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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 type of alliance is Bohemund seeking?

2. What army amasses after Alexius is successful in folding the invading army?

3. Who dies at the start of Book XIV?

4. What does Anna say was not safe at the end of Book VIII?

5. At what church do all the forces amassed come to worship?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book XI, what are the Frankish troops doing?

2. What does Alexius hear about Tzachas?

3. Who sucks Alexius into battle?

4. What do the negotiations discussed at the end of Book XIII result in?

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

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

7. What happened with Diogenes at the end of Book IX?

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

9. When Alexius is focusing on the Turks in Book XIV, who is keeping hold of Antioch?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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".

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

In an essay, define and discuss the different methods used to fight in "The Alexiad", such as digging a canal, bulwarks, vessels, and other methods. Based on the outcome of the battles described, compare the methods and determine the effectiveness of each.

(see the answer keys)

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