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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. What is significant about Gordianus lacking a surname?
(a) It indicates that he is a criminal.
(b) It indicates that his family is not important in society.
(c) It indicates that he is a slave.
(d) It indicates that he is not the firstborn son.

2. Sextus Roscius (pater) does what for a living?
(a) Senator.
(b) Carpenter.
(c) Secretary.
(d) Farmer.

3. At Cicero's home, whom does Gordianus meet?
(a) Tiro's grandfather.
(b) The murder suspect.
(c) Tiro's wife.
(d) Cicero's wife.

4. Where do Gordianus, Cicero and Tiro finally meet Sextus Roscius (filius)?
(a) At Cicero's house.
(b) Near the indoor toilets at Caecilia Metella's home.
(c) Near the Circus Maximus.
(d) In the courtroom.

5. Caecilia Metella tells Gordianus that on the night he was murdered, Roscius (pater) received______________.
(a) A huge award.
(b) A lot of money.
(c) A death threat.
(d) An urgent message.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Gordianus begins his investigation in Chapter 9, where does he go?

2. Who is the man prosecuting Cicero's client?

3. What is the House of Swans?

4. Who is Elana?

5. What disability does Eco have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Polia think she is protecting Eco by lying about him witnessing the attack?

2. Electra tells Gordianus and Tiro that some men bought Elena. What else does she reveal?

3. Why does Bethesda bite Gordianus when he comes into her room?

4. If traveling to Ameria alone is so dangerous, why doesn't Gordianus take a companion or a guard?

5. What is the purpose of the author's inclusion of the scene where Gordianus and Tiro see a gladiator stabbed while they are walking to Cicero's house?

6. Cicero and Sextus Roscius (pater) lived very different lifestyles. Compare and contrast their lifestyles.

7. What is the significance of the fact that the men who break into Gordianus's house had come earlier in the day?

8. Do you think Elena really was pregnant? Or was she setting Roscius up to be attacked?

9. Who do you think is smarter: Gordianus or Cicero? Why?

10. When Gordianus and Tiro see the tenement fire, what is the significance of that?

(see the answer keys)

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