Constantine

Question 1

Diocletian

Answer 1

not afraid to reform
divides empire into tetrarchy
attempt to sort out division of power and line of succession
falls apart very quickly
constantine appointed augustus in 2nd tetrarchy, but defers power, caesar in 3rd tetrarchy
campaign of maximian and maxentius

Question 2

campaign of constantine

Answer 2

leads army south through gaul to italy
vision of christ before battle
Battle of Milvian Bridge 312 - wins and takes rome
maxentius drowns
seen as pivotal moment in christian faith
acceptance of christian faith by constantine - baptised on deathbed

Question 3

Triumphal Arch of Constantine

Answer 3

one of only monuments to commemorate a roman victory over another roman
refers to divine inspiration (but not explicitly christian)
sees maxentius as a tyrant
used past stonework of other emperors - connection between himself and the past

Question 4

Constantine’s Joint Rule

Answer 4

joint rule with Licinius
edict of milan - toleration of all religions
licinius defeats maximian
partial peace- both men have heirs
licinius forced to surrender and killed at nicomedia 324
empire unites under constantine

Question 5

Constantine’s Sole Rule

Answer 5

generally focussed attention further east
founding of Constantinople
‘new rome’ - 7 hills, grain supply etc
well protected, natural harbour etc
very diplomatic, doesnt tear down old settlement
doesnt force people to move, offers wealth though
building of Hagia Sofia
aqueducts, circus etc

Question 6

Council of Nicaea 325

Answer 6

puts to bed a lot of issues of contention
discord creates by disagreeing bishops
Constantine attempts to sort it all out
setting of christian for all empire
the trinity, key dates of the church decided

Question 7

Constantine’s Legacy

Answer 7

dies 337
very similar to diocletian- able to die with relative peace/stability
majority religion christianity
problems of tetrarchy - doesnt account of powerhungry men
3 sons kill of all other male family members before turning on each other
constantius left as sole emperor

Question 8

Late 4th Century

Answer 8

far weakened emperor
loss of authority
power increasingly in hands of administrative staff
officials largely in control of ascension
movement of barbarian tribe - goths, vandals etc
gothic sack of rome 410 - first time in 800 years rome was sacked