Questions and Answers
When did Constantine become emperor?
AD 307
What is the Milvian Bridge known for?
The location where Constantine and Maxentius met in battle in AD 312.
What did Constantine see in the sky before his battle against Maxentius?
The symbol of the cross with the inscription 'in hoc signo vinces'.
What was the Edict of Milan?
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What did the edicts of 311 and 313 do for Christians?
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What legal privileges did Constantine provide for Christians?
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How did Constantine's participation in pagan ceremonies change over time?
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What served as the model for the earliest Christian liturgies?
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What are catacombs?
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Where did Christians sometimes worship during persecution?
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What is a basilica?
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How did the Christian liturgy change after the Edict of Milan?
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The central parts of the Mass have Roman origins.
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The non-essential elements of the Mass have Jewish origins.
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Who was Julian the Apostate?
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What did Theodosius the Great declare in 391?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Explore the key events and figures surrounding the Edict of Milan with these flashcards. Test your knowledge on Constantine's ascendance to power, his pivotal battle at the Milvian Bridge, and the significant vision that shaped his reign. Perfect for anyone studying late antiquity.
