THEO3: Church and Society Until 700 C.E.

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Questions and Answers

Who was the first emperor of the Flavian Dynasty?

Vespasian (correct)

Domitian

Titus

Galba

Which emperor is associated with the initiation of the military regime that aimed to stabilize the Empire?

Marcus Aurelius

Septimus Severus (correct)

Trajan

Commodus

Which of the following emperors ruled directly before the Year of the Four Emperors?

Commodus (correct)

Nerva

Tiberius

Domitian

What significant period is marked by 180 c.e. in the context of the Roman Empire?

The end of the Pax Romana Signup and view all the answers

Which dynasty included the emperors Nerva, Trajan, and Hadrian?

The Adoptive Emperors Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the period of the Soldier-Emperors beginning in 235 c.e.?

Military rebellions and coups d'état Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last emperor of the Severian Dynasty?

Alexander Severus Signup and view all the answers

Which emperor reigned from 270 to 275 c.e. during a time of crisis for the Empire?

Aurelian Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated population of the Roman Empire before the third century crisis?

50,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

Who successfully intervened to stop Atilla from entering Rome?

Leo I Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Roman Empire was lost first in the wave of territorial loss after 400 C.E.?

Northern Africa Signup and view all the answers

Which empire posed a significant threat to Rome, leading to a notable conflict in 451-452 C.E.?

The Huns Signup and view all the answers

After the death of Justinian, what happened to the imperial authority in the Roman Empire?

It completely collapsed. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Rome in 410 C.E.?

Rome was besieged and occupied. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence followed the Arab conquests after 634 C.E.?

The loss of significant territories including Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

Which regions did the Roman Empire maintain until 400 C.E.?

Northern Africa and parts of Middle East Signup and view all the answers

What material was primarily used for decorating pavements in mosaics?

Marble Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Diocletian implement regarding the status of citizens?

Citizens became subjects under the Emperor. Signup and view all the answers

Why were glass tesserae preferred for walls and cupolas over marble tesserae?

Glass tesserae refract light and have intense colors Signup and view all the answers

What special element was often included in glass mosaics to symbolize the light of the celestial city?

Gold Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of Diocletian's creation of the tetrarchy?

To manage and stabilize the vast Roman Empire. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies the four leaders involved in the initial tetrarchy?

Diocletian, Maximinianus, Constans Chlorus, and Galerius. Signup and view all the answers

What quality does the image of Christ in majesty possess according to the content?

Static and eternal Signup and view all the answers

How were the narratives along the walls of the nave intended to serve the illiterate?

As books that communicated biblical stories visually Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Diocletian's experiment with the tetrarchy?

It resulted in civil wars among various contenders. Signup and view all the answers

Who emerged as the sole Emperor after Diocletian's reign?

Constantine. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Christians largely avoid grand statuary art during the Paleo-Christian period?

There was a biblical prohibition against carved images Signup and view all the answers

What does the curvature of the apse symbolize in the religious context?

The firmament of heaven Signup and view all the answers

What did the succession dispute after Constans' death indicate about the conditions in the West?

Dissatisfaction with the tetrarchy system. Signup and view all the answers

Which two leaders were involved in the initial establishment of the tetrarchy?

Maximinianus and Diocletian. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of images described by Gregory the Great regarding the illiterate?

They are equivalent to the text for the literate Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary characteristic of the monarchical authority established under Diocletian?

It was characterized by a divine right to rule. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the selection of successors in the Empire during the time of Justinian?

Successors were typically designated by the Emperor or military dignitaries. Signup and view all the answers

What significant legal compilation was initiated during Justinian's reign?

Corpus Iuris Civilis Signup and view all the answers

Which military reform was introduced concerning the governors of the provinces during Justinian's reign?

Military governors received authority in civil affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Who succeeded Justinian and dealt with a new period of crisis in the Empire?

Herakleios Signup and view all the answers

By what time had Greek fully established itself as the official language of the Empire?

600 c.e. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cultural environment did the Empire promote up to 400 c.e.?

A pluralistic and tolerant cultural environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which cultural aspect was essential to the identity of the Empire during the specified period?

A unity predominantly termed as Greco-Roman cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the situation of the Jewish culture within the Empire?

It thrived alongside other cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Roman Empire: State and Society (up to 700 C.E.)

The Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial expansion before the Church's birth, maintaining this extent until 400 C.E.
The Empire stretched across continental Europe (Rhine, Danube), Northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia Minor.
Population estimates range from 50 million to 70 million inhabitants.
After 400 C.E., the Empire’s territory and imperial authority began to decline, leading to the loss of Northern Africa and Britain.
Rome faced multiple sieges and occupations between 410 and 463 C.E., culminating in its sacking in 410 and 455.
Key events include Attila the Hun's incursion (451-452 C.E.), with Pope Leo I successfully intervening to stop him from entering Rome.
Emperor Justinian (d. 565) briefly restored imperial authority but weakened borders in the process, leading to loss of territories post-600 C.E.

Emperors and Dynasties

Significant emperors included:
- Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian (Year of the Four Emperors, 69 C.E.)
- The Flavian Dynasty: Vespasian, Titus, Domitian.
- The Adoptive Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus.
- The Severian Dynasty included Septimus Severus and his descendants.
- Various Soldier-Emperors dominated during chaotic periods from 235 C.E. onward.

Economic and Military Challenges

The Empire faced increasing pressures at the frontiers, economic stagnation, and instability from weak emperors from 180 C.E.
Military regimes rose under Septimus Severus as a temporary solution, but instability persisted from 235 C.E. due to rebellions and economic decline.
Diocletian reformed governance (Tetrarchy system) and centralized power, shifting from republican ideals to absolute monarchy.

The Constantinian Dynasty

Constantine emerged victoriously after Diocletian’s reign and established a new imperial structure in 324 C.E.
The division of the Empire was later solidified with the foundation of Constantinople in 330 C.E.

Cultural Context: Greco-Roman Influence

The Roman Empire was culturally pluralistic, allowing diverse cultures, including Jewish culture, to thrive.
Greek was the predominant language, shaping the New Testament and cultural practices.
Art and architecture flourished, with mosaics crafted from glass for greater color intensity and luminosity.

Religious Art and Symbolism

In religious structures, Christ was commonly depicted in majesty, often in the apse, symbolizing divine presence and reverence.
Narrative cycles depicting biblical events served as visual teaching tools for the illiterate, aligned with the belief that images could communicate divine stories effectively.
Sculpture was notably rare, with Christians avoiding grand statuary due to biblical prohibitions on carved images.

Summary Insights

Studying this period highlights the interplay between religion, culture, and political power, influencing the evolution of the Church and society.
The era lays the groundwork for understanding how historical events shaped Christian practices and beliefs, underscored by artistic and cultural expressions within the Roman Empire.

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Description

This quiz explores the context in which the Church existed until 700 C.E., focusing on the Roman Empire's territory and society. It provides insights into how the socio-political environment influenced the development of the Church and its sacraments. Prepare to dive into the historical backdrop that shaped early Christianity.