Alexius' focus on the war with his focus on peace within his family. Discuss the differences in his character by comparing his actions in different parts of "The Alexiad".

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 775 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample