ATARMAxxing · Ancient History

QCE Ancient History Practice Questions

64 exam-style questions · full worked solutions

The 64 practice questions inside the QCE Ancient History Mastery Pack, grouped by area of study. Every question comes with a full worked solution.

Julius Caesar / Cleopatra VII — Power and Authority16 questions · 34 marks
- Multiple choice × 12
- Comprehend × 1
- Analyse × 1
- Evaluate × 1
- To what extent × 1
Primary Source Evaluation — Reliability and Usefulness16 questions · 37 marks
- Multiple choice × 12
- Evaluate × 2
- Assess × 2
Reconstructing the Ancient World — Source Analysis and Historical Argument16 questions · 34 marks
- Multiple choice × 12
- Analyse × 1
- Evaluate × 1
- Explain × 1
- Construct × 1
People, Power and Authority — Topic 1 Thematic Analysis16 questions · 34 marks
- Multiple choice × 12
- Outline × 1
- Explain × 1
- Analyse × 1
- Evaluate × 1

Sample question

Study Source 1 and its context statement, then answer the following questions. --- **SOURCE 1** *Context statement: Gaius Julius Caesar wrote the* Commentarii de Bello Gallico *(Commentaries on the Gallic War) between approximately 58 and 51 BCE, publishing the first seven books in 51 BCE, likely shortly before the expiration of his Gallic command. The work was written in the third person and was circulated among the Roman senatorial class and literate public. Caesar was proconsul of Cisalpine Gaul, Illyricum, and Transalpine Gaul, a command granted initially for five years by the* Lex Vatinia *(59 BCE) and later extended. By the time of writing, Caesar had fought campaigns against the Helvetii, the Germanic chieftain Ariovistus, the Belgic tribes, and had twice crossed the Rhine and the Channel.* *Extract from Caesar,* Commentarii de Bello Gallico*, Book II, Chapter 15 (on the battle against the Nervii, 57 BCE):* > "Caesar, having arranged his forces, led them down into the valley. There was scarcely time for drawing up the line of battle; but the soldiers, as they were well trained and experienced from their former battles, could suggest to themselves what they ought to do, without waiting for orders. He directed the tribunes of the soldiers and the lieutenant-generals to detain each man in his post, and not to lead them out to engage before the signal was given. He himself rode on horseback along the whole front to address the troops. ... On approaching the enemy, and on giving the signal for battle, the soldiers, as though racing at starting-posts, rushed into action without waiting for orders. ... The battle was so fierce that Caesar had not time to affix to his soldiers the military decorations they had earned." --- **(a)** According to Source 1 and its context statement, identify **two** reasons why Caesar's troops did not require detailed orders before engaging the Nervii. *(2 marks)* **(b)** According to Source 1 and its context statement, identify the **legal basis** for Caesar's command in Gaul and explain **one** significant detail the context statement provides about the **timing** of the Commentarii's publication. *(4 marks)* **(c)** According to Source 1, describe **two** ways Caesar is portrayed as exercising leadership during the battle against the Nervii. *(4 marks)*

Show the worked answer

Answer: Worked solution

(a) First, Caesar's soldiers were "well trained and experienced from their former battles" and therefore "could suggest to themselves what they ought to do, without waiting for orders." Second, the speed of the Nervii's advance meant "there was scarcely time for drawing up the line of battle," so the soldiers acted on their own initiative out of necessity, rushing forward "as though racing at starting-posts."

(b) According to the context statement, the legal basis for Caesar's command was the Lex Vatinia of 59 BCE, which granted him the proconsulship of Cisalpine Gaul, Illyricum, and Transalpine Gaul, initially for five years and later extended. One significant detail about timing is that Caesar published the first seven books in 51 BCE, "likely shortly before the expiration of his Gallic command." This is significant because it suggests the work was released at a politically sensitive moment, when Caesar's right to hold imperium was about to lapse and his enemies in the Senate were debating whether to recall him.

(c) First, Caesar is portrayed as exercising decisive command by riding on horseback "along the whole front to address the troops," demonstrating personal presence and visibility on the battlefield. Second, Caesar is shown directing the tribunes and lieutenant-generals to hold the men in position and "not to lead them out to engage before the signal was given," portraying him as a commander who maintains discipline and co-ordinates his officers even under extreme time pressure.

Included in the QCE Ancient History Mastery Pack

20 full-length practice exams with worked solutions, 20 revision notes, 64 practice questions and 200 flashcards.

Preview a sample note and question free on the QCE Ancient History hub →

Keep going