Arianism / Homoianism
belief that Jersus was created by God and not fully divine; rejected at Nicaea
Council of Nicaea
First church council under Constantine; affirmed Jesus = God, condemned Arianism
Donatism
North American movement demanding ‘pure’ clergy; caused church-state conflict
Schism
A formal split in the church over doctrine or leadership
Diocese
Administrative unir grouping provinces, led by a vicarius under Diocletian’s reforms
Vicarius / Proconsul
Mid-level governors; vicarius served emperor, proconsul ruled senatorial provinces.
Tetrarchy
‘Rule of four’ created by Diocletian to stabilize and divide imperial authority.
Annona
Empire’s grain supply system feeding cities and armies.
Augusti and Caesares
Senior and junior emperors in Diocletian’s Tetrarchy to share power.
Magister Militum
“Master of Soldiers’; top general with major political power.
Diocletian
Reformer emperor who created the Tetrarchy and reorganized the empire.
Constantine
First Christian emperor; founded Constantinople; legalized Christianity.
Julian the Apostate
Tried to restore paganism and reduce Christianity’s influence; failed.
Valens
Eastern emperor, Arian supporter; killed by Goths at Adrianople (378).
Honorius
Weak Western emperor; ruled during 410 Sack of Rome.
Arcadius
Eastern emperor, brother of Honorius; dominated by court officials.
Eutropius
Eunuch adviser under Arcadius; symbol of Eastern court corruption.
Stilicho
Half-Vandal general under Honorius; defended West but executed (408).
Gildo
African governor who rebelled by cutting Rome’s grain supply.
Alaric
Gothic king who sacked Rome in 410 after failed negotiations.
Ambrose of Milan
Bishop who made Theodosius do public penance; church power over emperor.
Athanasius of Alexandria
Defender of Nicene Christianity; opposed Arianism.
Martin of Tours
Soldier-turned-bishop; promoted monastic life and Christian charity
Ephrem the Syrian
Hymn writer and theologian; shaped Eastern Christian worship
