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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Herod keep Antonia on his side, despite his lies and mischievous ways?
(a) He mentions his orphaned childhood to gain her sympathy.
(b) Constant compliments of her virtue and character.
(c) He promises her money whenever he gains it back.
(d) By appealing to her son, Claudius.

2. Of the following classes listed by Claudius, which does Herod the Agrippa best fit?
(a) Virtuous with golden hearts.
(b) Scoundrels with stony hearts.
(c) Scoundrels with golden hearts.
(d) Virtuous with stony hearts.

3. What people in the Roman Empire are the first to claim Claudius emperor?
(a) The city battalion.
(b) The populous.
(c) The Senate.
(d) The infantry and palace guards.

4. How does Scribonianus meet his fate?
(a) Claudius forgives him but banishes him to sub-Sahara.
(b) His officers sail him to an island where he commits suicide.
(c) Messalina accuses him of treason.
(d) Vinicianus turns him in to save himself.

5. What economic advice does Messalina give Claudius?
(a) To grant a supply of meats and wine to the public.
(b) To begin bank holidays.
(c) To grant public health.
(d) To grant monopolies.

Short Answer Questions

1. What stops the Alabarch from believing Herod's story when he and Cypros arrive in Alexandria?

2. Why would corn factors NOT want to enhance Ostia?

3. What is Lupus' role in restoring the Republic?

4. Who does Vinicianus call on to command a coup?

5. What causes Alexandrians to celebrate under Caligula's rule?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Claudius frighten the corn factors into giving him a loan of a million gold pieces?

2. How does Claudius feel about his infirmities? Why does he end up seeing a doctor? What does this event foreshadow?

3. What suspicious behaviors and rumors about Herod make the reader believe he might do something dishonest? What changes does Claudius notice about Herod?

4. Claudius is proud of a new son, Drusus Germanicus. Why does Claudius love Drusus Germanicus more than all his other children? What is so different about him? Why does Claudius give him this special name and why is it so special?

5. How does Herod run his kingdom? What examples show how he handles his power? Does he use it for himself or for the Jewish population?

6. How is it ironic for Messalina to be The Director of Public Morals?

7. What is Claudius' intention when he brings up his past reputation of being the fool and imbecile to the Senate the eve of Scribonianus' rebellion?

8. Although Silas helps Herod many times over, how does Silas depend on Herod?

9. What are some difficulties Claudius faces in waging a war against Togodumnus and Caractacus?

10. How does Flaccus rationalize his need for Herod's advice? How does this resemble how Herod feels about himself? What does this say about the importance of family history?

(see the answer keys)

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