Dominate

The term for the later phase of the Roman Empire, starting with Diocletian (c. 284 CE), characterized by absolute rule where the emperor was openly addressed as "lord" and "master" (dominus), replacing the earlier, more subtle Principate.

Tetrarchy

A system of rule established by Emperor Diocletian (c. 293 CE) that divided the Roman Empire into four administrative regions, each governed by a separate emperor: two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares).

Coloni

Tenant farmers in the later Roman Empire, who were tied to the land they worked, gradually losing personal freedom. This system was an early step toward medieval serfdom.

Curials

The landowning class in Roman cities, who were compelled to serve on the city council (curia). They were often forced to pay for municipal services and cover tax shortfalls, leading to their impoverishment and decline.

Great Persecution

The final and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, launched by Emperors Diocletian and Galerius (starting in 303 CE), involving the destruction of churches and scriptures, and the demanding of sacrifices to Roman gods.

Edict of Milan

A proclamation issued by Roman Emperors Constantine I and Licinius in 313 CE that granted religious freedom throughout the Roman Empire, effectively ending the persecution of Christians and legalizing the practice of Christianity.

Julian the Apostate

Roman Emperor (r. 361–363 CE) known as "the Apostate" because he renounced Christianity and attempted to restore paganism as the state religion, though he ultimately failed.

Theodosius I

Roman Emperor (r. 379–395 CE) who made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire in 380 CE and was the last emperor to rule over both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire.

Augustine

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE), a pivotal figure in the development of Western Christianity. His writings, such as Confessions and City of God, profoundly influenced Western thought and theology.

Arianism

A Christian theological doctrine, named after the Alexandrian presbyter Arius, which held that Jesus Christ was created by God the Father and was therefore subordinate to Him, a view declared heretical by the Council of Nicaea.

Nicene Creed

A statement of Christian belief originally adopted at the First Council of Nicaea (325 CE). It affirms the doctrine that Jesus Christ is "of one substance" (homoousios) with God the Father, in opposition to Arianism.

Asceticism

A practice involving severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. It was a significant element in early Christian monasticism.

Visigoths

A Germanic tribe that migrated into the Roman Empire, eventually sacking Rome in 410 CE. They later established a kingdom in Hispania (Spain) that lasted until the early 8th century.

Wergild

A term from early Germanic law, meaning "man-money" or "man-price." It was a value placed on every free person, which, in case of injury or death, the wrongdoer had to pay to the victim's family to prevent a cycle of blood feud.

Justinian and Theodora

Justinian I (r. 527–565 CE) was a Byzantine (East Roman) Emperor known for his reconquest attempts, the rebuilding of the Hagia Sophia, and the codification of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis). Theodora was his influential wife and Empress, a powerful political figure and advisor.