Topic Test: Ancient Greece

Read the quotation.

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

―Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor from 161 to 180 ce), Meditations

Marcus Aurelius’s advice suggests that he was most likely influenced by

• Socrates

• Homer’s Odyssey

• the Stoics

• Aesop’s fables

Which of the following was a result of the independent spirit of the early Greeks?

• numerous attempts to unite Greece under one government

• frequent wars between city-states

• heavy trade between city-states

• increased efforts to establish Greek colonies overseas

What were two causes of the Peloponnesian War? Choose the TWO correct answers.

• A. Athens’ military was weakened after the Battle of Salamis.

• B. Sparta and its allies feared Athens’ power.

• C. Athens placed a ban on trade with Megara.

• D. Athens forced Peloponnesians to use Athenian currency.

Who benefited the most from the oligarchies that governed many ancient Greek city-states?

• wealthy people

• tyrants

• citizens

• small farmers

Read the quote from Plato.

“Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy . . . cities will never have rest from their evils—no, nor the human race.”

In this quotation, Plato expresses his belief that political leaders should be

• wise.

• elected democratically.

• obeyed.

• religious

How did government in Sparta differ from government in Athens?

• Sparta’s citizens had a weaker role in their government.

• Sparta had a smaller council than Athens.

• The council had less power in Sparta than it did in Athens.

• Women were citizens in Sparta but not in Athens.

How was life in Sparta different from life in Athens? Choose the TWO correct answers.

• A. Spartans feared change, while Athenians valued new ideas.

• B. Athens relied on conquest and slavery to obtain food, while Sparta relied on trade.

• C. Spartan women stayed at home, while Athenian women worked outside the home.

• D. Spartan boys were taught to obey orders, while Athenian boys received a well-rounded education.

Which development eventually led to the Peloponnesian War?

• creation of the Peloponnesian League and the Delian League

• rivalry between Athens and Sparta for power in Greece

• Athens’ jealousy over Persian support of Sparta

• Persian attacks on Greek colonies in Ionia

Which ruler was most responsible for uniting Greece?

• A. Alexander the Great

• B. Pericles

• C. King Philip

• D. Xerxes

The Parthenon is considered the finest example of ancient Greek architecture because of its

• strange and imaginative proportions.

• colored marbles.

• enormous size.

• balance and harmony of parts.