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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 Sultan starts to amass an army to fight for the Asian land ruled by Alexius?

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

3. What information does Alexius receive at the start of Book IX?

4. Who engages Tzachas in battle according to Anna?

5. What does Alexius capture at the start of Book VIII?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens to Bohemund's ships and what happens as a result?

3. What is happening in Nicea at the beginning of Book XI?

4. Why did Alexius' advisers try to dissuade him?

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

6. Where does Alexius want to travel and who does he ask to accompany him?

7. What happened to the Scythians in the battle at Levenium that proved pivotal to the war?

8. What happens between Ducas and Tzachas at the beginning of Book IX?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Alexiad", written by Anna Comnena, was focused on the life of Alexius, her father. The book details his actions and decisions from his time as a war general to that of an emperor. In an essay, discuss Alexius' death and what kind of an impact it had on the Byzantine Empire. Use secondary sources to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Alexius and Bohemund come to an understanding or peace treaty in "The Alexiad". In an essay, discuss the negotiations between the two parties and analyze how they made the negotiation. Discuss whether you think the negotiations benefited on person or if the negotiation was mutually beneficial. Use the text and secondary sources as needed to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Anna Comnena was a well educated woman for her time. In an essay, discuss her upbringing and how it affected her writing "The Alexiad".

(see the answer keys)

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