4. Classical Greece 1

Question 1

What does the term “classical” primarily signify when describing the Greco-Roman period?
A) A civilization based entirely on mythological narratives
B) A high standard of cultural, governmental, and intellectual achievement
C) A time of military dominance over other cultures
D) A focus on maritime trade and exploration

Answer 1

B) A high standard of cultural, governmental, and intellectual achievement

Question 2

Which period is considered the most “classical” moment for the Greeks?
A) The Classical period (500–323 BCE)
B) The Hellenistic period
C) The Archaic Age
D) The Bronze Age

Answer 2

A) The Classical period (500–323 BCE)

Question 3

What marked the transition from the Greek Dark Age to the Archaic Age?
A) The widespread use of bronze tools and weapons
B) The development of poleis and a flourishing of trade and colonization
C) A decline in centralized monarchies
D) A shift to a focus on intellectual pursuits

Answer 3

B) The development of poleis and a flourishing of trade and colonization

Question 4

What is one characteristic of the Hellenistic period?
A) Greek civilization completely abandoned its cultural traditions.
B) Rome adopted significant elements of Greek culture, creating a Greco-Roman civilization.
C) The Greeks avoided interactions with the Near East.
D) Alexander the Great unified the Greek homeland and conquered the Persian Empire.

Answer 4

D) Alexander the Great unified the Greek homeland and conquered the Persian Empire.

Question 5

What cultural achievement is represented by Myron’s Discobolos (Discus Thrower)?
A) A rejection of motion and emotion in art
B) A focus on literary achievements over visual arts
C) The fusion of motion with stability and restraint in classical style
D) The depiction of military power and athletic dominance

Answer 5

C) The fusion of motion with stability and restraint in classical style

Question 6

Which is the Mycenaean Period?
A) prior to 1000 BC
B) 1000-800 BC
C) 800-500 BC
D) 500-323 BC
E) 323-150 BC

Answer 6

A) prior to 1000 BC

Question 7

Which is the Dark Ages?
A) prior to 1000 BC
B) 1000-800 BC
C) 800-500 BC
D) 500-323 BC
E) 323-150 BC

Answer 7

B) 1000-800 BC

Question 8

Which is the Archaic?
A) prior to 1000 BC
B) 1000-800 BC
C) 800-500 BC
D) 500-323 BC
E) 323-150 BC

Answer 8

C) 800-500 BC

Question 9

Which is the Classical?
A) prior to 1000 BC
B) 1000-800 BC
C) 800-500 BC
D) 500-323 BC
E) 323-150 BC

Answer 9

D) 500-323 BC

Question 10

Which is the Hellenistic?
A) prior to 1000 BC
B) 1000-800 BC
C) 800-500 BC
D) 500-323 BC
E) 323-150 BC

Answer 10

E) 323-150 BC

Question 11

What is the best translation of the Greek term aretē?
A. Virtue
B. Excellence
C. Honor
D. Strength

Answer 11

B. Excellence

Question 12

What type of competition best reflects the concept of aretē in Greek culture?
A. Artistic contests
B. Athletic contests
C. Political debates
D. Trade negotiations

Answer 12

B. Athletic contests

Question 13

What does the term agōn represent in Greek culture?
A. Harmony
B. Celebration
C. Competition
D. Devotion

Answer 13

C. Competition

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an agōn?
A. A religious festival
B. A battle between warriors
C. A council meeting
D. A market exchange

Answer 14

B. A battle between warriors

Question 15

Why were Greek men often depicted in the nude in artwork?
A. It reflected their everyday attire.
B. It symbolized vulnerability and openness.
C. It showcased their ideal physical excellence as athletes.
D. It was meant to honor the gods.

Answer 15

C. It showcased their ideal physical excellence as athletes.

Question 16

What role does aretē play in Homer’s Odyssey?
A. It emphasizes the value of hospitality.
B. It highlights the achievements of warriors and athletes.
C. It critiques the idea of competition.
D. It shows the futility of war.

Answer 16

B. It highlights the achievements of warriors and athletes.

Question 17

According to the text, how did some Greeks explain their superiority over “Asians”?
A. By their superior trade networks
B. By their frequent warfare developing aretē
C. By their advanced architectural techniques
D. By their religious devotion

Answer 17

B. By their frequent warfare developing aretē

Question 18

Which of the following is an element of Odysseus’s adventures that reflects the competitive spirit of Greek culture?
A. His reliance on divine intervention
B. His ability to defeat local champions in physical contests
C. His tendency to avoid conflict whenever possible
D. His focus on family over reputation

Answer 18

B. His ability to defeat local champions in physical contests

Question 19

What was one primary purpose of war in Greek culture beyond gaining power or advantage?
A. To unify the community
B. To demonstrate aretē and gain honor
C. To expand trade routes
D. To acquire new technology

Answer 19

B. To demonstrate aretē and gain honor

Question 20

What did it mean when the defeated asked for the return of their dead?
A. It was an act of defiance.
B. It was a way to honor their gods.
C. It was a recognition of their defeat.
D. It was part of a peace treaty.

Answer 20

C. It was a recognition of their defeat.

Question 21

Why were prizes such as booty important in Greek warfare?
A. They showed loyalty to the gods.
B. They demonstrated personal aretē through recognition.
C. They were used to bribe allies.
D. They served as tangible proof of victory.

Answer 21

D. They served as tangible proof of victory.

Question 22

How were women generally perceived in the context of aretē?
A. Women were seen as equals to men in achieving aretē.
B. Women were viewed as physically weaker and excluded from aretē.
C. Women achieved aretē through artistic contributions.
D. Women demonstrated aretē primarily through community service.

Answer 22

B. Women were viewed as physically weaker and excluded from aretē.

Question 23

In male courtship relationships in Greek society, who was the erōmenos?
A. The lover and pursuer
B. The beloved and the younger partner
C. The elder teacher
D. The one providing gifts

Answer 23

B. The beloved and the younger partner

Question 24

What form of sexual interaction between men preserved the honor of both parties?
A. Complete abstinence
B. Intercrural intercourse
C. Courtship without gifts
D. Penetration

Answer 24

B. Intercrural intercourse

Question 25

What was the primary loyalty expected of individuals in Greek society?
A. To the city-state
B. To the gods
C. To the family, particularly male ancestors
D. To their athletic team

Answer 25

C. To the family, particularly male ancestors

Question 26

What was a distinguishing characteristic of the vase by Euthymedes?
A. It celebrated Greek gods.
B. It depicted a famous battle.
C. It included a taunt toward another potter.
D. It emphasized teamwork.

Answer 26

C. It included a taunt toward another potter.

Question 27

What does the term “polis” primarily refer to in Greek culture?
A. A kin group resembling a city-state
B. A system of government
C. A large city with thousands of residents
D. A form of monarchy

Answer 27

A. A kin group resembling a city-state

Question 28

Why were there no large, unified governments in early Greece?
A. Aristocrats prevented unification.
B. Geography divided populations into isolated pockets.
C. The Greeks did not value political organization.
D. They relied entirely on divine intervention for leadership.

Answer 28

B. Geography divided populations into isolated pockets.

Question 29

Why is the translation of polis as “city-state” potentially misleading?
A. Early poleis had no legal systems.
B. Poleis were not cities in size or states in structure.
C. The term “state” was reserved for later Greek kingdoms.
D. It implied unity across Greek poleis.

Answer 29

B. Poleis were not cities in size or states in structure.

Question 30

How were laws generally understood in early Greek poleis?
A. As divine traditions from the gods
B. As decisions made by kings
C. As written constitutions
D. As codes established by assemblies

Answer 30

A. As divine traditions from the gods

Question 31

In early poleis, who were considered the city?
A. The gods
B. The aristocrats
C. The citizens
D. The assembly leaders

Answer 31

C. The citizens

Question 32

What did many poleis claim about their origins?
A. They were founded by aristocratic clans.
B. They were formed from military alliances.
C. They were established by a single ancestor.
D. They were created through trade.

Answer 32

A. They were founded by aristocratic clans.

Question 33

What was the status of metics in Greek poleis?
A. They were noncitizens with limited rights despite long-term residence.
B. They were often excluded from owning property.
C. They could become citizens after several generations.
D. They were allowed to participate in politics but not own land.

Answer 33

A. They were noncitizens with limited rights despite long-term residence.

Question 34

Why were aristocrats able to dominate decision-making in poleis?
A. They were elected by the citizens.
B. Their wealth provided them the leisure to lead.
C. They were granted special powers by the gods.
D. They controlled all religious institutions

Answer 34

B. Their wealth provided them the leisure to lead.

Question 35

How did early poleis resolve disputes between citizens?
A. Through judicial courts
B. By allowing family feuds
C. By calling on divine intervention
D. Through assemblies that always met regularly

Answer 35

B. By allowing family feuds

Question 36

What role did aristocratic women play in early Greek society?
A. They trained and led soldiers into battle.
B. They promoted family prestige through mourning.
C. They were restricted to household duties only.
D. They were primarily focused on trade.

Answer 36

B. They promoted family prestige through mourning.

Question 37

How did wealth contribute to the influence of aristocratic families?
A. It allowed them to dominate athletic competitions.
B. It ensured they had private education.
C. It made them more devout in religious rituals.
D. It gave them political privileges by divine right.

Answer 37

A. It allowed them to dominate athletic competitions.

Question 38

What did Odysseus’s response to being compared to a merchant reveal about Greek aristocracy?
A. Aristocrats valued athletic ability over trade skills.
B. Merchants were respected but lacked aretē.
C. Aristocrats were primarily focused on wealth.
D. The aristocracy rejected athletic competitions.

Answer 38

A. Aristocrats valued athletic ability over trade skills.

Question 39

What distinguished the aristocracy (aristoi) in early poleis?
A. Their control over religious institutions
B. Their ability to establish laws
C. Their wealth and reputation as “the best”
D. Their military conquests

Answer 39

C. Their wealth and reputation as “the best”

Question 40

What is an example of aristocratic dominance described in the Odyssey?
A. Disputes were often resolved through violence or feuds.
B. Assemblies of citizens met daily to settle disagreements.
C. Odysseus is elected king after a formal vote.
D. Women played leading roles in resolving conflicts.

Answer 40

A. Disputes were often resolved through violence or feuds.

Question 41

How did early poleis reflect the idea of an “organic society”?
A. All citizens were tied to one another, like parts of a living organism.
B. Each polis was self-sustaining and avoided trade with others.
C. Political leadership rotated regularly among the citizens.
D. Assemblies treated all citizens as equals regardless of status.

Answer 41

A. All citizens were tied to one another, like parts of a living organism.

Question 42

What is the origin of the term “Greek”?
A. It comes from the term “Hellas.”
B. It was invented by modern historians.
C. It derives from the Latin word Graecus.
D. It originates from the word barbaroi.

Answer 42

C. It derives from the Latin word Graecus.

Question 43

What was the simplest definition of a Greek in the Archaic period?
A. Someone who worshipped Greek gods
B. Someone who lived in a polis
C. Someone who spoke Greek
D. Someone who supported the Olympics

Answer 43

C. Someone who spoke Greek

Question 44

Why did Greeks refer to non-Greeks as barbaroi?
A. Non-Greeks worshipped different gods.
B. Non-Greek speech sounded like “bar, bar, bar” to the Greeks.
C. Non-Greeks had a different political system.
D. Non-Greeks did not participate in the Olympics.

Answer 44

B. Non-Greek speech sounded like “bar, bar, bar” to the Greeks.

Question 45

Which pan-Hellenic festival excluded non-Greeks?
A. The Oracle at Delphi
B. The Pythian Games
C. The Olympics
D. The Isthmian Games

Answer 45

C. The Olympics

Question 46

What role did Greek colonies play in reinforcing Greek identity?
A. They brought Greeks into close contact with non-Greeks.
B. They adopted local customs and traditions.
C. They created larger, unified city-states.
D. They excluded Greeks from other regions.

Answer 46

A. They brought Greeks into close contact with non-Greeks.

Question 47

What Near Eastern culture influenced Greek sculpture, as seen in the kouros statues?
A. Persian
B. Egyptian
C. Mesopotamian
D. Phoenician

Answer 47

B. Egyptian

Question 48

From which culture did the Greeks adopt their writing system?
A. Egyptians
B. Persians
C. Phoenicians
D. Mesopotamians

Answer 48

C. Phoenicians

Question 49

What is the main theme of Herodotus’s Histories?
A. The daily life of the Greek people
B. The exploration of the Greek and non-Greek worlds
C. The military history of Sparta
D. The development of Greek art and culture

Answer 49

B. The exploration of the Greek and non-Greek worlds

Question 50

How did Herodotus describe Egyptian culture in his writings?
A. As vastly inferior to Greek culture
B. As the root of Greek practices
C. As unconnected to Greek traditions
D. As barbaric and primitive

Answer 50

B. As the root of Greek practices

Question 51

What was a significant turning point in Greek self-perception during the Classical period?
A. The establishment of the Oracle at Delphi
B. The influence of Near Eastern mathematics
C. The Persian Wars
D. The construction of the Parthenon

Answer 51

C. The Persian Wars

Question 52

Which battle in 490 BC saw a smaller Athenian force defeat the Persians?
A. Thermopylae
B. Marathon
C. Salamis
D. Plataea

Answer 52

B. Marathon

Question 53

What action did the Spartan commander at Thermopylae take when defeat was imminent?
A. He fled with his soldiers.
B. He surrendered to the Persians.
C. He dismissed most of his forces and stayed to fight.
D. He sought reinforcements from Athens.

Answer 53

C. He dismissed most of his forces and stayed to fight.

Question 54

How did Greeks justify their belief in Persian “slavishness”?
A. The Persians worshipped foreign gods.
B. The Persians lived under a monarchy.
C. The Persians lost both Persian Wars.
D. The Persians lacked written laws.

Answer 54

B. The Persians lived under a monarchy.

Question 55

How did the term barbaroi evolve during the Classical period?
A. It became a neutral term for non-Greeks.
B. It started to mean “foreigner” without negative connotations.
C. It began to mean “barbarian,” implying inferiority.
D. It referred to Greeks living outside poleis.

Answer 55

C. It began to mean “barbarian,” implying inferiority.

Question 56

What did Aristotle suggest about the Persians?
A. They were superior to the Greeks in battle.
B. They were naturally suited to slavery.
C. They were culturally more advanced than the Greeks.
D. They were incapable of self-governance.

Answer 56

D. They were incapable of self-governance.

Question 57

What artistic style emerged shortly before the Persian Wars?
A. Archaic
B. Hellenistic
C. Severe
D. Classical

Answer 57

D. Classical

Question 58

What characteristic was associated with the Classical style of sculpture?
A. Exaggerated ornamentation
B. Simplicity and self-restraint
C. Emotional expressiveness
D. Influence from Persian techniques

Answer 58

B. Simplicity and self-restraint

Question 59

How did Aristotle view societies in the East?
A. Lacking intelligence
B. Governed by democratic principles
C. Strong but brainless
D. Intelligent but lacking independence

Answer 59

D. Intelligent but lacking independence

Question 60

What event demonstrated the limits of Greek unity?
A. The Trojan War
B. The Battle of Thermopylae
C. The Peloponnesian War
D. The formation of the Delian League

Answer 60

C. The Peloponnesian War

Question 61

What was a major reason for the failure of Greek cities to form a united Hellas?
A. Persian interference
B. Geographical separation and polis identity
C. Economic instability
D. Lack of military strength

Answer 61

B. Geographical separation and polis identity

Question 62

What societal role became more common as a result of the Peloponnesian War?
A. Political leaders
B. Philosophers
C. Mercenaries
D. Artisans

Answer 62

C. Mercenaries

Question 63

Why did Spartans ally with Persia after the Peloponnesian War?
A. To adopt Persian culture
B. To maintain dominance over Greece
C. To overthrow the Athenian navy
D. To support the Theban military

Answer 63

B. To maintain dominance over Greece

Question 64

What shift in values did the Athenians demonstrate in their treatment of Alcibiades?
A. Valuing loyalty over charisma
B. Rewarding individual ambition over civic loyalty
C. Prioritizing military strategy
D. Embracing Spartan influences

Answer 64

B. Rewarding individual ambition over civic loyalty

Question 65

Why did Greek cities avoid naturalizing outsiders as citizens?
A. Religious restrictions
B. Economic concerns
C. The idea of the polis as a kin group
D. Fear of political uprisings

Answer 65

C. The idea of the polis as a kin group

Question 66

What does the term kouroi refer to in Greek sculpture?
A. Realistic human figures
B. Mythological creatures
C. Rigid, upright male statues
D. Ornamental architectural elements

Answer 66

C. Rigid, upright male statues

Question 67

What feature characterized Archaic Greek sculpture?
A. Detailed ornamentation
B. Naturalistic movement
C. Severe simplicity
D. Egyptian-inspired stiffness

Answer 67

D. Egyptian-inspired stiffness

Question 68

What was one effect of the Peloponnesian War on Greek society?
A. Strengthened loyalty to the polis
B. Decline of Greek city-states
C. Unified Greece under Sparta
D. Economic prosperity

Answer 68

B. Decline of Greek city-states

Question 69

Why was Greek dominance over larger territories difficult?
A. Lack of sufficient manpower
B. Constant barbarian invasions
C. Poor infrastructure
D. Over-reliance on mercenaries

Answer 69

A. Lack of sufficient manpower

Question 70

What was a consequence of the Peloponnesian War for the countryside?
A. Growth of agriculture
B. Development of new trade routes
C. Fields of grain were destroyed annually
D. Increased colonization overseas

Answer 70

C. Fields of grain were destroyed annually

Question 71

What aspect of the Persian defeat influenced Greek self-perception?
A. Emphasis on luxury and power
B. Desire for cultural exchange
C. Contrast of simplicity with Persian excess
D. Focus on military alliances

Answer 71

C. Contrast of simplicity with Persian excess

Question 72

Why did Greece experience a population explosion in the eighth century BC?
A. The cause remains unclear, but population growth was rapid
B. Increased trade with neighboring regions
C. Introduction of advanced medical practices
D. Migration from foreign territories

Answer 72

A. The cause remains unclear, but population growth was rapid

Question 73

Where did many Greek colonies emerge during the Archaic period?
A. Northern Europe and Scandinavia
B. Southern Italy, Sicily, and the Black Sea
C. Central Asia and India
D. The Nile River Valley

Answer 73

B. Southern Italy, Sicily, and the Black Sea

Question 74

What made Greek colonies distinct from modern colonial models?
A. They were strictly military outposts
B. They operated as new and independent poleis
C. They maintained close political ties to mother cities
D. They served only as trading hubs

Answer 74

B. They operated as new and independent poleis

Question 75

What economic shift helped Greek poleis produce surpluses?
A. The expansion of pastoralism
B. Transition from a pastoral to agricultural society
C. Introduction of coin-based trade systems
D. Large-scale importation of foreign goods

Answer 75

B. Transition from a pastoral to agricultural society

Question 76

Which new social group emerged during the Archaic period?
A. Wealthy merchants
B. Middling farmers with modest wealth
C. Skilled urban craftsmen
D. Landless peasants

Answer 76

B. Middling farmers with modest wealth

Question 77

What was the hoplite phalanx?
A. A naval formation of warships
B. A heavily armored infantry formation
C. A defensive wall structure used in sieges
D. A cavalry-based battle strategy

Answer 77

B. A heavily armored infantry formation

Question 78

How did the hoplite phalanx undermine aristocratic dominance?
A. It required large numbers of middle-class soldiers
B. It made traditional cavalry units obsolete
C. It discouraged aristocrats from participating in wars
D. It reduced the importance of individual heroism

Answer 78

A. It required large numbers of middle-class soldiers

Question 79

How did tyrants gain power in the Archaic period?
A. By exploiting tensions between rich and poor
B. By conquering poleis through military force
C. By inheriting power from aristocratic families
D. By appealing to foreign powers for support

Answer 79

A. By exploiting tensions between rich and poor

Question 80

What does “metabolē politeiōn” describe?
A. Cycles of constitutions and political instability
B. Patterns of trade and economic fluctuation
C. Military campaigns across poleis
D. Changes in religious practices

Answer 80

A. Cycles of constitutions and political instability

Question 81

What limited the expansion of citizenship in Greek poleis?
A. The lack of written constitutions
B. The polis being seen as a kin group
C. Military control over political decisions
D. A focus on trade over governance

Answer 81

B. The polis being seen as a kin group

Question 82

What was one consequence of population growth in Greek poleis?
A. Stronger kinship ties among citizens
B. Increased social tension between rich and poor
C. A decrease in colonization efforts
D. Growth of larger, less intimate cities

Answer 82

D. Growth of larger, less intimate cities

Question 83

How was democracy practiced in Athens?
A. Citizens elected representatives to make decisions
B. A council of aristocrats governed the polis
C. Citizens participated directly in governance
D. Laws were created by appointed officials

Answer 83

C. Citizens participated directly in governance

Question 84

Why did many Greek writers criticize democracy?
A. It excluded women and slaves
B. It undermined traditional laws rooted in religion
C. It was seen as favoring the wealthy
D. It allowed laws to be made by ordinary citizens

Answer 84

D. It allowed laws to be made by ordinary citizens

Question 85

What was a key feature of the Athenian assembly?
A. It elected officials to govern for life
B. It was composed exclusively of aristocrats
C. It made laws directly through citizen participation
D. It met frequently to debate and decide on laws

Answer 85

D. It met frequently to debate and decide on laws

Question 86

What was Pericles known for in Athenian politics?
A. Establishing democratic principles
B. Leading through persuasion in the assembly
C. Creating a permanent oligarchic structure
D. Designing the hoplite phalanx strategy

Answer 86

B. Leading through persuasion in the assembly

Question 87

Which groups were excluded from the dēmos in Greek democracy?
A. Freed slaves
B. Adult male citizens without property
C. Women, slaves, and metics
D. Foreign merchants

Answer 87

C. Women, slaves, and metics

Question 88

How did Greek democracy differ from modern democracy?
A. It was direct rather than representative
B. It relied heavily on written constitutions
C. It excluded land ownership as a qualification

Answer 88

A. It was direct rather than representative

Question 89

Why were Athens and Sparta exceptions to frequent political instability?
A. Their focus on colonization and trade
B. Their strong adherence to oligarchic principles
C. Their avoidance of constant constitutional changes
D. Their rigid and limited concepts of citizenship

Answer 89

D. Their rigid and limited concepts of citizenship

Question 90

Why did democracy weaken the polis as a kin-based community?
A. It encouraged individualism over kinship ties
B. It reduced military cooperation between citizens
C. It replaced religious traditions with secular laws
D. It emphasized equality, eroding clan distinctions

Answer 90

D. It emphasized equality, eroding clan distinctions

Question 91

What broader lesson does the political instability of Greek poleis teach?
A. Social tensions can drive cycles of revolution and counterrevolution
B. Economic prosperity eliminates class conflict
C. Colonization strengthens political systems
D. Competition between classes can lead to political instability

Answer 91

D. Competition between classes can lead to political instability

Question 92

What issue prompted Athens to appoint Solon to revamp its political system in 594 BC?
A. Growing tensions between social classes
B. Increasing competition with Sparta
C. A severe food shortage
D. Pressure from neighboring poleis

Answer 92

A. Growing tensions between social classes ✔

Question 93

What significant reform did Solon introduce to address the plight of poor Athenians?
A. Redistribution of land
B. Outlawing debt slavery
C. Granting citizenship to foreigners
D. Providing loans to poor farmers

Answer 93

B. Outlawing debt slavery

Question 94

Under Solon’s reforms, which group gained the right to elect archons for the first time?
A. All Athenian male citizens
B. Women and metics
C. Wealthy aristocrats only
D. Foreign-born residents

Answer 94

A. All Athenian male citizens

Question 95

How did Pisistratus initially seize power in Athens in 561 BC?
A. By forming alliances with wealthy aristocrats
B. By declaring himself king
C. Through a democratic election
D. By exploiting social tensions and declaring himself tyrant

Answer 95

D. By exploiting social tensions and declaring himself tyrant

Question 96

What significant shift occurred in Athens’ governance during the Classical period?
A. The assembly of citizens gained real political power
B. Tyranny became the dominant form of rule
C. Archons became the most influential leaders
D. Power shifted to a hereditary monarchy

Answer 96

A. The assembly of citizens gained real political power

Question 97

Which famous historian praised Athenian democracy for unleashing its citizens’ energy and potential?
A. Herodotus
B. Thucydides
C. Aristotle
D. Plutarch

Answer 97

A. Herodotus

Question 98

What innovation in Athens attracted tourists and visitors during the Classical period?
A. Public festivals featuring theatrical performances
B. The invention of currency
C. The establishment of public libraries
D. The development of aqueducts

Answer 98

A. Public festivals featuring theatrical performances

Question 99

Why did Solon’s reforms weaken the traditional clan structure in Athens?
A. They encouraged citizens to identify by wealth rather than kinship
B. They outlawed the use of family ties in political appointments
C. They reduced the power of the aristocracy
D. They prohibited family land inheritance

Answer 99

A. They encouraged citizens to identify by wealth rather than kinship

Question 100

What political system replaced tyranny in Athens after the fall of Pisistratus’s sons in 510 BC?
A. Democracy
B. Monarchy
C. Anarchy
D. Oligarchy

Answer 100

A. Democracy

Question 101

What was one lasting legacy of Classical Athens’ democracy?
A. The establishment of equal legal rights for male citizens
B. A permanent separation of rich and poor
C. The invention of representative governance
D. The encouragement of cultural and intellectual achievements

Answer 101

A. The establishment of equal legal rights for male citizens

Question 102

What resource significantly contributed to Athens’ ability to stabilize its democracy?
A. Grain imports from Egypt
B. Silver mines in Athenian territory
C. Tribute from Sparta
D. Taxes on Athenian citizens

Answer 102

B. Silver mines in Athenian territory

Question 103

What was the primary purpose of the Delian League when it was formed?
A. To create a unified Greek empire
B. To protect Greek cities from Persian attacks
C. To establish a trade network across the Aegean Sea
D. To defend Athens’ colonies against rebellions

Answer 103

B. To protect Greek cities from Persian attacks

Question 104

How did Athens fund its navy during the Delian League period?
A. By taxing its own citizens heavily
B. By receiving tribute payments from league members
C. By selling ships to other Greek cities
D. By seizing Persian assets in Asia Minor

Answer 104

B. By receiving tribute payments from league members

Question 105

What was a cleruchy in the context of the Athenian Empire?
A. A newly independent polis
B. A type of Athenian warship
C. A city-state allied with Athens
D. A settlement of Athenian citizens on confiscated land

Answer 105

D. A settlement of Athenian citizens on confiscated land

Question 106

How did Athens enforce contributions to the Delian League treasury?
A. By negotiating new treaties annually
B. Through an alliance with Persia
C. By using its powerful navy
D. By threatening members with expulsion

Answer 106

C. By using its powerful navy

Question 107

What iconic structure in Athens was partly funded by Delian League payments?
A. The Erechtheion
B. The Parthenon
C. The Temple of Olympian Zeus
D. The Theater of Dionysus

Answer 107

B. The Parthenon

Question 108

How did Athens’ reliance on tribute payments affect its political stability?
A. It deepened divisions between rich and poor citizens
B. It reduced class tensions by providing income for poorer Athenians
C. It led to frequent revolts within the city
D. It caused a decline in military strength

Answer 108

B. It reduced class tensions by providing income for poorer Athenians

Question 109

How did slavery contribute to Athenian democracy?
A. Slaves served as jurors in mass trials
B. The absence of Athenian debt slavery strengthened citizen rights
C. Slaves helped train hoplites for battle
D. Slaves took part in political debates on behalf of their owners

Answer 109

B. The absence of Athenian debt slavery strengthened citizen rights

Question 110

What distinguished Classical Athenian slavery from earlier forms?
A. Slaves were exclusively foreigners
B. Slaves retained certain legal rights
C. Slaves were allowed to vote in some circumstances
D. Slavery was abolished for citizens and foreigners alike

Answer 110

A. Slaves were exclusively foreigners

Question 111

Why did Athens move the Delian League treasury from Delos to Athens?
A. To protect it from Persian attacks
B. To better control league finances
C. To reduce administrative costs
D. To fund military campaigns against Sparta

Answer 111

B. To better control league finances

Question 112

How did the gymnasium reflect the social structure of Classical Athens?
A. It was a place where men and women trained together
B. It symbolized the separation of the sexes
C. It served as a public forum for political debates
D. It provided equal opportunities for citizens and slaves

Answer 112

B. It symbolized the separation of the sexes

Question 113

Why were Athens’ sailors considered vital to its democracy?
A. They represented the wealthy class in naval command roles
B. They could serve without the wealth required of hoplites
C. They negotiated with other city-states for trade agreements
D. They were exempt from paying taxes

Answer 113

B. They could serve without the wealth required of hoplites

Question 114

What was the role of women in Classical Athens according to the text?
A. They participated in democratic assemblies
B. They managed household tasks and raised future citizens
C. They were free to travel and engage in commerce
D. They were often trained alongside men in gymnasiums

Answer 114

B. They managed household tasks and raised future citizens

Question 115

What effect did Athenian dominance in the Delian League have on the perception of freedom in Athens?
A. It diminished the idea of freedom for most citizens
B. It reinforced the idea that true freedom involved ruling over others
C. It increased conflicts between aristocrats and commoners
D. It reduced the influence of democracy in Athens

Answer 115

B. It reinforced the idea that true freedom involved ruling over others

Question 116

Why did Athenian women rarely appear in public?
A. Social norms dictated that their pale skin showed wealth
B. Public appearances were only allowed during festivals
C. They were discouraged by law from leaving their homes
D. They were required to work alongside men in fields

Answer 116

A. Social norms dictated that their pale skin showed wealth

Question 117

What primary solution did Sparta adopt to address overpopulation?
A) Colonization overseas
B) Reforming its agricultural practices
C) Conquering neighboring fertile land
D) Trading with other Greek cities

Answer 117

C) Conquering neighboring fertile land

Question 118

What was the name given to the enslaved Messenians?
A) Homoioi
B) Cleruchies
C) Perioikoi
D) Helots

Answer 118

D) Helots

Question 119

How were helots different from chattel slaves in Athens?
A) They were privately owned.
B) They were considered a single people, not dispersed.
C) They were freed after a certain period.
D) They were protected under Spartan law.

Answer 119

B) They were considered a single people, not dispersed.

Question 120

What prompted the Spartans to restructure their society into the Lycurgan system?
A) The First Messenian War
B) The Second Messenian War
C) The Persian Wars
D) The Peloponnesian War

Answer 120

B) The Second Messenian War

Question 121

What feature of the Lycurgan system was introduced after the Second Messenian War?
A) Mandatory military training for boys
B) Equal representation for women
C) Colonization to expand territory
D) A marketplace-based economy

Answer 121

A) Mandatory military training for boys

Question 122

At what age were Spartan boys taken from their families to begin military training?
A) 7
B) 12
C) 15
D) 18

Answer 122

B) 12

Question 123

What purpose did underfeeding Spartan boys serve?
A) To conserve resources
B) To teach them endurance and stealth
C) To punish disobedience
D) To encourage dependence on the state

Answer 123

B) To teach them endurance and stealth

Question 124

Where did adult Spartan men eat their meals?
A) At home with their families
B) In public messes
C) In the agora
D) In the temple halls

Answer 124

B) In public messes

Question 125

Why did Spartans use iron bars as currency?
A) To discourage hoarding wealth
B) To ensure trade remained local
C) To symbolize Spartan strength
D) To prevent foreign trade competition

Answer 125

A) To discourage hoarding wealth

Question 126

What term described Spartan male citizens?
A) Perioikoi
B) Homoioi
C) Aristoi
D) Helots

Answer 126

B) Homoioi

Question 127

How did Spartan soldiers behave differently in battle?
A) They pursued the enemy aggressively.
B) They retreated to avoid losses.
C) They limited pursuit to maintain formation.
D) They relied heavily on cavalry.

Answer 127

C) They limited pursuit to maintain formation.

Question 128

What role did Spartan women often play in society?
A) Managing households and helots
B) Leading in political assemblies
C) Serving as priestesses for city rituals
D) Overseeing trade and commerce

Answer 128

A) Managing households and helots

Question 129

Why did Spartan women undergo physical training?
A) To compete in public games
B) To prepare for possible military service
C) To improve their health for childbirth
D) To show strength to neighboring cities

Answer 129

C) To improve their health for childbirth

Question 130

How were Spartan infants evaluated?
A) By family decision for survival
B) By city authorities for health
C) By priestesses for divine favor
D) By helot caregivers for suitability

Answer 130

B) By city authorities for health

Question 131

What honor was uniquely given to Spartan women?
A) Owning property without restriction
B) Commemoration if they died in childbirth
C) Holding public office in wartime
D) Leading religious ceremonies

Answer 131

B) Commemoration if they died in childbirth

Question 132

What was the Lycurgan system’s primary goal?
A) To create an elite class
B) To suppress individual desires
C) To promote foreign trade
D) To encourage military innovation

Answer 132

B) To suppress individual desires

Question 133

What was a major criticism of Spartan women by other Greeks, like Aristotle?
A) Their leadership in political assemblies
B) Their relative independence and fitness
C) Their refusal to marry non-Spartans
D) Their involvement in military planning

Answer 133

B) Their relative independence and fitness

Question 134

Why did Spartans discourage the accumulation of wealth?
A) To avoid class divisions
B) To maintain equality among citizens
C) To focus resources on helots
D) To limit external trade

Answer 134

B) To maintain equality among citizens

Question 135

Why did other Greek cities not emulate the Spartan system?
A) Its military tactics were outdated.
B) It required renouncing individual comforts and achievements.
C) Its economic policies were unsustainable.
D) It relied too much on foreign alliances.

Answer 135

B) It required renouncing individual comforts and achievements.