History - Week 2

Pre-K through 4th: We reviewed what they will be learning for geography in CCM week 2. Each class learned about the Emperor Constantine, his vision, and the significance of the Phi Rho symbol. They completed a coloring activity (the Phi Rho symbol). Grades 1-4 labeled a map of the Roman Empire. No homework.

The Franciscans:

~ Review of previous weeks assignment.  Students each explained their time-line worksheets and discussed cause and effect.  

~Review of the map of the Roman Empire (East/West) cir. 300 A.D.

~Discussion of the division of the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western empires and the role of the emperors.

~Introduction to Emperor Constantine the Great (See page 3 of the Medieval History Workbook)

~Discussion of:

-The Battle of the Milvian Bridge

  -Constantine's vision before the battle, of a Golden Cross in the clouds and a voice exhorting "by this symbol you shall conquer".

  -Constantine painting the "Chi Rho" symbol upon his soldiers' shields and prevailing in the battle

  -Constantine's use of the "Labarum" (Chi Rho symbol) throughout his reign as emperor

        -Constantine's promulgation of the Edict of Milan

  -Declaring Christians free to worship without government interference

  -Return of confiscated church's and church property 

  -Dedication of the Vatican to the Bishop of Rome

  -The archeological mission of Constantine's mother St. Helena to the Holy Land

        -Helena's discovery of Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem, the true cross, his burial tomb, etc.

  -Constantine's commission of the first great churches and cathedrals (St. John Lateran, Rome; the Hagia Sofia, Constantinople, etc.)

-The reuniting of the Eastern and Western Empires under the sole rule of Constantine

-The calling of the Council of Nicaea

  -The suppression of the Arian heresy

-The establishment of Constantinople as the capital of the Eastern Empire (the "New Rome")

-Constantine's eventual baptism as a Christian prior to his death in 337 A.D.

"Homework" assignment for the coming week:

-color the Chi Rho on page 5 of the workbook and complete the "Fill in the Blank" questions 1-7 on page 5 of the workbook