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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Galba and Otho.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Plutarch consider Agesilaus a better general than Pompey?
(a) Agesilaus had soldiers who fought for his glory, but Pompey's soldiers fought for wealth.
(b) Agesilaus knew how to win battles on land or at sea, but Pompey only knew how to fight on the land.
(c) Agesilaus proved his virtue by confronting his enemies at their most powerful, but Pompey tried to challenge less worthy opponents.
(d) Because Agesilaus built a record of forcing his enemies into battle when they were at their weakest, but Pompey allowed his army to be beaten by Caesar's forces while they were weakened by hunger.

2. How did Tiberius finally push his land reform law through the Senate, according to Plutarch?
(a) He incited the homeless soldiers to storm the senate and forse it to support the law.
(b) He used his rhetorical skills to influence the senate to support his land reform law.
(c) He influenced the praetorian guard to enforce the law in spite of it not passing the senate.
(d) He imposed an edict preventing all magistrates from performing their functions until the law was passed.

3. What quote from Plato does Plutarch use to begin a criticism in his profiles of Demetrius and Antony?
(a) It is not great wonder if in long process of time, while fortune takes her course hither and thither, numerous coincidences should spontaneously occur."
(b) "Great natures produce great vices as well as virtues."
(c) "Whence it was that, men say, Simonides called Sparta "the tamer of men," because by early strictness of education, they became wise."
(d) "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

4. Who does Plutarch report to be the father of Tiberius and Caius Gracchus?
(a) Cicero.
(b) Tiberius Gracchus I.
(c) Caius Gracchus I.
(d) Julius Caesar.

5. What are the character qualities Plutarch attributes to Cato from infancy?
(a) He had an uncommon ability to retain knowledge.
(b) He had an inflexible temper, resolute in purpose, and not easily provoked to anger.
(c) He showed great sensitivity to women and plebes.
(d) He had an influential rhetorical style that easily impressed audiences.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the famous Roman General that Plutarch claims Sertorius outwitted during his exile in Spain?

2. What preceded Caesar's election by the Senate to Dictator, according to Plutarch?

3. How did Plutarch explain the tyrrant, Nicocles, rose to power?

4. Why does Plutarch suggest Nicocles was wary of Aratus?

5. How does Plutarch explain public anger both Dion and Brutus received for their stands against Dionysius II and Caesar respectively?

(see the answer key)

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