mckaywest11e

Quiz for Primary Source 4.1: Arrian on Alexander the Great

Question

1. According to Arrian, how did Alexander quell the unease of his army at Opis?

By appealing to the desire of his soldiers for honor and glory

By offering higher wages to those who would fight for him

By executing half of his men

By disbanding his army and raising a new one

Correct. The answer is a. Alexander began his speech by reminding his men of the glory they had won in battle under his leadership.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Alexander began his speech by reminding his men of the glory they had won in battle under his leadership.

Question

2. What sparked the unrest within the ranks of the Macedonian army assembled at Opis?

A string of defeats brought about by poor decisions on Alexander’s part

Reports of Alexander’s personal immorality

The Macedonian’s belief that Alexander had insulted them

The conviction that the gods had abandoned the Macedonian cause

Correct. The answer is c. The Macedonians were insulted by Alexander’s decision to send home those who were no longer fit for battle.

Incorrect. The answer is c. The Macedonians were insulted by Alexander’s decision to send home those who were no longer fit for battle.

Question

3. What did Alexander hope to accomplish by ordering his Macedonian troops to return home?

He hoped to shame them into remaining to fight under his leadership.

He wished to demonstrate his generosity and kindness.

He hoped to replace the Macedonians with better soldiers.

He hoped to please the gods and, in doing so, secure future victories.

Correct. The answer is a. Alexander contrasted the glory the soldiers had won under his command with the shame they would endure if they deserted him.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Alexander contrasted the glory the soldiers had won under his command with the shame they would endure if they deserted him.