The Edict of Milan Flashcards

Constantine's Rise

• Became emperor in AD 307, ruling over the Western Roman Empire.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

• Location of the 312 AD battle between Constantine and Maxentius.
• Constantine won the battle, solidifying his power.

Vision before Battle

• Prior to the conflict, Constantine experienced a vision above the sun featuring a cross with the phrase "in hoc signo vinces," which translates to "in this sign you will conquer."

The Edict of Milan

• Issued in AD 313, restoring confiscated Church properties.
• Granted freedom of worship to Christians and other religions in the Empire.

Legal Protection for Christians

• Edicts of 311 and 313 marked the first legal recognition of Christianity, providing protection and legitimacy to practice faith openly.

Privileges for Christians

• Legal privileges granted included:
  • Exempting priests and churches from taxes.
  • Allowing churches to accept donations.
  • Prohibiting work on Sundays.
  • Abolishing crucifixion as a punishment.

Constantine's Religious Transformation

• Embraced Christianity later in life, distancing himself from pagan rituals.
• Engaged in daily prayer and received Baptism just before his death.

Early Christian Liturgies

• Modeled after the Jewish seder meal, similar to the Last Supper where the Eucharist was instituted.

Catacombs

• Underground burial sites carved from volcanic rock, used by Christians during periods of persecution.

Worship during Persecution

• Christians often gathered in catacombs for worship due to large congregations and the risk of public gatherings.

Basilicas

• Originally large rectangular buildings for court and civic events, later became the architectural model for Christian churches post-Edict of Milan.

Shift in Christian Liturgy

• Transitioned from home-oriented meals to sacrificial services, incorporating Roman ceremonial practices to honor Christ.

Origin of Mass Elements

• Central prayers and consecrations of the Mass have Jewish roots.
• Non-essential aspects of the Mass have origins in Roman traditions.

Julian the Apostate

• Became emperor in 361, attempted to revive paganism and diminish the influence of Christianity.

Theodosius the Great

• In 391, declared Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.
• Prohibited pagan sacrifices and other pagan practices.