HWHIS CH 7.3-7.4 All Terms

Jesus

(ca. 4 b.c.e.–30 c.e.) Jewish preacher believed by Christians to be the Messiah, the figure who would bring salvation and, through atonement, eternal life to those who believed in him

Paul

(ca. 5–ca. 64) An influential early Christian leader who traveled widely in modern-day Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece to teach about early Christianity.

Constantine

(272–337, r. 312–337) Roman emperor who issued the Edict of Milan, the first imperial ruling to allow the practice of Christianity, and who shifted the capital from Rome to the new city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey).

Parchment

Writing material made by stretching, scraping, and cleaning animal skin

Aksum

A center of Christianity in Ethiopia, one of the first places in the world outside the Roman empire to convert to Christianity in the early 300s

Augustine

(354–430) Author of The Confessions and a prominent early Christian thinker who encouraged Christians to confess their sins

Vandals

Leaders of a Germanic-speaking force that attacked North Africa in 430 and sacked Rome for two weeks in 455.

Paul of Tarsus

Apostle and key figure in the spread of Christianity after Jesus' death. Known for his missionary journeys and letters (Epistles) that contributed to Christian theology

Christos

Greek term for "Christ," meaning the Anointed One. In Christianity, Christ is a title for Jesus, signifying his role as the Savior and the Messiah

Pontius Pilate

Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion. His role in the trial and execution of Jesus is a key element in the Christian narrative

Peter

Apostle and one of Jesus' twelve disciples, considered a key figure in Christianity. Considered the first pope

Diocletian

Roman emperor known for dividing the empire and initiating the Tetrarchy. His reforms were aimed at stabilizing the Roman Empire during a period of crisis

Tetrarchy

system instituted by Diocletian where 4 emperors ruled the empire. A junior and a senior emperor ruled the West and another junior and senior ruled the East.

Senior Emperors

Two emperors in the Tetrarchy holding senior positions. They were responsible for overseeing the Western and Eastern halves of the Roman Empire

Junior Emperors

Two emperors in the Tetrarchy holding lower positions. They assisted the emperors in governing the Roman Empire

Constantine

Roman emperor known for legalizing Christianity through the Edict of Milan. He later became the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity

Byzantium

Ancient Greek city that later became Constantinople (Istanbul). This was a key center of trade and culture in the Eastern Roman Empire

Edict of Milan

313 AD decree by Constantine and Licinius, granting religious tolerance to Christians. This edict marked a significant shift toward the acceptance of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Nicaean

Pertaining to the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which addressed theological disputes. The Nicene Creed, formulated at this council, is a key statement of Christian faith

Edict of Thessalonica

380 AD decree by Theodosius, establishing Nicene Christianity as the state religion. This edict reinforced the dominance of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Hermits

Individuals, often monks, who live in isolation for spiritual contemplation. They sought a solitary life to deepen their connection with God and avoid worldly distractions

Theodosius

Roman emperor who made Christianity the state religion and issued the Edict of Thessalonica. He played a crucial role in the consolidation of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Attila

Leader of the Huns, known as the "Scourge of God" for his invasions. He led devastating campaigns against the Eastern and Western Roman Empires

Virgil

Roman poet, author of the "Aeneid," an epic poem. His work is considered one of the greatest achievements in Latin literature, and the "Aeneid" explores the mythic origins of Rome

Gaius Appuleius Diocles

Roman charioteer who gained immense wealth and fame during the Roman Empire, known for his exceptional success in chariot racing. He is often regarded as one of the highest-earning athletes in history.

Alaric

King of the Visigoths, who famously sacked Rome in 410 AD. His sack of Rome marked a crucial event in the decline of the Western Roman Empire

Romulus Augustus

Last Roman emperor, deposed in 476 AD, traditionally marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire. His deposition is often considered the endpoint of ancient Rome

Odoacer

Germanic chieftain who deposed Romulus Augustus, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. His actions are seen as the symbolic end of Roman imperial authority

Zeno

Eastern Roman emperor who ruled during the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He faced challenges from various barbarian groups and internal conflicts within the Eastern Roman Empire.

Theodoric

Ostrogothic king who ruled Italy after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. His rule is often seen as a brief period of stability in Italy during the early medieval period.