Question 1

Ancient Rome
-A popular type of Roman artwork that was used to decorate the interior walls of homes is known as:

Accepted Answer

Romans often decorated the walls of their homes with frescos, which is a painting on a plaster wall. Frescoes decorated homes and public buildings in Ancient Rome. (The art form is closely identified with Renaissance art as well.) Artists painted onto wet lime plaster that absorbed the water in the paint, binding the image to the wall. (The lime in the plaster was the inorganic chemical compound lime, like the substance that can build up on a faucet, not the lime citrus fruit.) A great deal of knowledge regarding culture in the ancient Roman world has been learned by studying frescoes to gain insight to the values and practices of people during that period.

Question 2

Ancient Rome
-Which Roman author wrote the following:
"I am pious Aeneas, who carries my Penates,
Snatched from the enemy, in my fleet with me, known by my fame above the ether.
I seek my fatherland, Italy, and a race from highest Jove."

Accepted Answer

In the second or third century BCE, Virgil wrote the quotation in the epic poem the Aeneid. In it, he tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan warrior who fought in the Trojan War, then travelled to Italy, where he became a forbearer of the Romans. Aeneas was a character in Homer's Iliad and was, therefore, already known in Greco-Roman mythology. Virgil's poem pieced together various stories about Aeneas in epic fashion, glorifying Roman culture in the process. In many respects, the Aeneid became the celebrated national story about Rome's founding and history.

Question 3

Ancient Rome
-Who was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire and which leader deposed him?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Romulus Augustulus was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, and he was deposed in 476 CE by Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain. Romulus Augustulus' father, Orestes, a Roman military magistrate, deposed the previous emperor, Julius Nepos, in 475. Orestes installed his teenage son (Romulus Augustulus) as the new emperor, but he mostly controlled the empire himself and used his son as a puppet. Romulus Augustulus' ascension was technically illegal, and many refused to recognize him as the rightful emperor, which only intensified regional instability. In 476, Odoacer, the leader of a Germanic tribe in Italy, led the uprising that ultimately toppled the empire. Orestes was executed and Romulus Augustulus was forced to abdicate and flee the empire.

Question 4

Ancient Rome
-The oblong building in the illustration above was primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

The building depicted in the illustration is the Circus Maximus, the popular site of chariot races in Ancient Rome. The Circus Maximus could seat 150,000 people. It had three times the seating capacity of the Colosseum, which was located nearby, on the opposite side of the palace on Palatine Hill (a portion of which is depicted at the top of the illustration). Gladiator matches, dramas, and plays also occasionally took place in the Circus Maximus. But, those events were primarily performed in the Colosseum since they did not require as much space as chariot racing required.

Question 5

Ancient Rome
-The building illustrated above was built to honor which Roman god?

Accepted Answer

The building in the illustration is the Pantheon, a monument originally constructed in 31 BCE to honor all of the Roman gods (and goddesses). The name Pantheon literally translates as "temple to all gods." It was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, a military leader and consul in Ancient Rome. The Pantheon was destroyed in 80 CE in a huge fire and was subsequently rebuilt. It was destroyed again in 110, then rebuilt in 126 under the Emperor Hadrian. That incarnation of the Pantheon remains standing in Rome today.

Question 6

Early Modern Europe
-Under which law did the Valois clan cast a claim to the throne of France during the Hundred Years War? This law strengthened their claims to a connection to the Capetian Line and to the French crown.

Accepted Answer

The Salic Law was written for the Frankish society during the Old Frankish Period in the Middle Ages. These set of laws codified both civil and criminal laws with emphasis on laws of inheritance. One of the tenets of the Salic Law was agnatic succession, which meant that succession excluded females, and that titles or fiefs were passed from the nearest male relative to another. The Valois Clan used this to defend their claims on the Capetian lineage during succession issues in France and Britain during the Hundred Years War.

Question 7

Early Modern Europe
-What is the ideological phenomenon that thrusts people into intense identification with one's own nation? Hint: This perspective has caused plenty of conflict throughout Europe in the Early Modern Period.

Accepted Answer

Nationalism was the ideological movement that created an environment where national identity was important. As more nations developed and stabilized, ethnic and cultural ties had become more solidified and brought to the forefront of statehood. Political organization and sovereignty necessitated common ties between rulers and their subjects, much like the similar concept of patriotism. In the Early Modern Period, nationalism was an essential component to nation building and economic improvements.

Question 8

Early Modern Europe
-During the middle ages, what type of rights can the eldest sons claim to inherit everything that belongs to their family?

Accepted Answer

Primogeniture is the traditional custom of passing on titles, properties, and other hereditary items to the eldest child. This right, usually given to the eldest males, guaranteed that the property would stay intact in one large piece, as opposed to multiple small pieces. The preference for male children goes back to the notion that males are the ones to fight and protect their rights, sire children, and rule, whereas females were not eligible for primogeniture because they were the ones that would marry out. Also, the likelihood of bearing children, legitimate or otherwise, was a lot less for women than men.

Question 9

Early Modern Europe
-Which Scottish Queen was the child of James V and Mary of Guise? This woman became queen regent of Scotland when she was less than a year old on December 14, 1542.On July 10, 1559, she became the queen consort of France as well.

Accepted Answer

Mary, Queen of Scots was raised in Parisian court after the death of her father, James. Later on, she became queen of the French when she married the dauphin on 1598. Her mother-in-law ruled in behalf of her 10-year-old brother-in-law.

Question 10

Early Modern Europe
-Which duke was Mary, Queen of Scots' second husband? This man became arrogant and demanded to co-rule with her by desiring the right to Crown Matrimonial, which would have allowed him co-rule.

Accepted Answer

After being widowed by Francis, Mary met with her first cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, in February 1561. Because of the pressures of re-marrying and the push from Darnley's parents, the two were wed. While Mary married Darnley out of her passion and love for him, their marriage was an unhappy one. Darnley soon became arrogant and demanded to co-rule Scotland with her. In the end, he was found dead in the garden of his home.

Question 11

Early Modern Europe
-Francois-Marie Arouet was a French political thinker and philosopher whose written works in the 18th century inspired the American and French revolution. What is the pseudonym he used for his work?

Accepted Answer

Francois-Marie Arouet known more famously by his pen name, Voltaire, was a leading Enlightenment thinker who believed in social justice, republicanism, and religious tolerance. His political views helped inspire both the American and French Revolutions in the 18th century. As a writer, Voltaire used his wit and satire to provide commentary on the French government. In his writing, he used satirical polemics to drive in a point, so that it would be easily digested by the reader.

Question 12

Early Modern Europe
-What is the economic doctrine developed by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, that was the catalyst for the Age of Discovery? This doctrine included the following tenets: creating colonies, making colonies to trade exclusively, and increased acquisition of gold and silver.

Accepted Answer

Mercantilism is an economic doctrine that allowed nation-states to compete with each other outside of the military realm. Because of the economic competition, countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Great Britain expanded out of their borders in order to open up new markets in the New World. The Spanish Empire of Latin America has greatly increased the nation's wealth and placed importance on their Navy strength. Mercantilism has created super powers of the sea and was a precursor to capitalism.

Question 13

Early Modern Europe
-Which Swedish king ruled from 1611-1623 and ushered in the "Golden Age of Sweden" by using his military prowess during the 30 Years war?

Accepted Answer

Swedish King Gustav Adolf II was the Swedish regent who helped stabilize Europe and established the first Swedish Empire during the 30 Years War. The war itself was a mostly fought in throughout Central Europe as a result of the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. With Gustav Adolf II leadership, the German Lutherans managed to regain their ground from the Holy Roman Empire and in return, Sweden increased their borders from their campaign against the Catholics.

Question 14

Early Modern Europe
-Which British Catholic thinker was sentenced to death by King Henry the VIII after he decided not to abide by the First Succession Act?

Accepted Answer

Sir Thomas More was sentenced to death by King Henry the VIII. More was King Henry VIII's tutor when he was growing up, and served as one of his most trusted advisers in the earlier part of his regime. Unfortunately, due to his refusal of taking up the First Succession Act, which supported his former student's claim of being the head of the Church of England, he was put to death. After his death, he was canonized as a Catholic saint.

Question 15

Early Modern Europe
-Which document, signed on April 13, 1598 by Henry IV of France, granted substantial rights to the Huguenots or French Calvinist Protestants?

Accepted Answer

The Edict of Nantes granted rights to Protestant French people and also provided stability to the French society. Henry IV of France was sympathetic to the plight of the Protestants because he himself used to be one. He had simply allowed himself to be baptized Catholic in order to maintain his claim to the throne.

Question 16

Early Modern Europe
-Who was the woman who was considered the best example of a Venetian intellectual courtesan? As a daughter of a Cortigiana Onesta herself, she used her education and wit to rise as a consort for wealthy patrons. She also managed to write two volumes of poetry at the same time.

Accepted Answer

Veronica Franco was a Venetian courtesan who wrote two volumes of poetry. She was an educated woman who used her intelligence and charm to maintain patrons at her prime. Later in her life, she was accused of witchcraft despite very little evidence of her being interested in the occult. Through her trial, her patrons gave her their support regarding her innocence.

Question 17

Early Modern Europe
-Who was the second daughter of Henry VIII, whose rise to power was unexpected but occurred due to her siblings' ineffectual reigns? She became queen regent in 1558, during which time she stabilized the British society as the last of the Tudor Royals because she did not marry nor provide an heir.

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth I reined for most of the late 16th century. Her father Henry VIII and his marriages had taken a toll on the religious atmosphere of England. With her two siblings, Edward and Mary, antagonizing a faction and patronizing the opposition, the country was launched into turmoil. Elizabeth I, with her "middle-of-the-road" policies, managed to bring a compromise for both the Catholics and Protestants.

Question 18

Early Modern Europe
-From 1577 to 1580, who was the English man who was second in command of the Royal Navy, and was the second man to circumnavigate the globe?

Accepted Answer

Sir Francis Drake was the second man to circumnavigate the globe after Ferdinand Magellan's crew accomplished it the first time. Drake enjoyed the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I. He did everything in his ability to increase and strengthen the navy of England. Aside from his personal achievements, Sir Francis Drake was also an important person in the English's defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Question 19

Early Modern Europe
-Considered the best English writer and dramatist of all-time, who was the English man whose nickname was the "Bard of Avon"? His surviving works consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 narrative poems. His innovative use of iambic pentameter is iconic in all of his works.

Accepted Answer

William Shakespeare is by far the most iconic and remembered English writer in history. His works helped define the English language as we know it. His 38 surviving plays are still being portrayed around the globe and his sonnets are considered classic.

Question 20

Early Modern Europe
-The daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, who was the British queen who rose to power after her half-brother died? A staunch Catholic, she was known by her more "bloody" nickname because of all the Protestants persecuted under her reign.

Accepted Answer

Mary I, also known as "Bloody Mary", ruled England after her brother Edward VI died from a mortal illness. She quickly reversed her brother's pro-Protestant changes in government in order to revert back to Roman Catholicism, which washer religion. Because of her rapid restoration of Roman Catholicism, many Protestants were burned and suffered the Marian Persecutions under her governance.

Quiz 10: CLEP: Western Civilization

Ancient Rome -A popular type of Roman artwork that was used to decorate the interior walls of homes is known as:

Ancient Rome -Which Roman author wrote the following: "I am pious Aeneas, who carries my Penates, Snatched from the enemy, in my fleet with me, known by my fame above the ether. I seek my fatherland, Italy, and a race from highest Jove."

Ancient Rome -Who was the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire and which leader deposed him?

Ancient Rome -The oblong building in the illustration above was primarily used for:

Ancient Rome -The building illustrated above was built to honor which Roman god?

Early Modern Europe -Under which law did the Valois clan cast a claim to the throne of France during the Hundred Years War? This law strengthened their claims to a connection to the Capetian Line and to the French crown.

Early Modern Europe -What is the ideological phenomenon that thrusts people into intense identification with one's own nation? Hint: This perspective has caused plenty of conflict throughout Europe in the Early Modern Period.

Early Modern Europe -During the middle ages, what type of rights can the eldest sons claim to inherit everything that belongs to their family?

Early Modern Europe -Which Scottish Queen was the child of James V and Mary of Guise? This woman became queen regent of Scotland when she was less than a year old on December 14, 1542.On July 10, 1559, she became the queen consort of France as well.

Early Modern Europe -Which duke was Mary, Queen of Scots' second husband? This man became arrogant and demanded to co-rule with her by desiring the right to Crown Matrimonial, which would have allowed him co-rule.

Early Modern Europe -Francois-Marie Arouet was a French political thinker and philosopher whose written works in the 18th century inspired the American and French revolution. What is the pseudonym he used for his work?

Early Modern Europe -What is the economic doctrine developed by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, that was the catalyst for the Age of Discovery? This doctrine included the following tenets: creating colonies, making colonies to trade exclusively, and increased acquisition of gold and silver.

Early Modern Europe -Which Swedish king ruled from 1611-1623 and ushered in the "Golden Age of Sweden" by using his military prowess during the 30 Years war?

Early Modern Europe -Which British Catholic thinker was sentenced to death by King Henry the VIII after he decided not to abide by the First Succession Act?

Early Modern Europe -Which document, signed on April 13, 1598 by Henry IV of France, granted substantial rights to the Huguenots or French Calvinist Protestants?

Early Modern Europe -Who was the woman who was considered the best example of a Venetian intellectual courtesan? As a daughter of a Cortigiana Onesta herself, she used her education and wit to rise as a consort for wealthy patrons. She also managed to write two volumes of poetry at the same time.

Early Modern Europe -From 1577 to 1580, who was the English man who was second in command of the Royal Navy, and was the second man to circumnavigate the globe?

Early Modern Europe -Considered the best English writer and dramatist of all-time, who was the English man whose nickname was the "Bard of Avon"? His surviving works consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 narrative poems. His innovative use of iambic pentameter is iconic in all of his works.

Early Modern Europe -The daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, who was the British queen who rose to power after her half-brother died? A staunch Catholic, she was known by her more "bloody" nickname because of all the Protestants persecuted under her reign.