Early Christianity and the Roman Empire Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary review of key terms, historical figures, and significant events regarding the legalization and expansion of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Heresies

Religious beliefs that deviated from official Church doctrine; often challenged core ideas like the nature of Christ or the Trinity.

Emperor Constantine

Roman emperor who legalized Christianity and supported the Church, marking a major shift in its status within the empire.

Constantine & Christianity Relationship

Constantine favored Christianity politically and financially but did not make it the official religion; he used it to unify the empire.

Arch of Constantine

Triumphal arch celebrating Constantine’s victory; significant for reused reliefs from earlier emperors and inscription crediting divine inspiration.

Edict of Milan (313 CE)

Proclamation granting religious tolerance in the Roman Empire, especially legalizing Christianity.

Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

First ecumenical council; established the Nicene Creed and affirmed that Christ is of the same substance as God (condemned Arianism).

Persecution of Christians

Periods when Christians were punished or executed for refusing to worship Roman gods or the emperor. ex: Nero blaming chirstians for fire in rome

Martyrdom

The act of dying for one’s faith; martyrs were highly venerated in early Christianity.

Roman Misconceptions of Christians

Romans often saw Christians as atheists (for rejecting Roman gods), secretive, and socially disruptive.

Pliny the Younger (Governor)

Wrote to Emperor Trajan asking how to deal with Christians; described their practices and trials.

Trajan’s Response

Christians should not be actively sought out but punished if they refuse to renounce their faith.

Hadrian’s Policy

Reinforced legal procedures—Christians should only be punished if formally accused and proven guilty.

Edict of Thessalonica (380 CE)

Declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Theodosius I

Emperor who enforced Christianity and suppressed pagan practices.

Ambrose of Milan

Influential bishop who asserted Church authority over the emperor and influenced Theodosius.

Dura-Europos House Church

One of the earliest known Christian worship spaces, adapted from a private house.

Domus Ecclesiae

Early house churches used for Christian gatherings before large public churches were built.

Tituli

Early Christian meeting places in Rome, often private homes later converted into churches.

Basilicas

Large public-style buildings adopted by Christians for worship; became the standard church form.