Quiz - Early Religion and Christianity in the Roman Empire

Which best describes the early religion of the Romans, before Christianity?

• Most Romans practiced Judaism.
• A polytheistic religion similar to the ancient Greeks.
• There was no religion at all.
• It was a monotheistic religion with one god.

Christianity was founded based on the life and teaching of

• Constantine
• Augustus
• Jesus
• Abraham

Where was Christianity founded (where did it start)?

• In the Middle East region of the Roman Empire.
• In the city of Rome on the Italian Peninsula.
• In Northern Africa near Carthage.
• In Asia Minor.

What word best describes the early Christians who traveled throughout Rome to spread Christianity, like Paul?

• persecutors
• tourists
• missionaries
• soldiers

How were Christians treated in the first few hundred years of Christianity’s existence (during the reigns of Nero and Diocletian for example)?

• They were treated badly and persecuted.
• They were well respected by other Romans.
• They were ignored.
• They were seen as leaders.

Around what year did Constantine make Christianity an acceptable religion?

• 49
• 64
• 313
• 500

What is the emperor Theodosius famous for doing in the year 380?

• Trying to end or ban Christianity.
• Making Christianity the official religion of the empire.
• Allowing freedom of religion for everyone.

Based on the map, which statement is most accurate about the growth of Christianity between 325 and 500?

• Christianity spread from small scattered areas to become widespread across the empire.
• Christianity had little growth between these years and stayed in the same areas.
• Christianity began to decline in popularity and was not spread around the empire.
• Christianity spread to areas outside of the Roman Empire in Northern Europe and Africa.

What statement best characterizes the Roman Empire in the later 300’s and 400’s A.D. (towards the end of the empire)?

• Rome was a strong empire with little enemies and a powerful military.
• Rome had very wise and caring leaders.
• Rome was making alliances with surrounding people to expand its borders.
• Rome was declining and being invaded by surrounding Germanic tribes who were pushed into the empire by the Huns.

What was one problem with the Roman military towards the end?

• Soldiers lacked proper armor and training and some were hired from outside the empire.
• The soldiers were very well trained and courageous.
• There were so many soldiers it was hard to find places for them to fight.
• There were no wars for the soldiers to fight in.