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The Western Experience, 8/e

Mortimer Chambers, University of California - Los Angeles
Barbara Hanawalt, Ohio State University
Theodore Rabb, Princeton University
Isser Woloch, Columbia University
Raymond Grew, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The Empire and Christianity

Problems for Analysis

I. The Empire at Its Height


1		Analyze the way in which the socioeconomic system of the Empire functioned. What were its economic characteristics? What were the major social classes? How well did it function?



2		Historians argue that Romans were most skilled in law, engineering, and architecture. Using examples, support this argument.

II. The Period of Crisis


3		While in the short run slavery as an economic system worked well, in the long run it worked to the disadvantage of the Empire. Explain.



4		Analyze the crisis of the third century. How did social, economic, and political developments interact during the period?

III. The Late Roman Empire


5		What problems did the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine solve, and what new problems did they create?



6		Assess the different interpretations of the Roman Empire in the West. Which one, or which combination, seem most persuasive?

IV. Christianity and Its Early Rivals


7		Analyze the similarities and differences of Christianity and other mystery religions. What characteristics of Christianity contributed to its success?



8		How did women's role in Christianity change over time? What accounts for the change?



9		How did theological controversies contribute to establishing Christian dogma and order within the Church?

2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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