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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 leads the Norman army according to Anna?

2. What city does Bohemund take at the end of Book XII?

3. What do Alexius and Bohemund swear for at the end of the negotiations?

4. Who does Alexius want to defeat without battle?

5. What were the armies coming to Constantinople amassing for?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book XIII, what happens between Alexius and Aaron?

2. What does Anna suggest about her father's stature at the end of Book XIV?

3. What happened between Tzachas and the Sultan in Book IX?

4. What plot did Alexius create in Book X of "The Alexiad" and was it successful?

5. What was not safe, according to Book VIII?

6. What ends in Book VIII and what events led up to this culmination?

7. What happens between Bohemund and Alexius at the end of Book XI?

8. Who sucks Alexius into battle?

9. What happened with Nilus at the beginning of Book X?

10. At the end of Book XII, who does Bohemund meet with and what does he hope to incite?

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 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 3

After examining ancient law, Alexius determines that it is okay to sell church property to ransom prisoners of war. In an essay, discuss ancient law and how it affected Alexius' decisions either positively or negatively, using the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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