Constantine

Pax Romana

The biggest peace time in Rome.

Triumvirate

A political alliance of Crassus ($), Pompey the Great (military), and Julius Caesar (popularity) to strengthen power against senatorial elite.

Deification

The process of attributing a person's spirit to celestial phenomena, as seen with Julius Caesar's comet.

Battle of Actium

A decisive naval battle that marked the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

Principate

The first period of the Roman Empire, maintaining the illusion that the Republic was still in effect.

Augustus

The first emperor of Rome, adopted son of Julius Caesar.

Jesus of Nazareth

The historical jesus whose teachings became the basis of Christianity.

Paul

A follower of Jesus who began the spread of Christianity to non-Jews after his conversion.

Julio-Claudians

The first dynasty to rule the Roman Empire, following Augustus.

Constantine

The first Christian emperor of Rome who ended the tetrarchy and solidified the eastern and western empire.

Tetrarchy

A system established by Diocletian with 4 quadrants ruled by 4 emperors (2 senior, 2 junior).

Arianism

A version of Christianity that emphasizes the father (God) over the son (Jesus) and rejects the Trinity.

Heresy

Teaching that opposes universal beliefs of the church.

Crisis of the 3rd century

A period characterized by military anarchy, economic decline, wars, and attacks from German tribes.