SSI (5/22/15)
EXAM ONE
Sallie Oliver
1. A New Religion
When the Christian religion emerged offering terms of “the elect” rather than “the elite”
many without direct authority were drawn to its moral power. In map 1.2 (SH 7) this is evidenced
by the representation of the Christian Churches established prior to the year 304 when Diocletian
persecuted its worshipers. The concentration of Christian foundations was mainly seen in the
Eastern half of the Empire due to higher populace that helped spread its teachings. This map
exemplifies the significance of the Edict of Milan issued by Constantine in 313 as a proclamation
to religious freedom. In this map churches served “ten percent of the population” (CN 5/21); thus
it is imperative to note the rapid popularization of Christianity within such a short period of time.
These changes brought on by Christianity established new roles and identities while transforming
governmental structure.
2. An Empire In Spite of Itself
The Carolingian government c 800 admired Roman tradition and in particular sought to
establish a scholarly resurgence. Plate 3.5 (SH 104) exemplifies this by showing a page from a
liturgical book presenting a Sacramentary. Musical notations are above the letters showing an
attempt at standardization of the empire.
2. Public Power and Private Relationships
The excellence of an empire was typically dependent on centralized politics, salaried
armies, and enforced tax systems. Of course the Roman Empire had such luxuries yet Rosenwein
points out in Short History that over time the same geographical area of Francia, citizen’s security
experienced great instability due to a series of invasions. Nevertheless, social systems developed
to create economic dependencies and a sense of public order in the tenth century. This was “key”
