Seton Homeschool World History Chapter 9 Test

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Questions and Answers

The first of the Good Emperors was?

Nerva

How were the Roman Emperors chosen during the reign of the Good Emperors?

By being adopted as son of the previous emperor

In 193, the Roman empire was literally auctioned off by the Praetorian Guard, and purchased by?

Didius Julianus

The first pope to resign from office was?

Pontian Signup and view all the answers

Why was there no pope for the year 250-251?

Pope Fabian was martyred during a persecution and the Roman clergy would not choose another Signup and view all the answers

Which of these emperors did NOT persecute Christians?

Commodus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reform put in place by Diocletian once he became emperor?

He fixed the Roman electoral system so the senate could choose the next emperor Signup and view all the answers

Constantine escaped Galerius and reached his father's army in Gaul by?

having a drunken Galerius sign a pass allowing him to leave Signup and view all the answers

In 312, Constantine saw a vision in the sky of a cross and the Latin phrase?

"In hoc sign vinces" Signup and view all the answers

On the day of the decisive battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantine had his men?

paint the Chi Rho sign on their shields Signup and view all the answers

Another name for the battle of the Milvian Bridge is?

The Battle of Saxa Ruba Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Roman law that granted religious freedom in the empire?

The Edict of Milan Signup and view all the answers

Constantine is honored under the title?

Founder of Christendom Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Constantine's mother?

Helena Signup and view all the answers

What did Constantine's mother discover?

The True Cross Signup and view all the answers

The Roman Colosseum?

A huge stadium built by Vespasian and still standing today, though in ruins. The deadly 'games' were held in here. Signup and view all the answers

Commodus?

The insane son of Marcus Aurelius, who was emperor for 13 years. He completed the bankruptcy of the treasury, but did not persecute the Christians. Signup and view all the answers

Septimius Severus?

died on a campaign against the barbarians in 211 AD Signup and view all the answers

Pope Sixtus II?

Elected as Pope in 257 AD, he was martyred along with his four deacons in the reign of Emperor Valerian. Signup and view all the answers

Romula?

A priestess of the mountain gods of Germany, possibly involved in mystery religions, who hated Christianity and Christians. She is largely to blame for the Persecution of Diocletian and her son Galerius. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Good Emperors persecute Christians? Give one example of this persecution.

They saw Christianity as weakening to the empire, because Christians would give their loyalty first to their what seemed to be a foreign god. Marcus Aurelius persecuted the Christians for superstitious reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What heretical belief did St. Hippolytus hold while he was anti-pope? Briefly describe the events leading to his renunciation of a claim to the papacy.

He believed that some sins could never be forgiven. Signup and view all the answers

What was Diocletian's plan to eliminate controversies over the succession to the imperial throne of Rome?

He divided the empire in half, appointing a man (to be known as an Augustus) to rule in the West while another ruled in the East, each with an associate under him called a Caesar, who would become emperor upon the death or retirement of the reigning emperor. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Persecution come about? List at least two decrees directed against the Christians. Tell why the persecution was finally ended by Galerius.

Galerius' mother, Romula, taught hatred of Christianity to her son, who tried to persuade Diocletian to wipe out Christianity. Diocletian was reluctant, but wanted to keep his successor happy, and he eventually gave in, signing the decree ordering for the destruction of Christian books and churches and the imprisonment and torture of any Christian priests who wouldn't sacrifice to pagan gods. Then he underwent psychological collapse, and Galerius took over and decreed that all Christians must sacrifice to the pagan gods or die. Galerius ended the persecution when he came down with a horrible disease, thinking that the Christian God was punishing him for the persecution. Signup and view all the answers

List at least three ways that Constantine modified Roman laws to reflect Christian principles.

<ol> <li>Sunday became a festival day 2) The killing and torture of slaves was prohibited and gladiator fights were forbidden 3) Orphans and widows were protected</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Good Emperors and Emperorship

Nerva was the first of the Good Emperors, establishing a lineage of effective rulers.
Roman Emperors during this period were selected by adoption, becoming the chosen successors of the previous emperor.

Auction of the Empire

In 193 AD, the Praetorian Guard auctioned the Roman Empire, with Didius Julianus emerging as the buyer.

Early Papacy

Pontian was the first pope to resign from office.
Pope Fabian was martyred around 250-251, leading to a year without a pope due to the clergy's reluctance to elect a new leader.

Christian Persecution

Emperor Commodus did not persecute Christians, contrasting with other rulers of the time.
Diocletian implemented many reforms; however, he did not revise the electoral system to allow the Senate to choose the emperor.

Constantine's Ascendancy

Constantine escaped the clutches of Galerius by securing a pass through drunkenness and manipulation.
In 312, Constantine experienced a vision of a cross with the phrase "In hoc signo vinces," signifying divine support for his endeavors.
Leading up to the decisive battle at the Milvian Bridge, Constantine instructed his soldiers to paint the Chi Rho sign on their shields.

Significant Battles and Decrees

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge is also known as the Battle of Saxa Ruba.
The Edict of Milan, issued by Constantine, granted religious freedom throughout the empire.

Impact of Constantine

Constantine is often called the Founder of Christendom for his pivotal role in establishing Christianity within the empire.
Helena, Constantine's mother, is credited with discovering the True Cross.

Roman Colosseum and Commodus

The Roman Colosseum was built by Vespasian and became known for deadly games.
Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, drove the treasury to bankruptcy during his 13-year reign but did not engage in Christian persecution.

Diocletian and the Great Persecution

Diocletian died in 211 AD while campaigning against barbarian tribes.
The Great Persecution stemmed from Romula's influence over Galerius, leading to decrees mandating the destruction of Christian texts and imprisonment of non-compliant priests.
Persecution ended when Galerius fell ill, believing it was divine retribution for attacking Christians.

Changes Under Constantine

Legislative changes under Constantine included declaring Sunday a festival day.
He prohibited the torture and execution of slaves and banned gladiator fights.
Additionally, protections were extended to orphans and widows.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Good Emperors and the relationship between the Empire and the Church in this chapter from Seton Homeschool World History. This quiz covers key figures and events that defined this period of Roman history.