Humanities CLEP Prep Practice Exam

is the primary source for understanding the civilizational history of the ancient Greeks?

1. Homer’s Iliad

2. Thucydides’ History

3. Plato’s Republic

4. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

The correct answer is: Thucydides’ History

Thucydides’ History is the primary source for understanding the civilizational history of the ancient Greeks because it is a firsthand account of the Peloponnesian War, which was a significant event in Greek history. The other options, while important works in their own right, do not provide the same level of insight into the day-to-day life and culture of the ancient Greeks as Thucydides’ History does. Homer’s Iliad is an epic poem that contains mythological and fantastical elements and thus cannot be considered a reliable historical source. Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics are philosophical works that deal with broader concepts and ideas rather than specific historical events. While they can provide some understanding of ancient Greek society, they are not as comprehensive or relevant to the study of Greek civilization as Thucydides’ History.