View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the ruler of Dyrrachium?

2. What king allies himself with Alexius?

3. How old is Irene when Alexius takes power?

4. How does Alexius collect money to get what he needs to defeat Robert?

5. What target do the Scythians go after when they attack Alexius' army?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Alexius discover on his way back to Constantinople and what does Alexius do as a result?

2. What is the conflict over choosing the Emperor?

3. What is the dissension over Pope Gregory VII, as noted at the end of Book I and why is it significant?

4. What is celebrated at the end of Book VI?

5. What did Anna the Elder do for the Empire?

6. What does Anna note about the state of Rome?

7. At the end of Book V, what happened to the heretic when Alexius returned home?

8. What problems arise with the Ducas family at the beginning of Book III?

9. What is the prophecy at the end of Book II?

10. Who was Tzachas, as introduced in Book VII?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Alexiad" has several heretic or heretical groups, including the Paulicians, John Italus, and others. In an essay, compare two of the heretical groups discussed in "The Alexiad", focusing on their beliefs and the application of these beliefs, as well as how these heretical groups are suppressed by Alexius. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Two major wars, including that with the Scythians and the Normans are described in detail in "The Alexiad". In an essay, compare the two wars and determine which war had the most pure of goals and the best outcome.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, discuss and define the importance of succession, including the succession in a lineage when pursuing the throne. Use the book and secondary sources as needed to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 862 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample