- 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) Antioch
D) Rome
- 2. In what year was the Edict of Milan issued?
A) 325 CE
B) 300 CE
C) 313 CE
D) 330 CE
- 3. Which battle did Constantine win to secure his rule?
A) Battle of Zama
B) Battle of Actium
C) Battle of Milvian Bridge
D) Battle of Pharsalus
- 4. What symbol did Constantine reportedly see in a vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge?
A) The Chi-Rho
B) The Aquila
C) The Cross
D) The Labarum
- 5. Which council did Constantine convene to address the Arian controversy?
A) Council of Ephesus
B) Council of Carthage
C) Council of Chalcedon
D) First Council of Nicaea
- 6. When did the First Council of Nicaea take place?
A) 360 CE
B) 303 CE
C) 340 CE
D) 325 CE
- 7. What significant architectural project did Constantine undertake in Constantinople?
A) Trajan's Market
B) Pantheon
C) Colosseum
D) Hagia Sophia
- 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) Holy Grail
B) Crown of Thorns
C) Spear of Destiny
D) True Cross
- 11. What crucial role did Constantinople play after its founding?
A) Economic hub between East and West
B) Prison city
C) Agricultural site
D) Military base only
- 12. Which river is associated with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge?
A) Danube River
B) Rhine River
C) Tiber River
D) Nile River
- 13. What was a major outcome of the Council of Nicaea?
A) Edict of Thessalonica
B) Treaty of Nicaea
C) Nicene Creed
D) Twelve Tables
- 14. Which religion did Constantine's vision eventually help promote?
A) Buddhism
B) Judaism
C) Hinduism
D) Christianity
- 15. Which of these was a consequence of Constantine's rule?
A) Isolation from Eastern cultures
B) Decline of Roman authority
C) Rise of paganism
D) Spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire
- 16. What was Constantine's mother’s name?
A) Helena
B) Fausta
C) Aelia
D) Marina
- 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) Rome
B) Athens
C) Constantinople
D) Alexandria
- 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) Religious authority
B) Civic title
C) Military title
D) Cultural title
- 21. Who was Constantine's main rival whom he defeated at the Milvian Bridge?
A) Severus
B) Diocletian
C) Maxentius
D) Licinius
- 22. What title did Constantine take as ruler?
A) Caesar
B) King
C) Imperator
D) Dux
- 23. What was the title given to Constantine as he ruled the eastern and western halves of the Empire?
A) Caesar
B) Duke
C) Consul
D) Augustus
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