Classics 175: War and Peace in Classical Antiquity
Semester Examination
5/9/96
Think before you write, since it's your ability to think that I'm looking for. Budget your time, and
be positive and vigorous saying what you have to say.
Part I (30 pts./30 minutes):
Identify six out of the below twelve terms from your lectures
and reading. You will be graded upon your ability to supply a pertinent time frame, simple identification,
and the significance for the purposes of this class of each term. Do not take excessive time in
selecting the terms you will identify!
- The Sacred Band
- polybolos
- Antipater
- Stoicism
-
Perdiccas
- Cineas
- Marius's Mules
- Side
- Telchines
- The fire-carrier
- The League of Corinth
- Antigonus
Monopthalmus
Part II (20 pts./20 minutes):
You will be graded upon your ability to name the author,
subject, and significance of two of the following three passages, in the form of a single paragraph. Keep
these parameters strongly in mind while composing your answer.
A)"The subject of the "robbers' pact" between Philip V and the Seleucid monarch
Antiochus III has been left to this section of the narrative simply because it had no importance for
Rhodes' declaration of war on Philip V, whatever effect its real, alleged, or suspected existence may
have had on Rome's decision to resume hostilities with Macedon. The agreement itself is a most difficult
matter to treat if one feels a need to go beyond the explicit statement of its existence in our ancient
sources."
B)"Undoubtedly the Romans had also been showered with missiles as they advanced, but
the pilum was uniquely effective. Its thin pyramid-shaped point and long metal shaft were capable of
piercing a shield, with the weight of the wooden shaft driving it on until it pierced the man sheltering
behind it. Once it had penetrated the shield, the shape of the point made it very difficult to
extract..."
C)"He approached his projects on a grand scale and his creations were not only skilfully
and inventively conceived, but they bore the marks of a lofty mind and purpose, so that men thought
them worthy not only of the genius and wealth of a king, but also of his handiwork. Their sheer size
alarmed even his friends, while their beauty delighted even his enemies, and this description is true and
not merely elegantly phrased."
Part III (30 pts./35 minutes):
You have your choice of three topics. Choose
quickly!
- A)Provide an analysis of the military strategies of Rhodes and/or
Pergamon.
- B)Choose ONE of these two tactical situations:
1)You, commanding, are
facing a mixed force of conscript infantry, longbowmen, and heavy armored cavalry. Discuss how you
would counter your enemy's assets at the level of technology prevalent at the end of our period; 2)You,
commanding, have heard that your city may soon be attacked. The year is 305 B.C. What are your
preparations?
- C)From what we have learned, make a call: Which was more important in
warfare: Individual
courage or military technique? No fudging here--argue one or the other.
Part IV (20 pts./25 minutes):
In a coherent, specific, organized essay, argue for or
against the applicability of what you have learned in this class to a relevant aspect of your daily life.
Creativity is fine, reasoning and facts to support your reasoning are paramount.
You may pick up your corrected finals in the Classics
Office, Williams 720