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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 brings Claudius to Ostia?

2. What plague occurs the year Claudius and Agrippinilla marry?

3. What happens to Rome after Nero dies?

4. What title does Claudius oppose be given to Messalina?

5. What happens to Claudius' family when he dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Claudius call for support from the palace guards? What about them does he trust above others?

2. According to Claudius, what are the disadvantages of having the Senate be the main government body?

3. What are the gods' opinions of Claudius as they confer on his deity?

4. Why does Claudius marry Agrippinilla over other potential women?

5. What attitude does Claudius take on when he marries Agrippinilla? How does the public respond?

6. As Claudius presides over the trials of Messalina's adulterers and traitors at the wedding party, Messalina writes him three letters. Describe these letters and how it shows Messalina's true character.

7. How does Calpurnia show her loyalty to Claudius?

8. How does Posides help win the war against Britain?

9. How do the Senate and people react to Messalina and Claudius' separation?

10. How does Claudius use his power as an emperor for personal use, and how does he justify his action?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Druid rituals and practices. Then, discuss why Roman culture would disagree with the religion more than any other religions it tolerates within its kingdom.

Essay Topic 2

What are the causes and effects of Caligula's rule? How does Caligula become emperor? During his rule, what state is the empire in? What major changes are observed under Caligula?

Essay Topic 3

Write about Britannicus' fate to die by Nero. Is it the prophecy? Is it because Claudius never gave him a chance? Did Britannicus have a chance to fight against Nero? How so?

(see the answer keys)

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