Question

Making Comparisons How was the rule of the weak and corrupt rulers different than the rule of Constantine? Provide at least two examples.

Answer 1

Possible answer

Answers may include at least two of the following: Weak rulers bribed the army for support while Constantine led the army. Many rulers persecuted Christians while Constantine ended persecution. Rulers before Diocletian tried to rule an empire that was too large; Constantine first ruled only the West. Weak rulers often stole money for themselves and the army while Constantine used money to build important churches and to move the capital.

Answer 2

Constantine was strong and believed in Christianity, he allowed churches and the practice of religious beliefs openly. He helped to plan and to pay churches to be built where Jesus was crucified. Constantine led the army and had no reason to bribe it.

Weak and corrupt emperors stole money from the empire for themselves and to bribe soldiers to be loyal, leading eventually to a weak economy because money was scarce. Weak leaders persecuted Christians.