The Landmark Thucydides 1.116 To 2.46
A 12-question quiz on The History of the Peloponnesian War, based on The Landmark Thucydides and covering the first year of the war.
- 1.
The oracle located at the most important Greek temple inspired Cylon's attempted coup in Athens. Where was it located?
- A.
Athens
- B.
Delphi
- C.
Mount Olympus
- D.
The Acropolis
Correct Answer
B. DelphiExplanation
The oracle located at Delphi was believed to be the most important Greek temple. It was famous for its prophecies and was considered a sacred place. Cylon, an Athenian nobleman, attempted a coup in Athens and was inspired by the oracle at Delphi. Therefore, the correct answer is Delphi.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why did the Spartans consider "the curse of the goddess" to be a useful pretext for war against Athens?
- A.
It showed their concern for the honor of the gods to the rest of Greece.
- B.
It strengthened the morale of the Peloponnesian allies to believe that the Athenians were cursed.
- C.
They believed that the goddess Athena would help them in order to punish the Athenians.
- D.
They hoped to cause the Athenians to lose confidence in Pericles.
Correct Answer
D. They hoped to cause the Athenians to lose confidence in Pericles.Explanation
The Spartans considered "the curse of the goddess" to be a useful pretext for war against Athens because they believed it would cause the Athenians to lose confidence in Pericles. By attributing their aggression to the curse, the Spartans aimed to undermine the leadership and authority of Pericles, who was a prominent Athenian statesman. This would weaken the Athenians' resolve and make it easier for the Spartans to wage war against them.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which pair of Hellenic heroes of the Persian War eventually betrayed their cities in favor of King Xerxes of Persia?
- A.
Pericles of Athens and Archidamus of Sparta
- B.
Themistocles of Athens and Leonidas of Sparta
- C.
Themistocles of Athens and Pausanias of Sparta
- D.
Pericles of Athens and Brasidas of Sparta
Correct Answer
C. Themistocles of Athens and Pausanias of Sparta -
- 4.
What was the one demand in the ultimatum that was delivered by Sparta's third pre-war embassy to Athens?
- A.
To end the siege of Potidaea.
- B.
To rescind the Megarian Decree.
- C.
To permit Hellenic independence.
- D.
To tear down the Long Walls.
Correct Answer
C. To permit Hellenic independence.Explanation
The correct answer is "To permit Hellenic independence." This demand was made by Sparta's third pre-war embassy to Athens. The demand for Hellenic independence refers to the desire for autonomy and self-governance for all Greek city-states, rather than being under the control or influence of a dominant power like Athens. This demand was one of the key factors that eventually led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the principle military advantage of Athens over the Peloponnesian League according to Pericles.
- A.
The Peloponnesians' lack of money.
- B.
The advantage of sea power over land power.
- C.
The agricultural basis of the Peloponnesian economies.
- D.
The inexperience of the Spartan navy.
Correct Answer
A. The Peloponnesians' lack of money.Explanation
Pericles believed that the principle military advantage of Athens over the Peloponnesian League was the Peloponnesians' lack of money. This suggests that Athens had a stronger financial position and could afford to maintain a larger and more powerful military. This advantage allowed Athens to fund its navy and expand its influence through maritime trade and colonization. The lack of financial resources for the Peloponnesians limited their ability to compete with Athens in terms of military strength and naval power.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What did Pericles fear would cause Athens to lose its allies?
- A.
An increase in the monetary contributions to the Delian League.
- B.
The inability of Athens to attack them.
- C.
The destruction of Athenian lands and homes.
- D.
An Athenian defeat at sea.
Correct Answer
B. The inability of Athens to attack them.Explanation
Pericles feared that the inability of Athens to attack its allies would cause Athens to lose them. This suggests that Athens relied on its military power and ability to intimidate its allies to maintain their loyalty. If Athens was unable to attack them, it would weaken their position and potentially lead to the loss of allies.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How long did the Thirty Years' Peace last?
- A.
30 years
- B.
15 years
- C.
10 years
- D.
14 years
Correct Answer
D. 14 yearsExplanation
The Thirty Years' Peace refers to a period of peace between the city-states of Athens and Sparta in ancient Greece. It was established in 445 BC and lasted for 14 years. This peace treaty was meant to maintain a balance of power between the two dominant city-states and prevent further conflicts. However, it eventually broke down and led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which city's attack on Plataea broke the peace and started the war?
- A.
Athens
- B.
Thebes
- C.
Corinth
- D.
Megara
Correct Answer
B. ThebesExplanation
Thebes' attack on Plataea broke the peace and started the war.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What were the two Peloponnesian city-states that were neutral at the beginning of the war?
- A.
Argos and Achaea
- B.
Mycenae and Corinth
- C.
Messenia and Laconia
- D.
Pellene and Sicyon
Correct Answer
A. Argos and AchaeaExplanation
At the beginning of the Peloponnesian War, Argos and Achaea were the two city-states that remained neutral. This means that they did not take sides between Athens and Sparta, the main belligerents in the war. By staying neutral, Argos and Achaea aimed to avoid getting involved in the conflict and potentially suffering the consequences of war. This allowed them to maintain their own independence and autonomy while the war raged on between other city-states.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why did the Athenians turn against Pericles in the first year of the war?
- A.
They discovered he was a pro-Persian traitor.
- B.
He led them into a terrible naval defeat at Salamis.
- C.
He refused to take the field against Archidamus.
- D.
He embezzled the money being saved for the naval reserve.
Correct Answer
C. He refused to take the field against Archidamus.Explanation
Pericles' refusal to take the field against Archidamus, the Spartan king, caused the Athenians to turn against him in the first year of the war. This decision was seen as a betrayal of his duty as a military leader and a failure to defend Athens against its enemies. The Athenians expected Pericles to lead them in battle and protect their city, so his refusal was met with anger and disappointment. This event likely eroded the trust and confidence that the Athenians had in Pericles, leading to their turning against him.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Why did the Spartans settle for ravaging the country around Athens instead of taking the city?
- A.
They were afraid to get too close to the superior Athenian infantry.
- B.
Their siegecraft was insufficient to defeat the Athenian walls.
- C.
They were waiting for Theban reinforcements to arrive.
- D.
The oracle at Delphi told them not to.
Correct Answer
B. Their siegecraft was insufficient to defeat the Athenian walls.Explanation
The Spartans settled for ravaging the country around Athens instead of taking the city because their siegecraft was insufficient to defeat the Athenian walls. This means that they did not have the necessary tools, tactics, or resources to successfully breach the fortified walls of Athens. As a result, they resorted to pillaging the surrounding areas instead, as it was a more feasible and less risky option for them.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What was the estimated value of the annual contribution to Athens from its allies in modern dollars?
- A.
$500,000
- B.
$1 billion
- C.
$850,000
- D.
$9 million
Correct Answer
D. $9 millionExplanation
The average tribute from the allies was 600 silver talents. A talent was 26 kilograms and there are 35.27 ounces in a kilogram. Athens thus possessed 550,212 ounces of silver, which at the present price of 16.85 equals about 9.271 million dollars.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 08, 2008Quiz Created by
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