Ancient History: Greece

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AP European History › Ancient History: Greece

Questions 1 - 10
1

The Iliad and The Odyssey are the best known works of which ancient Greek poet?

Homer

Virgil

Ovid

Lord Byron

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Explanation

Homer is best known in the modern world for The Iliad and The Odyssey, so he would be the best choice. Ovid was the epic poet responsible for the Metamorphoses, but he was Roman, so he would not be the best choice. Virgil was also an influential Roman poet and he did not write the works in question, so he would not be a good choice. Lastly, Lord Byron and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were both famous poets, but they lived many thousands of years after the works in question were written, so they would not be good answers.

2

Ares was the God of war, which of these ancient Greek Gods is incorrectly matched with the area of life they were most associated with?

Poseidon . . . wisdom and learning.

Aphrodite . . . love and beauty.

Apollo . . . music and archery.

Artemis . . . hunting and the moon.

Hades . . . death and the underworld.

Explanation

In the ancient Greek religion there was an extensive pantheon of Gods. Each God or Goddess was associated with certain areas of life, occupations, and ideals. All of these Gods are correctly paired with the areas of life they were said to watch over, except Poseidon. Poseidon was the God of sailors, horses and the sea.

3

The Iliad and The Odyssey are the best known works of which ancient Greek poet?

Homer

Virgil

Ovid

Lord Byron

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Explanation

Homer is best known in the modern world for The Iliad and The Odyssey, so he would be the best choice. Ovid was the epic poet responsible for the Metamorphoses, but he was Roman, so he would not be the best choice. Virgil was also an influential Roman poet and he did not write the works in question, so he would not be a good choice. Lastly, Lord Byron and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were both famous poets, but they lived many thousands of years after the works in question were written, so they would not be good answers.

4

The Second Messenian War ended __________.

in victory for Sparta and the total enslavement of the Messenian people

in victory for Sparta and the concession of parts of Messenian territory to the growing Spartan empire

in a stalemate and the execution of Lysander

in victory for Messenia and the loss of Spartan territory

in victory for Messenia and the total enslavement of the Spartan people

Explanation

The Second Messenian War was fought in the second-half of the seventh century BCE. It was fought between Sparta and Messenia and ended in total victory for the Spartans. The Messenians were enslaved in large numbers and brought to Sparta to live and work as helots (communally owned slaves) in Spartan society.

5

What was an acropolis in ancient Greece?

A fortified area on top of hill, often used for ceremonial purposes

An open space designated for public meetings

A defensive fortification designed to protect against land-based invasions

A shallow harbor designed to prevent naval invasions

None of these

Explanation

In ancient Greece an acropolis was a fortified area on top of hill that was often used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The most famous example of this is the Acropolis in Athens, which is the site of the famous Parthenon temple.

6

During the Trojan War, what was King Odysseus most famous for doing?

Designing the Trojan Horse

Killing King Priam

Leading the Army of Myrmidons

Stealing Achilles' concubine

Dressing up as Achilles to turn the tide of war in favor of the Greeks

Explanation

King Odysseus designed the Trojan Horse. King Odysseus was widely considered one of the smartest of the Greek kings, and it was through his ingenuity that the fake Trojan Horse was thought up and delivered to the Trojans, leading to their ultimate defeat at the hands of the Greeks.

7

Epicureanism emphasized __________.

the pursuit of pleasure through the acquisition of knowledge

the importance of republicanism in Greek life

the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom

communal living and harmonious relationships

prayer and a close personal relationship with God

Explanation

Epicureanism is a philosophy that was developed in ancient Greece by the philosopher Epicurus. It was founded in the late-fourth century BCE. Epicureanism emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure through the acquisition of knowledge and through moderate living. It is often misunderstood as a sort of hedonism, but Epicurus actually advocated for a much stricter style of living.

8

Which of the following ancient Greek city-states is famous for inventing democracy?

Athens

Sparta

Corinth

Argos

Macedon

Explanation

Athens is best known for practicing democracy in the Classic Period, so they would be the best choice. Sparta was ruled by two kings for most of its history, so it would not be a good answer. Macedon was the kingdom that produced Alexander the Great and they were not known for democracy, so that would not be a good choice. Lastly, both Argos and Corinth were Greek city-states, however neither of them were known for democracy, so they would not be good answers either.

9

Which of these best describes an archon in ancient Athenian society?

The chief magistrate

An agricultural slave

An urban slave

A citizen

The leader of the council of elders

Explanation

In ancient Athenian society (and in some other Greek city-states) the archon was the chief magistrate. The powers, responsibilities, and authority of archons varied at different times and in different places. Rulers and reformers like Draco, Solon, and Cleisthenes were all archons.

10

The status of women was most elevated in which of these ancient Greek city-states?

Sparta

Athens

Corinth

Argos

Miletus

Explanation

The status of women was generally quite poor in ancient Greek society (certainly relatively to modern times). However, Spartan society was a notable exception. In Spartan society women had much more power than their contemporaries in other Greek cities. Spartan women participated in politics and enjoyed legal privileges and protections.

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