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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Tacitus claim was the purpose of "baritus"?
(a) To impress a female with a handsome song.
(b) To unite valour before battle.
(c) To show appreciation for a well-done victory.
(d) To challenge the enemy to a battle from afar.

2. In addition to omens in a bird's flight, what other ways did Germans read omens and warnings?
(a) Via tea leaves.
(b) Listening to special horses.
(c) From cattle manure.
(d) In a sheep's cry.

3. "The Germania" is believed to come from a single manuscript written in what century?
(a) 100 A.D.
(b) Early 16th century.
(c) 9th century.
(d) Early 6th century.

4. What generally separated the ancient Germans from other peoples?
(a) An arbitrary political boundary.
(b) Seas.
(c) Physical landscapes.
(d) An ancient stone wall.

5. German strength in fighting was best seen in their __________.
(a) Infantry.
(b) Courage.
(c) Arms.
(d) Cavalry.

6. What weakness did Germans have that according to Tacitus made them easily defeated?
(a) Lack of seriousness.
(b) Grudges against one another.
(c) Overconfidence.
(d) Intemperance of drink.

7. The German peoples can be described as __________.
(a) Frivolous.
(b) Practical.
(c) Ostentatious.
(d) Naive.

8. Who were the only ones allowed to decide on capital punishment, imprisonment, and flogging?
(a) Generals.
(b) Priests.
(c) Chiefs.
(d) Kings.

9. How could a German chief show prestige and power?
(a) By his possession of gold.
(b) In his number of kills.
(c) By the beauty of his horse.
(d) By his retinue.

10. Tacitus criticized the Germans' agriculture calendar because of what?
(a) They could not grow wheat.
(b) They used the lunar calendar.
(c) They only had two seasons.
(d) They did not consider autumn.

11. How do present historians know about British kings of the past?
(a) Ancient forts are always named after a king.
(b) From native coins.
(c) From folklore songs.
(d) From legends in storytelling.

12. In Chapter 31, why did Mattingly believe Tacitus was mistaken in saying the Brigantes burned a Roman colony under a woman ruler?
(a) The Brigantes were a peaceful people.
(b) The Brigantes never had a woman leader in their history.
(c) The Romans conquered the Brigantes long before the supposed burning.
(d) The Brigantes actually helped the Romans and accepted their aid.

13. How did having children help Agricola's career?
(a) He gained sympathy from Domitian.
(b) Fathers got special privileges.
(c) It kept him home more often.
(d) He gained more sympathy from his peers.

14. What custom did Chatti boys assume until they showed their worth of birth?
(a) They continued to grow their hair until their first enemy kill.
(b) Took their mother's name until their first war, then they were given their father's name.
(c) They worked in the home until they proved they can fight.
(d) They shaved and showed no beard until they survived a battle.

15. Tacitus criticized the Sitones more than other German tribes because of what cultural difference?
(a) Men were in war so the women trained the boys at home for war.
(b) The women were the ruling sex.
(c) They were polygamous.
(d) The women were allowed to fight next to the men.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the German tribe Ubii show pride in being a Roman colony?

2. Although feuds between families passed on to heirs, what reconciled them?

3. Modern knowledge shows what about Tacitus' account of German dress?

4. What was unique about a betrothed German couple?

5. What did Germans fear for their women?

(see the answer keys)

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