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? FOOTNOTES [1] See page 200. [2] See pages 184, 194. [3] Vopiscus, _Saturninus_, 10. [4] The number and arrangement of these divisions varied somewhat during the fourth century. See the map, between pages 222-223, for the system as it existed about 395 A.D. [5] See page 186. [6] See page 88. [7] See the map, page 340. [8] Until the capture of the city by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 A.D. [9] See pages 200, 219. [10] See page 77. [11] See page 196. [12] See page 201. [13] See the map, page 107. [14] Isocrates, _Panegyricus_, 29. [15] See page 54. [16] _Soli Invicto Mithrae._ An interesting survival of Mithra worship is the date of our festival of Christmas. The 25th of December was the day of the great annual celebration in memory of the Persian deity. In 274 A.D. the emperor Aurelian raised a gorgeous temple to the sun god in the Campus Martius, dedicating it on the 25th of December, "the birthday of the Unconquerable Sun." After the triumph of Christianity the day was still honored, but henceforth as the anniversary of the birth of Christ.