unit 2 vocab - Early Church History and Roman Empire Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering Roman emperors, church councils, heresies, and key theological terms from Unit A notes.

Diocletian

Roman emperor who was born into a low status class.

Constantine

First Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, who helped with the Edict of Milan.

Maxentius

Roman emperor in Italy and North Africa regarded as illegitimate by other emperors.

In hoc signo vinces

Vision seen by Constantine involving Christ, a cross, darkness, and power, meaning 'In this sign you'll conquer'.

Chi Rho

Christian symbol and monogram for Jesus Christ used on military triumphs.

Edict of Milan

Decree that made Christianity legal in the Roman Empire.

A.D. 313

The year the Edict of Milan made Christianity legal in the Roman Empire.

A.D. 324

Key historical date on the timeline of the Roman Empire and Early Church following the Edict of Milan.

Arianism

4th-century heresy started by Arius, a 3rd-century Alexandrian priest, which denied Jesus' divinity and claimed He couldn't be equal to the Father.

Manichaism

Dualistic religion founded in Persia in the 3rd century centered on good light versus evil darkness.

A.D. 325

The year the Council of Nicea was convened by Constantine.

Council of Nicea

First global council called by Constantine to bring unity within the Church; it wrote early church laws and the Nicene Creed.

Athenasius

Theologian in Alexandria who spoke against Arianism.

Homoousios

Greek word meaning 'of the same substance'.

A.D. 391

Key historical date in the late 4th century on the Early Church timeline.

Council of Constantinople

Church council called by Theodosius that expanded the Nicene Creed, affirmed the full divinity of the Holy Spirit, and condemned Arianism.

Theodosius

Last emperor to rule the entire Roman Empire, who won two civil wars and helped establish the Creed.

Palegius

Christian monk who promoted a system of doctrine that emphasized human choice in salvation.

Nestorius

Early Christian bishop who served as Archbishop of Constantinople from April 10, 428 to July 11, 431, and denied original sin.