STUDIES
1. On an outline map indicate the territories of the Roman Empire and their division, 395 A D.
2. What is the date of the accession of the emperor Commodus? of the accession of Diocletian? of the death of Theodosius? of the Edict of Milan? of the Council of Nicaea?
3. What elements of weakness in the imperial system had been disclosed during the century 180-284 A.D.?
4. Explain Diocletian's plan of "partnership emperors."
5. Define the terms absolutism and centralization. Give an example of a European country under a centralized administration; of a European country under an absolute government.
6. What are the advantages of local self-government over a centralized government?
7. "The emperor of the first century was a Prince, that is, 'first citizen'; the emperor of the fourth century was a Sultan." Comment on this statement.
8. What arguments might have been made for and against the removal of the capital to Constantinople?
9. Enumerate the causes of the decline of population in imperial times.
10. Show how an unwise system of taxation may work great economic injury.
11. Give reasons for the decline of Greek and Roman paganism.
12. Why should Mithraism have proved "the most formidable foe which Christianity had to overcome"?
13. Were any of the ancient religions missionary faiths?
14. When and where was Jesus born? Who was king of Judea at the time? Were the Jews independent of Rome during the lifetime of Jesus?
15. Locate on the map, facing page 230, the three divisions of Palestine at the time of Christ.
16. To what cities of Asia Minor did Paul write his epistles, or letters? To what other cities in the Roman Empire?
17. What was the original meaning of the words "presbyter," "bishop," and "deacon"?
18. What is meant by calling the Church an episcopal organization?
19. How can you explain the persecution of the Christians by an emperor so great and good as Marcus Aurelius?
20. What is the meaning of the word "martyr"?
21. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Explain.
22. Describe the Labarum (illustration, page 235).
23. What reasons suggest themselves as helping to explain the conversion of the civilized world to Christianity?