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Quiz for Primary Source 7.2: Tacitus on Germanic Society

1. According to Tacitus, which of these occupations was held in highest esteem by German men?

Judge

Warrior

Priest

Doctor

Correct. The answer is b. As Tacitus described them, German men valued military skill and valor above all other qualities.

Incorrect. The answer is b. As Tacitus described them, German men valued military skill and valor above all other qualities.

2. Tacitus suggested that the physical prowess of the Germans was the result of

their rough and tumble upbringing.

a careful regime of physical training.

strict segregation of young people by social status.

inherent physiological qualities in the German people.

Correct. The answer is a. Tacitus described the typical German child as growing up “naked and dirty.”

Incorrect. The answer is a. Tacitus described the typical German child as growing up “naked and dirty.”

3. Which of these best captures Tacitus’s view of Germanic society?

Complex, sophisticated, and corrupt

Beneath contempt

Soft, lazy, and debauched

Rough and primitive, but worth studying

Correct. The answer is d. Tacitus believed that study of the Germans might help the Romans return to their traditional values.

Incorrect. The answer is d. Tacitus believed that study of the Germans might help the Romans return to their traditional values.