Christianity and the Roman Empire

The fall of the Roman Empire was a complex process influenced by various factors over 300 years. Key reasons include the empire's vast size, political instability, division into eastern and western parts, barbarian invasions, government corruption, reliance on mercenary armies, over-reliance on slave labor, unemployment, inflation, and the rise of Christianity. The western empire fell in 476 CE, while the eastern empire continued until 1453 CE. The division by Diocletian, invasions by Goths and Huns, and the shift from paganism to Christianity significantly impacted Rome's decline.

What was one of the main reasons the Roman Empire was difficult to manage?

• It had a small population.

• It was too large to govern effectively.

• It had no military.

• It was isolated from other civilizations.

What was a consequence of Diocletian dividing the Roman Empire?

• The Eastern Empire was dissolved.

• The two halves treated each other as competitors.

• The Western Empire became more powerful.

• The two halves worked together harmoniously.

Which tribes were primarily responsible for invading the Roman Empire?

• The Franks and the Saxons

• The Celts and the Gauls

• The Goths and the Huns

• The Visigoths and the Vandals

Why did the Roman military recruit non-Romans?

• To reduce military costs

• To fill the ranks due to a lack of Roman volunteers

• To increase loyalty to Rome

• To train them in Roman culture

What was a major issue caused by the Roman Empire's reliance on slave labor?

• It improved the economy significantly.

• It resulted in high unemployment among lower-class citizens.

• It caused a decrease in military strength.

• It led to a surplus of jobs for citizens.

How did the Roman government support its lower-class citizens?

• By giving them land

• By providing free education

• By exempting them from taxes

• By offering free bread and oil

What was a significant impact of Christianity on Roman society?

• It strengthened the cult of the emperor.

• It unified the Roman religious practices.

• It shifted focus from state gods to a single deity.

• It was rejected by the Roman government.

What was the status of Christianity before it was legitimized by Constantine?

• It was the only religion practiced in Rome.

• It was considered a mystery religion.

• It was banned throughout the empire.

• It was the official religion of Rome.

What role did the emperor play in Roman religion before Christianity?

• The emperor was a priest.

• The emperor was a religious advisor.

• The emperor had no religious significance.

• The emperor was seen as a god.

How did the rise of Christianity affect the Roman government's authority?

• It increased the emperor's divine status.

• It weakened the government's authority by replacing the cult of the emperor.

• It strengthened the government's control over religious practices.

• It had no effect on the government's authority.