Christianity Flashcards
Who was the emperor of the Roman Empire?
C. Octavius Augustus
from 31BC - 14 AD, longest serving emperor
What did Augustus establish?
Pax Romana
What was Pax Romana?
a period of peace and prosperity from 31-81
lead to rise in population and economy
What happens in 180 when the Pax Romana end?
The anarchy rises until 284
constant civil war
had 37 emperors (only one actually died naturally)
major outside invasions by new persian groups and barbarians
Who took over in 284 and restored the Roman Empire?
Diocletian
defeats attacks
ends civil wars
restores peace, population, and economy
What did Diocletian do in 305 and what was the result?
he retires
another civil war takes place
Who rises to power (not emperor) in 306?
Constantine I (The Great) until 337
Who were the last remaining generals in 312?
Constantine I and Maxentius
What did the last two generals do in 312?
They fight against each other in the Battle of the Milvian bridge
What does Constantine do before battle?
He prays to “whoever is up there”
What happens to Constantine before battle?
he sees a flaming cross in the sky (in this sign, you will conquer)
he’s visited by Jesus Christ who explains Christianity to him
Jesus tells Constantine to put the sign of the cross on shield and carry cross into battle and he’ll be victorious
Who won the Battle of Milvian Bridge?
Constantine
What was the significance of the Battle?
first time Christianity is used for religious purposes
What did Constantine issue in 313?
the Edict of Milan
What was the Edict of Milan?
an automatic law
granted religious freedom to all in the Roman Empire
