History 505.01
Final Examination
This is the Final Examination. The exam should be completed and given
to me no later than
This is an "open book" exam. You should be able to do the examination without using any outside material. You should, however, make use of the primary sources whenever possible, especially in the essays. You should write, overall, about the same amount you would in a regular in-class final examination.
Part A. Short Answers (30%). Answer three of the following questions with a few words or a few sentences, as appropriate.
1. What impact did the Bulgars have on Byzantine history up to 843?
2. How does Whittow explain the rise of the theme system?
3. Briefly describe one of the things we can learn about conditions in
4. Why does Averil Cameron disagree with E.N. Luttwak's view of the military explanation for military changes at the end of antiquity?
5. Why do you think that urban violence--that was endemic in the early Byzantine period--never turned into rebellion?
6. Describe at least two of the attempts made to "solve" the Monophysite problem in the years after 451.
Part B. Short Essay (20%). Answer one of the following questions, with a short essay (2-3 paragraphs, no more than one page, typed).
1. Discuss the importance of geography for the development of Byzantine history.
2. Knowing what you know now, what single piece of advice would you have
given to
Part C. Major Essay (50%). Answer one of the following questions, with a longer essay. Make sure that you refer to evidence from the primary sources.
1. Explain how the
2. Explain the phenomenon of Iconoclasm. What was it? Why did it come about? And why was it such an important development in Byzantine history?
3. Discuss the importance of Byzantine history for understanding the world as it is today.
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