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Quiz for Primary Source 5.2: Polybius on the Roman Division of Spoils in the Punic Wars

Question

1. Which of these terms best characterizes the Roman army as described by Polybius?

Bloodthirsty

Disciplined

Generous

Chaotic

Correct. The answer is b. In Polybius’s account, even in the act of plundering a defeated town, the Roman army held on to its famous discipline and order.

Incorrect. The answer is b. In Polybius’s account, even in the act of plundering a defeated town, the Roman army held on to its famous discipline and order.

Question

2. How does Polybius’s account help explain the appeal of service in the Roman army?

According to Polybius, all soldiers were given a share of the spoils of war.

According to Polybius, soldiers received generous pensions.

According to Polybius, soldiers only had to serve two years before they could retire.

According to Polybius, most soldiers faced little physical danger.

Correct. The answer is a. Polybius described the strict rules meant to ensure that all soldiers got a fair share of the spoils.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Polybius described the strict rules meant to ensure that all soldiers got a fair share of the spoils.