Greek History Quiz

Who led the Persian invasion repulsed in 479 B.C.?

• Darius

• Alexander the Great

• Xerxes

• Leonidas

What was Themistocles' strategy to maximize the Greek advantage against the Persians according to Herodotus?

• To attack Persia directly

• To increase the size of the Greek fleet

• To form an alliance with Sparta

• To deceive the Persians into a disadvantageous battle

According to Thucydides, why did Themistocles persuade his fellow-citizens to abandon Athens?

• Because he foresaw an earthquake

• Because he wanted to save the treasury

• Because he foresaw the Persian attack on Athens

• Because he wanted to establish a new city

What was the main reason Themistocles ordered the construction of a ship-canal through the Athos peninsula?

• To facilitate trade with other Greek cities

• To facilitate the movement of his war-fleet

• To impress the Spartans

• To create a new trade route

Which battle is associated with Themistocles' cunning that resulted in a Greek victory?

• Battle of Marathon

• Battle of Thermopylae

• Battle of Salamis

• Battle of Plataea

What was the attitude of the Athenians towards those who were accused of medism after the First Persian War?

• They were honored for their diplomatic skills.

• They were treated with suspicion and hostility.

• They were promoted to higher political positions.

• They were given financial rewards for their services.

What led to the ostracism of Themistocles?

• His failure to win the Battle of Marathon.

• His opposition to Sparta's bid for control of Delphi.

• His alleged collusion with Persia.

• His support for the establishment of the Delian League.

What was the main reason for Pausanias' removal as commander of the Greek alliance against Persia?

• His defeat in a major battle.

• His Spartan heritage.

• His troubling tyrannical behavior.

• His loss of support from the Delian League.

Where did Themistocles seek refuge after being ostracized from Athens?

• In Argos.

• At the court of the Great King in Persia.

• In Sparta.

• On the island of Salamis.

What was ironic about the downfall of Themistocles?

• He was defeated by the Persians, whom he had always supported.

• He was ostracized despite his victories in battle.

• He was brought down by allegations of collusion with Persia, which he had often used to destroy his rivals.

• He was betrayed by the Athenians, whom he had saved from Persian invasion.