The Landmark Thucydides 6.1 To 6.105
A 12-question quiz on The History of the Peloponnesian War, based on The Landmark Thucydides and covering the seventeenth and eighteenth years of the war.
- 1.
Where did the Athenians decide to attack next after the destruction of Melos?
- A.
Sparta
- B.
Thrace
- C.
Italy
- D.
Syracuse
Correct Answer
D. SyracuseExplanation
After the destruction of Melos, the Athenians decided to attack Syracuse. This decision was made due to Syracuse's strategic location as a powerful city-state in Sicily. The Athenians believed that capturing Syracuse would give them control over the region and strengthen their position in the ongoing Peloponnesian War against Sparta. However, the Athenian expedition to Syracuse ultimately ended in a disastrous defeat, marking a turning point in the war and the decline of Athenian power.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What argument did the Egestaeans use to encourage Athens to attack Syracuse?
- A.
The Dorian Syracusans might eventually come to the aid of the Dorian Peloponnesians.
- B.
The Syracusans were planning to invade Attica.
- C.
The Syracusans were scheming to take over all of Sicily.
- D.
The Peloponnesians were actively seeking an alliance with Syracuse.
Correct Answer
A. The Dorian Syracusans might eventually come to the aid of the Dorian Peloponnesians.Explanation
The Egestaeans used the argument that the Dorian Syracusans might eventually come to the aid of the Dorian Peloponnesians. This suggests that if Athens were to attack Syracuse, they would not only be dealing with the Syracusans but also potentially the Peloponnesians, creating a more challenging and dangerous situation for Athens.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why did the Athenian commander, Nicias, attempt to dissuade the Athenians from attacking Syracuse.
- A.
He was unwilling to serve as the expedition's commander.
- B.
He didn't think it was possible for the Athenian forces to defeat the Syracusans.
- C.
He thought it was foolish to start another war when the peace with Sparta was still fragile.
- D.
He sought an expedition against the Spartans.
Correct Answer
C. He thought it was foolish to start another war when the peace with Sparta was still fragile.Explanation
Nicias attempted to dissuade the Athenians from attacking Syracuse because he believed it was unwise to start another war while the peace with Sparta was still fragile. This suggests that Nicias prioritized maintaining the peace and stability of Athens over engaging in further military conflicts.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What was the Athenian general Alcibiades charged with immediately prior to departing for Syracuse?
- A.
Blasphemy and plotting to overthrow Athenian democracy.
- B.
Homosexuality and plotting to set up a kingdom in Syracuse.
- C.
Pornography and improperly awarding military contracts.
- D.
Treason and plotting to betray Athens to the Spartans.
Correct Answer
A. Blasphemy and plotting to overthrow Athenian democracy.Explanation
Alcibiades was charged with blasphemy and plotting to overthrow Athenian democracy. This implies that he was accused of disrespecting the gods and conspiring against the political system of Athens. These charges suggest that Alcibiades posed a threat to the religious and political stability of Athens, leading to his departure for Syracuse.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why were both Hemocrates and Athenagoras confident that Syracuse would defeat an Athenian invasion.
- A.
Numbers.
- B.
Technology.
- C.
Artillery.
- D.
Logistics.
Correct Answer
D. Logistics.Explanation
Both Hemocrates and Athenagoras were confident that Syracuse would defeat an Athenian invasion because of their superior logistics. Logistics refers to the organization and management of resources, supplies, and transportation. In this context, it means that Syracuse had better planning and coordination in terms of supplying their troops, moving them efficiently, and ensuring their needs were met. This would give them an advantage over the Athenians, who may have faced difficulties in sustaining their invasion due to poor logistics. Therefore, Hemocrates and Athenagoras believed that Syracuse's superior logistics would ultimately lead to their victory.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why did the Athenian generals nearly decide to turn back and give up as soon as they reached Italy?
- A.
Their supplies were beginning to run out.
- B.
The allies they were counting on refused to join them.
- C.
They finally began to listen to Nicias's doubts.
- D.
They were frightened by the Syracusan fortifications.
Correct Answer
B. The allies they were counting on refused to join them.Explanation
The Athenian generals nearly decided to turn back and give up as soon as they reached Italy because the allies they were counting on refused to join them. This lack of support from their allies would have severely weakened their military strength and made their mission much more difficult to accomplish. Without the assistance of their allies, the Athenian generals may have felt that their chances of success were greatly diminished, leading them to consider abandoning their campaign.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who deposed the Athenian tyrant Hippias?
- A.
The Athenian people.
- B.
Brutus.
- C.
Aristogiton and Harmodius
- D.
The Spartans.
Correct Answer
D. The Spartans.Explanation
The Spartans deposed the Athenian tyrant Hippias. This suggests that the Spartans played a significant role in the political affairs of Athens at that time. It implies that they had the power and influence to overthrow a tyrant ruler in another city-state. This event highlights the interconnectedness and power dynamics between different Greek city-states during this period.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What prevented Nicias from exploiting the Athenian victory at the Anapus River?
- A.
The lack of cavalry.
- B.
His forces were exhausted.
- C.
The defeated Syracusans retreated out of the range of his naval artillery.
- D.
The Syracusans fell back behind their walls.
Correct Answer
A. The lack of cavalry.Explanation
Nicias was unable to exploit the Athenian victory at the Anapus River because his forces lacked cavalry. Cavalry units are crucial in pursuing and harassing retreating enemies, as well as providing reconnaissance and support during battles. Without cavalry, Nicias' forces would have been limited in their ability to pursue and capitalize on the victory, allowing the defeated Syracusans to escape and regroup.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How did the Athenians justify their hegemony to the Camarinaeans?
- A.
Their democratic government.
- B.
Their wealth.
- C.
Their war against Persia.
- D.
Their superiority of character.
Correct Answer
C. Their war against Persia.Explanation
The Athenians justified their hegemony to the Camarinaeans by pointing to their successful war against Persia. This war demonstrated their military prowess and ability to protect their allies from external threats. By highlighting this victory, the Athenians sought to portray themselves as the natural leaders and protectors of the Greek city-states, justifying their hegemony over others.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why did Alcibiades flee to Sparta?
- A.
He had decided the war against Syracuse would lead to an Athenian defeat.
- B.
He was summoned to Athens to face trial for plotting against the democracy.
- C.
He discovered a plot by Nicias to kill him.
- D.
He was a coward who couldn't face battle.
Correct Answer
B. He was summoned to Athens to face trial for plotting against the democracy.Explanation
Alcibiades fled to Sparta because he was summoned to Athens to face trial for plotting against the democracy. This suggests that he was aware of the consequences of his actions and believed that fleeing to Sparta would offer him protection and escape from the trial. It implies that he had a motive to avoid facing the charges and potentially severe punishment that awaited him in Athens.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What strategy did Nicias adopt to defeat Syracuse in the second year of the Athenian invasion?
- A.
Penetration and pocket capture.
- B.
Buying off Syracuse's allies.
- C.
Circumvallation and blockade.
- D.
Building a large wooden badger and pretending to withdraw.
Correct Answer
C. Circumvallation and blockade.Explanation
Nicias adopted the strategy of circumvallation and blockade to defeat Syracuse in the second year of the Athenian invasion. This strategy involved surrounding the city of Syracuse with a wall, cutting off their supplies and communication, and preventing any outside assistance from reaching them. By implementing this blockade, Nicias aimed to weaken Syracuse and force them into surrender. This strategy proved effective in isolating and eventually defeating the city.Rate this question:
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