Myth and the City: Foundation Stories: Practice Questions

According to the Greek foundation myth of Athens, what gift did Poseidon offer the city during his contest with Athena?

What is the significance of Numitor in the foundation myths of Rome as described in literary sources?

In Plutarch's Comparison of Theseus and Romulus, which of the following is cited as a reason to consider Theseus a more 'natural' leader than Romulus regarding their foundation myths?

According to Livy, how did the transition of power occur from the Alban kings to Romulus?

Which detail from Plutarch's Comparison of Theseus and Romulus is used to argue that Romulus was a more 'divine' or 'favoured' founder than Theseus?

According to the Theseus Kylix and relevant myths, what was the significance of Theseus’ victory over the Minotaur for the city of Athens?

In Plutarch’s Comparison of Theseus and Romulus, what specific argument does he use to claim that Theseus was the more heroic founder in terms of his initial rise to power compared to Romulus?

Based on the Theseus Kylix and your knowledge of the myth, describe how Theseus’ adventures were depicted in Greek art and why these stories were central to the identity of Athens.

In your answer, you should:
a) identify three specific labours or adventures depicted on the Theseus Kylix;
b) explain the role of Theseus as a unifying figure for the city-state of Athens;
c) evaluate how the depiction of these myths on everyday items like a kylix would reinforce Athenian civic pride.

In The Parallel Lives, Plutarch compares the foundations of Athens and Rome through the characters of Theseus and Romulus.

Evaluate the success of these two heroes as founders by considering the following:
a) the nature of their leadership during the actual founding process (the synoecism of Athens versus the physical building of Rome);
b) the role and influence of the gods in establishing the legitimacy of their respective cities;
c) Plutarch’s assessment of their personal character and how this impacted the long-term stability of their foundations.

Use specific examples from Plutarch’s text to support your judgements.