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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. Before engaging in battle with the Persian troops, Julian takes a day off for:

2. Constantius calls on his successor to care for:

3. With the success of his Persia campaign, Julian boasts to his generals that:

4. In the cities he visits en route to Persia, Julian attempts to get people to perform:

5. Julian expresses doubts about the outcome of the Persian campaign to:

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Constantius' response when Julian is acclaimed Augustus by the people? What does he do? How do you think he feels?

2. Shortly after the battle of Ctesiphon, Julian is wounded in another battle when he is pierced in the side by a spear. Describe the incident and tell what the outcome is.

3. Julian travels overland to Antioch stopping in various towns along the way. What reason does he give for the journey and what does Julian hope to accomplish by visiting the towns en route?

4. How does Julian deal with the famine in Antioch?

5. Julian may have a sense that he is becoming drunk with power and losing touch with real people and real issues. Describe the incident at the baths that illustrates his awareness.

6. Julian claims to be tolerant of different religions. Why does he feel compelled to attempt to initiate religious upheaval among the Romans and convert them from Christianity to Hellenism? What makes him think he can succeed at this monumental task?

7. When Julian's army and the general populace begin calling for Julian to become Augustus, he seems unsure how to react. Do you think he wants to become Augustus or not? Why does he seem to act so coy about the people's call?

8. Describe the incidence of Helena's death.

9. Describe the scene of the battle near Ctesiphon the next day. What does Julian do during the battle? What does he do immediately after the battle?

10. Throughout his life, Julian is influenced and makes decisions based on signs, omens and dreams. At one point, he dreams about a tree. Describe this dream and his interpretation of it.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hellenism involves the practice of ritual sacrifice as a way of acknowledging, appeasing, thanking or honoring the powers that be. Do some research on the practice of ritual sacrifice as it is practiced in Hellenism and also as it occurs in other cultures/religions. What purpose does sacrifice serve in Julian's mind? What does this aspect of Hellenism reveal about Julian and about his faith?

Essay Topic 2

Libanius and Priscus introduce the story of Julian, participate in the action, and exchange correspondence that ends the book. What are the roles of Libanius and Priscus in the story? What narrative or stylistic purposes does it serve to have their letters and their recollections about Julian woven into the story? How do you reconcile their memories with his? Do you think they are sympathetic to Julian or not? Why or why not? How would you describe the literary purpose of these men with respect to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Julian as a young boy and discuss the circumstances and factors that shape him as he grows to manhood and ultimately to power and glory as Augustus of Rome.

(see the answer keys)

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