Category Archives for Study Questions
Arrian – Book VII Discussion Questions
1. Life after the East [7.1-7.3 , pp. 273-278] What were Alexander’s long range goals after exploring the Persian gulf? What would have made the most sense at this point? Arrian’s assertion that Alexander “would have sought beyond the known for so… Continue reading
Arrian – Book VI Discussion Questions
1. The trip downriver begins [6.1-6.5, pp. 237-241] Alexander seems interested in exploring the Indus river valleys as his army travels southward toward the Indian Ocean. What is his interest in the geography of India at this point? Does his curio… Continue reading
Arrian – Books IV & V Discussion Questions
Books IV & V include Alexander’s campaigns in Central Asia and the Indus river valleys in India spanning the years 329-326 B.C. Book IV begins at the Tanais/Iaxartes river on the western side of the Indian Caucasus mountains and ends with Alexande… Continue reading
Arrian – Book III Discussion Questions
1. The Pilgrimage to the shrine of Ammon [3.3-3.4] After Alexander enters Egypt, founds Alexandria, and solidifies his control of the Mediterranean Sea (i.e. 3.1-3.2), he decides to take a long detour to visit the shrine of Ammon. What are his rea… Continue reading
Arrian – Book II Discussion Questions
After Book I concludes with Alexander’s occupation of various cities in Asia Minor, Book II opens with a return to the question of Persian naval superiority in the Mediterranean. Earlier in Book I, Alexander had deliberately disbanded much of his … Continue reading
Arrian Book I Discussion Questions
1. In the Editor’s Preface (p. xxxiv), James Romm quotes P. A. Brunt’s assessment of Arrian: “He was a simple, honest soul, but no historian.” After reading Arrian’s preface on p. 3, what is your first impression? What do we consider to be an hist… Continue reading