- 1. Constantine the Great, who reigned from 306 to 337 CE, is one of the most significant figures in Roman history, renowned for his profound impact on the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity. Born in Naissus (modern-day Nis, Serbia), he was the son of the Roman officer Constantius Chlorus and his consort Helena. After becoming emperor following the defeat of his rival Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, Constantine initiated a series of reforms that strengthened the empire's structure and economy. However, he is perhaps best known for his pivotal role in the history of Christianity; in 313 CE, he issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire and effectively legalized Christianity, ending years of persecution against Christians. He convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which sought to address divisions within the Christian faith and establish uniform practices, marking a significant moment in the Church’s development. Additionally, Constantine established the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire, strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, which would later become a center of trade and culture. His reign marked the transition from a pagan Roman Empire to a Christian Roman Empire, setting the stage for the transformation of Europe in the following centuries, making Constantine not only a great military leader and politician but also a pivotal figure in religious history.
Which city did Constantine rename to Constantinople?
A) Byzantium
B) Athens
C) Rome
D) Antioch
- 2. In what year was the Edict of Milan issued?
A) 325 CE
B) 300 CE
C) 330 CE
D) 313 CE
- 3. Which battle did Constantine win to secure his rule?
A) Battle of Actium
B) Battle of Milvian Bridge
C) Battle of Zama
D) Battle of Pharsalus
- 4. What symbol did Constantine reportedly see in a vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge?
A) The Aquila
B) The Labarum
C) The Cross
D) The Chi-Rho
- 5. Which council did Constantine convene to address the Arian controversy?
A) First Council of Nicaea
B) Council of Chalcedon
C) Council of Ephesus
D) Council of Carthage
- 6. When did the First Council of Nicaea take place?
A) 360 CE
B) 325 CE
C) 340 CE
D) 303 CE
- 7. What significant architectural project did Constantine undertake in Constantinople?
A) Colosseum
B) Trajan's Market
C) Hagia Sophia
D) Pantheon
- 8. What did Constantine do to commemorate his victory at Milvian Bridge?
A) Built a triumphal arch
B) Wrote a book
C) Constructed a temple
D) Established a new coin
- 9. What year did Constantine die?
A) 350 CE
B) 310 CE
C) 325 CE
D) 337 CE
- 10. Constantine's mother, Helena, is known for finding which relic?
A) True Cross
B) Spear of Destiny
C) Crown of Thorns
D) Holy Grail
- 11. What crucial role did Constantinople play after its founding?
A) Military base only
B) Agricultural site
C) Prison city
D) Economic hub between East and West
- 12. Which river is associated with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge?
A) Tiber River
B) Nile River
C) Danube River
D) Rhine River
- 13. What was a major outcome of the Council of Nicaea?
A) Treaty of Nicaea
B) Twelve Tables
C) Nicene Creed
D) Edict of Thessalonica
- 14. Which religion did Constantine's vision eventually help promote?
A) Judaism
B) Hinduism
C) Buddhism
D) Christianity
- 15. Which of these was a consequence of Constantine's rule?
A) Isolation from Eastern cultures
B) Spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire
C) Rise of paganism
D) Decline of Roman authority
- 16. What was Constantine's mother’s name?
A) Aelia
B) Marina
C) Fausta
D) Helena
- 17. What social policy did Constantine enact regarding soldiers?
A) Banned soldiers from marrying
B) Declared all soldiers free
C) Reduced pay and benefits
D) Increased pay and benefits
- 18. What city is named after Constantine the Great?
A) Athens
B) Alexandria
C) Rome
D) Constantinople
- 19. What was the primary currency introduced by Constantine?
A) Solidus
B) Denarius
C) Aureus
D) Sestertius
- 20. What is the significance of the term 'Vicar of Christ' attributed to Constantine?
A) Civic title
B) Religious authority
C) Military title
D) Cultural title
- 21. Who was Constantine's main rival whom he defeated at the Milvian Bridge?
A) Maxentius
B) Severus
C) Licinius
D) Diocletian
- 22. What title did Constantine take as ruler?
A) King
B) Caesar
C) Imperator
D) Dux
- 23. What was the title given to Constantine as he ruled the eastern and western halves of the Empire?
A) Augustus
B) Duke
C) Caesar
D) Consul
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