CC 302: Introduction to Ancient Rome (Unique # 30270)

TEST I: Thursday, September 30th

• Be sure to bring a blue book. Tests will not be accepted unless they are written in a blue book.

Guidelines

Material covered: all readings and class discussions since the beginning of the semester.

Format and sample questions:

I.: Pairs: Answer any 8 of the following questions (16 points: 1 point for each name; you will choose from 9).

Sample questions:

1. Name the dates at which the Roman Republic began, according to Roman tradition.

2. Name two specific things the Romans adapted from the Etruscans.

II. Lingua Latina: Translate any 4 of the following Latin words or phrases and explain very briefly their significance (24 points; 3 points for each translation, 3 points for each explanation; you will choose from 5).

Sample questions:

1. vae victis!

2. paterfamilias

III. Short answers: Answer any 4 of the following questions (28 points, 7 points each; you will choose from 5):

Sample questions:

1. Describe very briefly why ritual was so important in Roman religion.

2. Explain very briefly how Hannibal won the battle of Cannae.

IV. Answer one of the following questions in a well-constructed essay (16 points; you will choose from 2).

Sample question:

The Greek historian Polybius said that Rome had a mixed constitution, joining features of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy. Explain briefly what this means. Be sure to explain which elements Polybius would consider monarchical, oligarchic, and democratic, and why.Your essay should have five paragraphs: 1: a description of what Polybius meant by "mixed constitution‚" (3 points); 2-4: an explanation of what part of the Roman constitution matched each of Polybius' 3 types of government and why (4 points each). 5: a brief summarizing conclusion (1 point).

V. Answer one of the following questions in a well-constructed essay (16 points; you will choose from 2).

Sample question:

A. Explain one feature shared by Plautus' Double Bind and Terence's The Brothers that is different from most modern comedies. Your essay should have four paragraphs: 1: an introduction describing the way you think the comedies are different from modern comedies (4 points); 2: specific examples from Plautus' Double Bind demonstrating the difference you have chosen to discuss (5 points); 3: specific examples from Terence's The Brothers demonstrating the difference you have chosen to discuss (5 points); 4: a brief conclusion summarizing your findings (2 points).

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