Yesterday's Leaving Cert Classical Studies examination was described as a marathon for students with both teachers and students asking for the paper to be shortened.
Around 900 students sat the exam, an increase of around 200 from last year.
While the paper was described as well balanced and offered good choice, students had to answer eight questions in three hours.
Michael Barry, ASTI spokesperson on Classical Studies said:
"There was something for everybody but the demanding nature of the exam should be looked at."
He said it was possible for students to write eight essay type questions in the exam.
Some students and teachers were unhappy with the question on Alexander the Great.
Students were given quotes from a book that is not on the prescribed reading list.
"This can be slightly off putting," said Mr Barry. "Students are under enough pressure as it is."
There was one surprise on the paper.
It is the first year that a question on Pompeii has been asked.
Mr Barry said it was a sigh of relief for the students to be finished their exams.