Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Archdiocese of Carthage Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Ecclesiastical History of Carthage: From Primacy to Titular See

Cheat Sheet:
Ecclesiastical History of Carthage: From Primacy to Titular See Study Guide

Founding and Early Ecclesiastical Primacy (2nd-3rd Century)

The Archdiocese of Carthage was initially established as a diocese in the 2nd century and held a significance for the Early African church comparable to that of the Diocese of Rome for the Catholic Church in Italy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage, established as a diocese in the 2nd century, held a significance for the Early African Church comparable to that of the Diocese of Rome for the Catholic Church in Italy.

Return to Game

Agrippinus is traditionally named as the first bishop of Carthage, though his historical presence is debated among scholars.

Answer: False

Explanation: Agrippinus is recognized as the first historically documented bishop of Carthage, and his historical presence is considered certain, not debated.

Return to Game

The Archdiocese of Carthage primarily utilized the Greek liturgical rite, which was a local adaptation of Eastern Christian traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage utilized the African Rite, a variant of Western liturgical rites conducted in Latin, not the Greek liturgical rite.

Return to Game

Tertullian was a key figure in developing trinitarian theology and was the first to extensively use the Latin language in his theological writings.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tertullian was instrumental in developing trinitarian theology and was the first to extensively use Latin in his theological writings, earning him titles such as 'the father of Latin Christianity'.

Return to Game

Carthage gained its ecclesiastical prominence in Roman Africa after its temporal importance was restored by Emperor Nero.

Answer: False

Explanation: Carthage gained its ecclesiastical prominence after its temporal importance was restored by Julius Caesar and Augustus, not Emperor Nero.

Return to Game

The bishop of Carthage held the informal title of 'primate of Africa' due to the city's importance as an archdiocese.

Answer: True

Explanation: The bishop of Carthage held the informal title of 'primate of Africa' because the city exercised primacy as an archdiocese, being the most important center of Christianity throughout Roman Africa.

Return to Game

Optatus is generally believed to have been the bishop of Carthage during the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua and her companions in 203.

Answer: True

Explanation: Optatus is generally believed to have been the bishop of Carthage during the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua and her companions in 203, though it is also suggested he might have been the bishop of Thuburbo Minus.

Return to Game

Cyprian's immediate predecessor as bishop of Carthage was Lucianus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Donatus was the immediate predecessor of Cyprian as bishop of Carthage.

Return to Game

In the 3rd century, the bishops of Carthage exercised a formally defined primacy over the Early African Church, including the right for clergy from any province to appeal directly to them.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 3rd century, the bishops of Carthage exercised a real, though not formally defined, primacy over the Early African Church.

Return to Game

The Basilica of Damous El Karita, ornamented with over 100 columns, is an archaeological ruin in Carthage associated with early Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Basilica of Damous El Karita, the largest church building in Carthage, ornamented with over 100 columns, stands as a significant ruin showcasing early Christian architecture.

Return to Game

The 'lapsi' controversy that Cyprian faced concerned the proper treatment of Christians who had converted to paganism under persecution.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'lapsi' controversy concerned Christians who had renounced their faith under persecution, not necessarily converted to paganism, and the proper way to reintegrate them.

Return to Game

Which of the following figures is recognized as the first historically documented bishop of Carthage?

Answer: Agrippinus

Explanation: Agrippinus is recognized as the first historically documented bishop of Carthage, appointed around 230 AD.

Return to Game

What liturgical rite was practiced by the Archdiocese of Carthage?

Answer: The African Rite

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage utilized the African Rite, a variant of Western liturgical rites conducted in Latin.

Return to Game

Tertullian is credited with which significant contribution to Christian theology?

Answer: Developing trinitarian theology and extensively using Latin in his writings

Explanation: Tertullian was instrumental in developing trinitarian theology and was the first to extensively use Latin in his theological writings.

Return to Game

How did Carthage gain its ecclesiastical prominence in Roman Africa?

Answer: After its temporal importance was restored by Julius Caesar and Augustus

Explanation: Carthage became the natural ecclesiastical seat for the Roman province of Africa Proconsulare after its temporal importance was restored by Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Return to Game

What informal title did the bishop of Carthage hold due to the city's importance?

Answer: Primate of Africa

Explanation: The bishop of Carthage held the informal title of 'primate of Africa' because the city exercised primacy as an archdiocese.

Return to Game

Who was Optatus, mentioned in the account of Saint Perpetua's martyrdom?

Answer: Generally believed to be the bishop of Carthage at that time

Explanation: Optatus is generally believed to have been the bishop of Carthage during the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua and her companions in 203.

Return to Game

Who was Cyprian's immediate predecessor as bishop of Carthage?

Answer: Donatus

Explanation: Donatus was the immediate predecessor of Cyprian, who served as bishop of Carthage from 249 to 258.

Return to Game

What was the nature of the primacy exercised by the bishops of Carthage in the 3rd century?

Answer: A real, though not formally defined, primacy over the Early African Church

Explanation: In the 3rd century, the bishops of Carthage exercised a real, though not formally defined, primacy over the Early African Church, extending over Roman Proconsular Africa and, in a supra-metropolitan capacity, over the Church in Numidia and Mauretania.

Return to Game

Which archaeological ruin in Carthage is known for an inscription dedicated to Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicitas?

Answer: The Basilica Majorum

Explanation: The Basilica Majorum is an archaeological ruin in Carthage where an inscription dedicated to Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicitas was found.

Return to Game

Theological Controversies and Imperial Challenges (4th-6th Century)

The 6th century saw the diocese of Carthage affected by theological controversies such as Donatism, Arianism, and Pelagianism.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 6th century, the diocese of Carthage was affected by turbulent theological controversies such as Donatism, Arianism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism.

Return to Game

The Donatist controversy began in 313 and centered on the belief that the holiness of the church required ministers to be free from having surrendered scriptures during persecution.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Donatist controversy, beginning in 313, centered on the Donatists' insistence on the church's holiness and their refusal to accept the authority of ministers who had surrendered scriptures during persecution.

Return to Game

Donatists welcomed Emperor Constantine's involvement in church affairs, viewing it as a necessary step for unity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Donatists opposed Emperor Constantine's involvement in church affairs, viewing it as a compromise to the church's purity, while the majority of Christians welcomed it.

Return to Game

Augustine of Hippo argued that the unworthiness of a minister did not affect the validity of the sacraments, a stance against Donatism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo maintained that the unworthiness of a minister did not affect the validity of the sacraments because Christ himself was their true minister, a key argument against Donatism.

Return to Game

The Donatist dispute was officially resolved by a decision of an imperial commission at the Council of Nicaea in 411.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Donatist dispute was officially resolved by a decision of an imperial commission at the Council of Carthage in 411, not the Council of Nicaea.

Return to Game

Caecilianus, bishop of Carthage from 311 to 325, participated in the First Council of Nicaea.

Answer: True

Explanation: Caecilianus, bishop of Carthage from 311 to 325, was a participant in the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal ecumenical council in early Christian history.

Return to Game

By the end of the 4th century, Christianity had spread only to the coastal cities of North Africa, with little penetration inland.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the end of the 4th century, the settled areas of North Africa had become Christianized, and some Berber tribes had converted en masse, indicating widespread adoption of the faith, not limited to coastal cities.

Return to Game

Capreolus, bishop of Carthage in 431, was unable to attend the Council of Ephesus due to the Vandal conquest of the province.

Answer: True

Explanation: Capreolus, bishop of Carthage in 431, was unable to attend the Council of Ephesus because the Vandals had conquered the province, disrupting travel and communication.

Return to Game

Pope Leo I declared in 446 that the Bishop of Carthage held a primacy second only to the Roman Bishop for all of Africa.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 446, Pope Leo I confirmed the primacy of the bishop of Carthage, stating that 'Indeed, after the Roman Bishop, the leading Bishop and metropolitan for all Africa is the Bishop of Carthage.'

Return to Game

Saint Eugenius, bishop of Carthage, was exiled by the Vandal ruler Huneric and eventually died in Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saint Eugenius, bishop of Carthage, was exiled multiple times by the Vandal ruler Huneric and eventually fled to Albi in Gaul, where he died, not in Rome.

Return to Game

The Eastern Roman Empire re-established control over northwestern Africa in the 7th century, creating the praetorian prefecture of Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eastern Roman Empire re-established control over northwestern Africa after the Vandalic War in 533–534, creating the praetorian prefecture of Africa, not in the 7th century.

Return to Game

Bishop Reparatus of Carthage was exiled to Pontus in 551 for his stance in the Three Chapters Controversy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bishop Reparatus of Carthage was exiled to Pontus in 551 for holding firm in the Three Chapters Controversy, a theological dispute concerning certain writings deemed heretical.

Return to Game

The Maximian schism was a division within the Arian movement, resulting from a dispute between two prominent Arian bishops.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Maximian schism was a significant division within the Donatist movement, stemming from a dispute between Primian and Maximian, not within the Arian movement.

Return to Game

Quodvultdeus, bishop of Carthage, was exiled by the Vandal king Gaiseric and died in Naples.

Answer: True

Explanation: Quodvultdeus, bishop of Carthage, was exiled by the Vandal king Gaiseric and subsequently died in Naples, as part of the Vandal persecution of Catholic bishops.

Return to Game

During the Vandal period, the episcopal see of Carthage experienced a single, continuous 39-year vacancy.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Vandal period, the episcopal see of Carthage experienced two significant vacancies: a 15-year period after Quodvultdeus's exile and a 24-year period after Deogratias's death, not a single continuous 39-year vacancy.

Return to Game

Bonifacius became bishop of Carthage in 523 and presided over a significant Council in 525.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bonifacius became bishop of Carthage in 523 after the Vandal persecution ended and presided over a significant Council in 525.

Return to Game

Restitutus, a bishop of Carthage, accepted the Nicene Creed at the Council of Rimini in 359 but later renounced it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Restitutus, a bishop of Carthage, accepted the Arian formula at the Council of Rimini in 359 but later repented, not the Nicene Creed.

Return to Game

Genethlius, a bishop of Carthage, presided over two councils in Carthage, with the second one occurring in 390.

Answer: True

Explanation: Genethlius, a bishop of Carthage, presided over two councils held in Carthage, with the second one taking place in 390, addressing ecclesiastical matters.

Return to Game

Which of the following theological controversies affected the diocese of Carthage in the 6th century?

Answer: Donatism

Explanation: In the 6th century, the diocese of Carthage was affected by turbulent theological controversies including Donatism, Arianism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism.

Return to Game

What was the central issue of the Donatist controversy, which began in 313?

Answer: The holiness of the church and the validity of sacraments administered by unworthy ministers

Explanation: The central issue of the Donatist controversy was the Donatists' insistence on the church's holiness and their refusal to accept the authority of ministers who had surrendered scriptures during persecution.

Return to Game

How did the Donatists' view on imperial involvement in church affairs differ from the majority of Christians?

Answer: Donatists opposed imperial involvement, while the majority welcomed it.

Explanation: The Donatists opposed Emperor Constantine's involvement in church affairs, viewing it as a compromise to the church's purity, in contrast to the majority who welcomed imperial recognition.

Return to Game

Who was the most articulate North African critic of the Donatist position, arguing that a minister's unworthiness did not affect sacrament validity?

Answer: Augustine of Hippo

Explanation: Augustine, the bishop of Hippo Regius, was the most articulate North African critic of the Donatist position, maintaining that a minister's unworthiness did not affect the validity of the sacraments.

Return to Game

When and how was the Donatist dispute officially resolved?

Answer: By a decision of an imperial commission at the Council of Carthage in 411

Explanation: The Donatist dispute was officially resolved by a decision of an imperial commission at the Council of Carthage in 411.

Return to Game

Which significant ecumenical council did Caecilianus, bishop of Carthage, attend?

Answer: The First Council of Nicaea

Explanation: Caecilianus, bishop of Carthage from 311 to 325, was a participant in the First Council of Nicaea.

Return to Game

What was the state of Christianization in North Africa by the end of the 4th century?

Answer: The settled areas had become Christianized, and some Berber tribes had converted.

Explanation: By the end of the 4th century, the settled areas of North Africa had become Christianized, and some Berber tribes had converted to Christianity en masse.

Return to Game

Why was Capreolus, bishop of Carthage in 431, unable to attend the Council of Ephesus?

Answer: The Vandals had conquered the province, disrupting travel.

Explanation: Capreolus was the bishop of Carthage when the Vandals conquered the province, making him unable to attend the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Return to Game

What significant declaration did Pope Leo I make regarding the primacy of the bishop of Carthage in 446?

Answer: He confirmed the primacy of the bishop of Carthage, second only to the Roman Bishop for all Africa.

Explanation: In 446, Pope Leo I confirmed the primacy of the bishop of Carthage, stating that 'Indeed, after the Roman Bishop, the leading Bishop and metropolitan for all Africa is the Bishop of Carthage.'

Return to Game

What was the fate of Saint Eugenius, bishop of Carthage, under the Vandal ruler Huneric?

Answer: He was exiled multiple times and eventually fled to Gaul.

Explanation: Saint Eugenius, consecrated bishop around 481, faced persecution under the Vandal ruler Huneric, was exiled multiple times, and eventually fled to Albi in Gaul, where he died.

Return to Game

When did the Eastern Roman Empire re-establish its control over northwestern Africa after the Vandalic War?

Answer: 533-534

Explanation: The Eastern Roman Empire re-established its control over northwestern Africa after the Vandalic War in 533–534.

Return to Game

What happened to Bishop Reparatus of Carthage during the Three Chapters Controversy?

Answer: He was exiled to Pontus for his stance.

Explanation: Bishop Reparatus of Carthage held firm in the Three Chapters Controversy and was exiled to Pontus in 551 as a result of his stance.

Return to Game

What was the Maximian schism?

Answer: A division within the Donatist movement.

Explanation: The Maximian schism was a significant division within the Donatist movement, resulting from a dispute between Primian, a Donatist bishop of Carthage, and Maximian.

Return to Game

Which bishop of Carthage was exiled by the Vandal king Gaiseric and subsequently died in Naples?

Answer: Quodvultdeus

Explanation: Quodvultdeus, who succeeded Capreolus as bishop of Carthage around 437, was exiled by the Vandal king Gaiseric and subsequently died in Naples.

Return to Game

What notable event occurred during Bonifacius's episcopacy after the Vandal persecution ended in 523?

Answer: He held a significant Council in 525.

Explanation: Bonifacius became bishop of Carthage in 523 after the Vandal persecution ended and presided over a significant Council in 525.

Return to Game

Which bishop of Carthage accepted the Arian formula at the Council of Rimini in 359 but later repented?

Answer: Restitutus

Explanation: Restitutus, a bishop of Carthage, accepted the Arian formula at the Council of Rimini in 359 but later repented of this decision.

Return to Game

What role did Genethlius play in the councils of Carthage?

Answer: He presided over two councils held in Carthage, with the second in 390.

Explanation: Genethlius, a bishop of Carthage, presided over two councils held in Carthage, with the second one taking place in 390.

Return to Game

Decline, Persistence, and Papal Recognition (7th-11th Century)

The decline of Christianity in Carthage and the Maghreb region began after the city fell to the Visigothic conquest in 698.

Answer: False

Explanation: The decline of Christianity in Carthage and the Maghreb region began after the city fell to the Muslim conquest following the Battle of Carthage in 698, not the Visigothic conquest.

Return to Game

Carthage appeared in lists of dioceses claimed by the Patriarch of Alexandria in the 8th and 9th centuries, indicating its continued existence after the Muslim conquest.

Answer: True

Explanation: Carthage appeared in lists of dioceses claimed by the Patriarch of Alexandria at the beginning of the 8th century and again at the end of the 9th century, indicating its continued existence after the Muslim conquest.

Return to Game

Pope Leo IX's letters from 1053 indicated that the number of bishops in Africa had increased significantly, showing a resurgence of Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Leo IX's letters from 1053 lamented that the number of bishops in Africa had drastically reduced from 205 to only five, indicating a severe decline, not a resurgence.

Return to Game

Pope Leo IX declared in 1053 that the bishop of Carthage would remain the 'first archbishop and chief metropolitan of the whole of Africa' perpetually.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1053, Pope Leo IX declared that the bishop of Carthage would perpetually remain the 'first archbishop and chief metropolitan of the whole of Africa,' emphasizing its enduring spiritual importance.

Return to Game

Cyriacus was the last resident bishop of Carthage mentioned before its long decline, and he was martyred by Arab rulers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cyriacus, the last resident bishop of Carthage mentioned before its long decline, was imprisoned by Arab rulers but eventually set free, not martyred.

Return to Game

After the Muslim conquest, Christianity in the Maghreb region flourished, integrating with the local Latin dialect.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb, Christianity gradually died out, along with the local Latin dialect, rather than flourishing and integrating.

Return to Game

Archaeological evidence, such as Christian graves with Latin inscriptions from the 10th-11th centuries, supports the continued presence of Christians in Carthage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christian graves with Latin inscriptions from the 10th-11th centuries provide archaeological evidence of the continued, though diminishing, presence of Christians in Carthage.

Return to Game

By 1053, the number of bishoprics in Africa had increased to 205, according to Pope Leo IX.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1053, Pope Leo IX lamented that the number of bishops in Africa had drastically reduced from 205 to only five, indicating a severe decline, not an increase.

Return to Game

What event led to the significant decline of Christianity in Carthage and the Maghreb region?

Answer: The Battle of Carthage in 698, leading to Muslim conquest

Explanation: The city of Carthage fell to the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb following the Battle of Carthage in 698, after which Christianity gradually declined.

Return to Game

What evidence from the 8th and 9th centuries indicates the continued existence of the diocese of Carthage?

Answer: Its appearance in lists of dioceses claimed by the Patriarch of Alexandria

Explanation: Carthage appeared in lists of dioceses over which the Patriarch of Alexandria claimed jurisdiction at the beginning of the 8th century and again at the end of the 9th century.

Return to Game

What did Pope Leo IX's letters from 1053 reveal about the state of the Church in Africa?

Answer: A drastic reduction in bishops from 205 to only five, with internal strife.

Explanation: Pope Leo IX's letters from 1053 lamented that the number of bishops in Africa had drastically reduced from 205 to only five, and that even among these few, there was jealousy and contention.

Return to Game

What enduring privilege did Pope Leo IX declare for the see of Carthage in 1053?

Answer: Its bishop would remain the 'first archbishop and chief metropolitan of the whole of Africa' perpetually.

Explanation: In 1053, Pope Leo IX declared that the bishop of Carthage would perpetually remain the 'first archbishop and chief metropolitan of the whole of Africa,' a privilege from the Holy Roman and Apostolic See.

Return to Game

Who was the last resident bishop of Carthage mentioned before its long decline, who was imprisoned by Arab rulers but later freed?

Answer: Cyriacus

Explanation: The last resident bishop of Carthage mentioned in that period was Cyriacus, who was imprisoned by Arab rulers but eventually set free by 1076.

Return to Game

Later Decline, Titular Status, and Modern Restoration (12th-20th Century)

The Archdiocese of Carthage transitioned from a residential see to a titular see in 1884.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage transitioned to a titular see in 1519. It was briefly restored as a residential see from 1884 to 1964.

Return to Game

The titular see of Carthage has been continuously occupied since 1979.

Answer: False

Explanation: The titular see of Carthage has been vacant since 1979, following the last titular archbishop, Agostino Casaroli.

Return to Game

Cardinal Charles-Martial-Allemand Lavigerie had Pope Leo IX's declaration inscribed in his cathedral when the residential see of Carthage was briefly restored.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cardinal Charles-Martial-Allemand Lavigerie had Pope Leo IX's declaration about Carthage's enduring primacy inscribed in gold beneath his cathedral's dome upon the brief restoration of the residential see.

Return to Game

In 1152, Muslim rulers ordered Christians in Tunisia to convert to Islam or face death.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1152, Muslim rulers ordered the Christians of Tunisia to convert to Islam or face death, marking a severe period of persecution.

Return to Game

In a 1192 list published by the Catholic Church in Rome, only the bishopric of Alexandria was mentioned as an African bishopric.

Answer: False

Explanation: In a 1192 list published by the Catholic Church in Rome, only the bishopric of Carthage was mentioned as an African bishopric, not Alexandria.

Return to Game

Native Christianity in North Africa in the 15th century was in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: Native Christianity attested in North Africa in the 15th century was not in communion with the Catholic Church, suggesting a separate or isolated development.

Return to Game

Lope Fernandez de Ain, bishop of Morocco, was appointed head of the Church of Africa in 1246 by Pope Innocent IV.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1246, Pope Innocent IV appointed Lope Fernandez de Ain, bishop of Morocco, as head of the Church of Africa, making his church the only one officially allowed to preach on the continent.

Return to Game

The Archdiocese of Carthage was briefly restored as a residential see from 1964 to 1984.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage was briefly restored as a residential episcopal see from 1884 to 1964, not 1964 to 1984.

Return to Game

Agostino Casaroli was the last titular Archbishop of Carthage, holding the office until 1979.

Answer: True

Explanation: Agostino Casaroli was the last titular Archbishop of Carthage, holding the office until 1979, after which the see became vacant.

Return to Game

When did the Archdiocese of Carthage first transition from a residential see to a titular see?

Answer: 1519

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage transitioned to a titular see in 1519, with bishops appointed from the 16th century onward.

Return to Game

What was the status of native Christianity in North Africa in the 15th century?

Answer: It was attested but not in communion with the Catholic Church.

Explanation: Native Christianity was attested in North Africa in the 15th century, but it was not in communion with the Catholic Church.

Return to Game

Who was appointed head of the Church of Africa in 1246 by Pope Innocent IV, making his church the only one officially allowed to preach on the continent?

Answer: Lope Fernandez de Ain

Explanation: In 1246, Lope Fernandez de Ain, the bishop of Morocco, was appointed by Pope Innocent IV as the head of the Church of Africa, making his church the only one officially allowed to preach on the continent.

Return to Game

When was the Archdiocese of Carthage briefly restored as a residential see before being supplanted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tunis?

Answer: 1884 to 1964

Explanation: The Archdiocese of Carthage was briefly restored as a residential episcopal see from 1884 to 1964, after which it was supplanted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tunis.

Return to Game

Who was the last titular Archbishop of Carthage, holding the office until 1979?

Answer: Agostino Casaroli

Explanation: Agostino Casaroli was the last titular Archbishop of Carthage, holding the office until 1979.

Return to Game