- 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) Athens
B) Rome
C) Antioch
D) Byzantium
- 2. In what year was the Edict of Milan issued?
A) 313 CE
B) 300 CE
C) 325 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 Pharsalus
D) Battle of Milvian Bridge
- 4. What symbol did Constantine reportedly see in a vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge?
A) The Cross
B) The Chi-Rho
C) The Aquila
D) The Labarum
- 5. Which council did Constantine convene to address the Arian controversy?
A) Council of Chalcedon
B) Council of Ephesus
C) Council of Carthage
D) First Council of Nicaea
- 6. When did the First Council of Nicaea take place?
A) 340 CE
B) 325 CE
C) 303 CE
D) 360 CE
- 7. What significant architectural project did Constantine undertake in Constantinople?
A) Hagia Sophia
B) Trajan's Market
C) Colosseum
D) Pantheon
- 8. What did Constantine do to commemorate his victory at Milvian Bridge?
A) Built a triumphal arch
B) Established a new coin
C) Wrote a book
D) Constructed a temple
- 9. What year did Constantine die?
A) 337 CE
B) 310 CE
C) 325 CE
D) 350 CE
- 10. What was Constantine's mother’s name?
A) Marina
B) Aelia
C) Fausta
D) Helena
- 11. What was the primary currency introduced by Constantine?
A) Sestertius
B) Solidus
C) Aureus
D) Denarius
- 12. What social policy did Constantine enact regarding soldiers?
A) Declared all soldiers free
B) Banned soldiers from marrying
C) Reduced pay and benefits
D) Increased pay and benefits
- 13. What crucial role did Constantinople play after its founding?
A) Prison city
B) Economic hub between East and West
C) Agricultural site
D) Military base only
- 14. Which religion did Constantine's vision eventually help promote?
A) Hinduism
B) Judaism
C) Christianity
D) Buddhism
- 15. What is the significance of the term 'Vicar of Christ' attributed to Constantine?
A) Cultural title
B) Civic title
C) Military title
D) Religious authority
- 16. Which of these was a consequence of Constantine's rule?
A) Spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire
B) Decline of Roman authority
C) Rise of paganism
D) Isolation from Eastern cultures
- 17. What city is named after Constantine the Great?
A) Rome
B) Constantinople
C) Alexandria
D) Athens
- 18. What was the title given to Constantine as he ruled the eastern and western halves of the Empire?
A) Consul
B) Caesar
C) Augustus
D) Duke
- 19. Which river is associated with the Battle of the Milvian Bridge?
A) Nile River
B) Rhine River
C) Danube River
D) Tiber River
- 20. Who was Constantine's main rival whom he defeated at the Milvian Bridge?
A) Licinius
B) Severus
C) Maxentius
D) Diocletian
- 21. Constantine's mother, Helena, is known for finding which relic?
A) True Cross
B) Spear of Destiny
C) Holy Grail
D) Crown of Thorns
- 22. What title did Constantine take as ruler?
A) Imperator
B) Dux
C) King
D) Caesar
- 23. What was a major outcome of the Council of Nicaea?
A) Twelve Tables
B) Edict of Thessalonica
C) Treaty of Nicaea
D) Nicene Creed
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