The Landmark Thucydides 7.1 To 7.87
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Why were the Syracusans losing hope and discussing surrender in the second year of the Athenian invasion?
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They received word that the Peloponnesian fleet was not coming.
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They lost a series of major battles on the plains outside the city.
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The Athenians were close to completing their siege walls.
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Their leader Hermocrates died in battle.
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A 12-question quiz on The History of the Peloponnesian War, based on The Landmark Thucydides and covering the eighteenth and nineteenth years of the war.
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- 2.
Why did Nicias suddenly recommend withdrawal from Sicily in the winter despite a series of recent victories?
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The arrival of the Peloponnesian fleet and construction of a counterwall left his forces besieged from the land side.
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He was timorous and frightened of the reputation of the Spartan general Gylippus.
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He was alarmed by reports that his former colleague Alcibiades had gone over to the Spartans.
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The promised reinforcements from Athens had not arrived and he knew he lacked the manpower to take Syracuse.
Correct Answer
A. The arrival of the Peloponnesian fleet and construction of a counterwall left his forces besieged from the land side.Explanation
Nicias recommended withdrawal from Sicily in the winter because his forces were besieged from the land side due to the arrival of the Peloponnesian fleet and the construction of a counterwall. This meant that they were trapped and surrounded, making it difficult for them to continue the campaign.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the purpose of yet another Spartan invasion of Attica in the summer of 413?
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To destroy the lands providing sustenance to the Athenian population.
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To take the city of Athens by surprise.
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To prevent their allies from getting restive.
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To force the Athenians to fight a two-front war.
Correct Answer
A. To force the Athenians to fight a two-front war.Explanation
The purpose of yet another Spartan invasion of Attica in the summer of 413 was to force the Athenians to fight a two-front war. By invading Attica, the Spartans aimed to put pressure on Athens from both land and sea, thereby stretching their resources and making it more difficult for them to defend themselves. This strategy would weaken the Athenians and increase the chances of the Spartans achieving victory in the war.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How did the Peloponnesians manage to get Gylippus's army to Sicily despite Athenian naval superiority?
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They waited until a moonless night to set sail.
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25 Corinthian triremes kept the Athenian ships distracted.
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They dug a very long tunnel from the Peloponnesus to Sicily.
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They defeated the Athenians in a major sea battle at Naupactus.
Correct Answer
A. 25 Corinthian triremes kept the Athenian ships distracted.Explanation
The Peloponnesians managed to get Gylippus's army to Sicily despite Athenian naval superiority by using a diversion tactic. They sent 25 Corinthian triremes to distract the Athenian ships, keeping them occupied and unable to prevent the arrival of Gylippus's army. This allowed the Peloponnesians to successfully transport their forces to Sicily without being hindered by the Athenians.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why were the mixed results at the battle of Plemmyrium a major success for the Syracusan-Peloponnesian alliance despite losing the naval battle to Athens?
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The Athenians were forced to withdraw from the Great Harbor of Syracuse.
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The allies could replace their lost ships more easily than the Athenians could replace their lost troops, stores, and equipment.
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It was the first time the Athenians had been defeated in battle since they arrived in Sicily.
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It convinced the Athenians that they could not win the war.
Correct Answer
A. The allies could replace their lost ships more easily than the Athenians could replace their lost troops, stores, and equipment.Explanation
The mixed results at the battle of Plemmyrium were a major success for the Syracusan-Peloponnesian alliance because they were able to replace their lost ships more easily than the Athenians could replace their lost troops, stores, and equipment. This gave the alliance a strategic advantage as they could quickly rebuild their naval forces and continue their resistance against Athens. Additionally, the difficulty faced by the Athenians in replenishing their troops and supplies weakened their position and made them more vulnerable to future attacks.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What was the technological innovation that helped the inexperienced Syracusan navy defeat the superior Athenian ships.
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Greek fire.
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Catapults.
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Reinforced prows.
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Boarding corvus.
Correct Answer
A. Reinforced prows.Explanation
Reinforced prows were the technological innovation that helped the inexperienced Syracusan navy defeat the superior Athenian ships. By reinforcing the front of their ships, the Syracusans were able to ram into the Athenian ships, causing significant damage and disabling them. This tactic allowed the Syracusans to overcome the Athenians' superior numbers and experience, ultimately leading to their victory. Greek fire, catapults, and boarding corvus were not mentioned as factors in the Syracusan navy's success.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why did Demosthenes elect to attack with his reinforcements as soon as he arrived?
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He knew that his position would only weaken with time.
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He didn't have sufficient supplies to delay.
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He was a foolish and impatient general.
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He hoped to stop the Syracusan counterwall before it extended further.
Correct Answer
A. He knew that his position would only weaken with time.Explanation
Demosthenes elected to attack with his reinforcements as soon as he arrived because he knew that his position would only weaken with time. This suggests that he understood the importance of acting quickly in order to maintain a strategic advantage. By attacking immediately, he could prevent his position from becoming more vulnerable and potentially turn the tide of the battle in his favor. Delaying the attack would have allowed the enemy to strengthen their defenses and potentially overpower his forces.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why did Nicias reject Demosthenes's advice to withdraw following the defeat at Epipolae?
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He thought Syracuse was close to collapse.
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He feared to return to Athens in defeat.
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He was convinced that with the reinforcements, their forces were still superior to the allied Syracusan-Peloponnesian forces.
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He wasn't concerned so long as Athens held command of the sea.
Correct Answer
A. He feared to return to Athens in defeat.Explanation
Nicias rejected Demosthenes's advice to withdraw following the defeat at Epipolae because he feared returning to Athens in defeat. This suggests that Nicias was concerned about the negative consequences and potential backlash he would face from the Athenian public if he returned without a victory. He may have believed that staying in Syracuse and continuing the fight would be a better option than facing the humiliation of admitting defeat to his fellow citizens.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What was the crucial event that sealed the fate of the Athenians at Syracuse?
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Demosthenes's failure at Epipolae.
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The arrival of Gylippus.
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The closure of the Great Harbor.
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The auguries that caused Nicias to delay withdrawal.
Correct Answer
A. The closure of the Great Harbor.Explanation
The closure of the Great Harbor sealed the fate of the Athenians at Syracuse because it prevented their fleet from escaping and receiving supplies or reinforcements. This effectively trapped the Athenians and made it impossible for them to continue the siege or retreat. Without access to the harbor, their situation became increasingly desperate, leading to their eventual defeat and surrender.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was so unusual about the harbor battle that took place when the Athenians attempted to break out and escape from Syracuse?
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It was so crowded that it was similar to a land battle fought at sea.
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The Athenians lost a sea battle.
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The battle took place at night.
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No ships were sunk on either side.
Correct Answer
A. It was so crowded that it was similar to a land battle fought at sea.Explanation
The unusual aspect of the harbor battle was that it was incredibly crowded, resembling a land battle fought at sea. This suggests that there were a large number of ships involved in the battle, resulting in a congested and chaotic environment. This would have made it difficult for the Athenians to maneuver their ships effectively and escape from Syracuse.Rate this question:
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Feb 13, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Jul 07, 2008Quiz Created by
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