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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 oath does Bryennius take according to Anna?

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

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

4. What does Anna Dalassena not want?

5. What army does Anna say Alexius defeated during the time of the conflict over the emperor's succession?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens between the Scythians and Alexius at the beginning of Book VII?

4. What about Robert frightens Alexius?

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

6. What is the conflict over choosing the Emperor?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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 2

"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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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