Medieval World

Question 1

What were the key problems of the Imperial Crisis in the 3rd century?

Answer 1

Massive inflation, corrupt administration, and Germanic/Persian invasions.

Question 2

What was Diocletian’s key reform for the Roman Empire?

Answer 2

The Tetrarchy, dividing the empire into four regions ruled by co-emperors.

Question 3

How did Diocletian address the economic instability?

Answer 3

Fixed prices, encouraged bartering, and separated civil/military authority.

Question 4

What was Constantine’s vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312)?

Answer 4

He saw the Christian symbol with the phrase “In hoc signo vinces” (“In this sign, you will conquer”).

Question 5

What did the Edict of Milan (313) accomplish?

Answer 5

Legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Question 6

Why was Constantinople (Nova Roma) significant in 330?

Answer 6

It became the new Christian capital of the Roman Empire.

Question 7

What was Justinian’s Corpus Juris Civilis?

Answer 7

A codified collection of Roman laws into four parts: The Code, The Institutes, The Digest, and The Novellae.

Question 8

What were the Nika Riots of 532?

Answer 8

A massive uprising in Constantinople, suppressed by Justinian and Theodora.

Question 9

What architectural marvel did Justinian commission?

Answer 9

Hagia Sophia, constructed between 532-537.

Question 10

Who won the Battle of Tours in 732, and why was it significant?

Answer 10

Charles Martel; it stopped the Muslim advance into Western Europe.

Question 11

How did Pepin the Short support the Papacy?

Answer 11

He gave the Papacy control over the Papal States through the Donation of Pepin.

Question 12

What was Charlemagne’s role in European history?

Answer 12

Expanded the Frankish Empire and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800.

Question 13

What was the purpose of Carolingian Minuscule?

Answer 13

A standardized Latin script to improve literacy and administration.

Question 14

How did the Treaty of Verdun (843) affect Europe?

Answer 14

It divided Charlemagne’s empire into three kingdoms, shaping modern European borders.

Question 15

What scriptural basis supports papal authority?

Answer 15

Matthew 16:18-19, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

Question 16

What was the Donation of Constantine, and why is it significant?

Answer 16

A forged document claiming Constantine gave Rome to the Pope, used to secure papal power.

Question 17

How did the Cluniac reforms strengthen the Church?

Answer 17

They centralized monasteries under papal authority, free from secular interference.

Question 18

What was the Investiture Controversy (1075-1122)?

Answer 18

A struggle between kings and popes over appointing bishops.

Question 19

What was the Concordat of Worms (1122)?

Answer 19

A compromise where bishops swore fealty to kings but were appointed by popes.

Question 20

Why did Pope Urban II call for the First Crusade in 1095?

Answer 20

To reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control and assist the Byzantine Empire.

Question 21

What motivated many to join the First Crusade?

Answer 21

Religious remission of sins, adventure, and potential wealth.

Question 22

What was the result of the First Crusade (1099)?

Answer 22

The capture of Jerusalem, marked by a violent massacre.

Question 23

What agreement ended the Third Crusade (1192)?

Answer 23

The Treaty of Ramla, allowing Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem under Muslim control.

Question 24

What was the Unam Sanctam (1302)?

Answer 24

A decree asserting papal supremacy over secular rulers.

Question 25

Why was the Avignon Papacy (1309-1376) controversial?

Answer 25

Popes were seen as corrupt and overly influenced by the French monarchy.

Question 26

What was the Great Western Schism (1378-1418)?

Answer 26

A division where multiple rival popes claimed authority over the Church.

Question 27

How did the Council of Constance resolve the Western Schism?

Answer 27

It deposed rival popes and elected Martin V as the sole pope.