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Study Guide: The Roman Dominate: Periodization and Historiography

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The Roman Dominate: Periodization and Historiography Study Guide

Defining the Roman Dominate

The Dominate is a historical periodization used by historians to describe the early Roman Empire, following the Republic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dominate is a periodization used by historians to describe a specific era of the Roman Empire during late antiquity, understood as the period that followed the earlier Principate. It does not describe the early Roman Empire immediately following the Republic, but rather a later phase.

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The Principate is the historical term for the period of the Roman Empire that preceded the Dominate.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Principate refers to the earlier period of the Roman Empire, which chronologically preceded the Dominate.

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The Dominate period falls within the era known as the High Middle Ages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dominate period is situated within Late Antiquity, a transitional era bridging the classical world and the early Middle Ages, not the High Middle Ages.

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What does the term 'Late Antiquity' refer to in the context of the provided text?

Answer: The historical era during which the Dominate is situated.

Explanation: In the context of the provided text, 'Late Antiquity' refers to the historical era during which the Dominate period is situated, characterized as a transitional era bridging the classical world and the early Middle Ages.

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Theodor Mommsen and Periodization

The historian Theodor Mommsen is credited with developing the concepts of the Principate and the Dominate for periodizing Roman history.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen is indeed credited with introducing the concepts of the Principate and the Dominate as a means to periodize the Roman Imperial era, drawing these terms from his lectures and subsequent publications.

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According to Mommsen, the Dominate period adopted the Roman Republic's governmental structure as its primary model.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen posited that the Dominate period took the oriental ruler as its model, marking a significant shift from the earlier Principate and not adopting the Roman Republic's governmental structure as its primary model.

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Mommsen based his concept of the Dominate primarily on archaeological evidence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen's concept of the Dominate was principally grounded in constitutional law, particularly focusing on the changing power and embodiment of the emperor, rather than primarily on archaeological evidence.

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Mommsen described the Dominate as a period where the Empire was consistently unified under a single administrative structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mommsen described the Dominate as a period marked by the division of the Roman Empire, contrasting with the general unity observed during the Principate.

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Which historian is credited with introducing the concepts of the Principate and Dominate for periodizing the Roman Empire?

Answer: Theodor Mommsen

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen is widely recognized for introducing the concepts of the Principate and the Dominate as a framework for periodizing the Roman Imperial era, based on his extensive scholarship.

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According to Mommsen's model, what served as the primary model for the Dominate period?

Answer: The oriental ruler.

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen posited that the 'oriental ruler' served as the primary model for the Dominate period, signifying a notable departure from the governmental structures and ideals of the preceding Principate.

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How did Mommsen characterize the territorial unity of the Roman Empire during the Dominate compared to the Principate?

Answer: Division became more prevalent during the Dominate.

Explanation: Mommsen characterized the Dominate as a period where the division of the Roman Empire became more prevalent, contrasting with the general unity observed during the Principate.

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On what primary basis did Theodor Mommsen develop his concept of the Dominate?

Answer: Constitutional law and the emperor's power

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen's conceptualization of the Dominate was principally grounded in constitutional law, with a specific focus on the evolving power and embodiment of the emperor.

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Characteristics of the Dominate

Mommsen observed that the division of the Roman Empire became more prevalent during the Dominate compared to the Principate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen contrasted the Principate, where the unity of the Empire generally prevailed, with the Dominate, during which the division of the Roman Empire became increasingly prevalent.

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During the Dominate, Italy maintained and even increased its previously privileged status within the Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Dominate, Italy lost its previously privileged status within the Empire, indicating a significant administrative shift and decentralization of governance.

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Mommsen associated the Dominate period with a significant reform of the administration and a transformation of the military.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theodor Mommsen identified a complete reform of the administration and a transformation of the military machine as key characteristics of the Dominate period.

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The military during the Dominate relied heavily on static frontier troops, similar to the Principate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mommsen characterized the military during the Dominate as having transformed into an effective and mobile force, contrasting with the Principate's reliance on static frontier troops.

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Constantine the Great is noted for reintroducing the universally current gold coin known as the Solidus during the Dominate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Constantine the Great is recognized for reintroducing the universally current gold coin known as the Solidus, a development in the financial administration during the Dominate era.

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Mommsen suggested that religious practices during the Dominate remained largely unchanged from the Principate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mommsen suggested that a new religion emerged during the Dominate period, indicating significant changes from the religious practices observed during the Principate.

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The title 'Augustus' became less emphasized during the Dominate period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mommsen observed an increased emphasis on the title 'Augustus' during the Dominate, with variations like 'perpetuus Augustus' and 'semper Augustus' becoming frequently used.

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The title 'dominus,' meaning 'lord,' gradually became the preferred form of address for the Emperor during the Dominate.

Answer: True

Explanation: The title 'dominus,' signifying 'lord,' gradually became the predominant form of address for the Emperor during the Dominate period, originating from the term for slave owners.

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The title 'dominus' first appeared on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Mommsen's account, the title 'dominus' first appeared on coins during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, often combined with 'deus'.

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Diocletian introduced the ceremony of genuflection, requiring subjects to bow or kneel before the Emperor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Diocletian instituted the ceremony of genuflection, requiring subjects to bow or kneel before the Emperor, which marked a shift towards oriental courtly practices.

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The introduction of genuflection by Diocletian was universally welcomed in Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: The introduction of genuflection and the adoption of the title 'dominus' by Diocletian were met with opposition in Rome.

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The concept of the Emperor as a living deity was easily reconciled with Christian beliefs during the Dominate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The concept of the Emperor as a living deity was irreconcilable with Christian monotheism, creating significant conflict during the Dominate period.

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Markéta Melounová's research found significant differences in judicial practices for religious and political crimes between the Principate and Dominate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Markéta Melounová's analysis of judicial trials revealed no significant difference in practices concerning religious and political crimes between the Principate and the Dominate periods.

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The title 'Pius felix' appeared late in the Dominate period and signified secular authority.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'Pius felix' appeared early in the imperial period and was imbued with supernatural overtones, rather than appearing late in the Dominate or signifying secular authority.

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During the Dominate, the administrative center of the empire shifted, leading to Italy losing its privileged status.

Answer: True

Explanation: The loss of Italy's privileged status during the Dominate signified a significant administrative shift and decentralization of the empire's governance.

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The concept of 'nomos empsychos' relates to the Dominate period's emphasis on the emperor as 'living law'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of 'nomos empsychos,' meaning 'living law,' pertains to Mommsen's constitutional law-based interpretation of the emperor's power and role during the Dominate period.

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The Dominate was characterized by a laissez-faire economic approach, similar to the Republic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dominate was characterized by a bureaucratic absolute monarchy, contrasting with the laissez-faire economic approach prevalent during the Republic and the Principate.

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The phrase 'domino et deo nato' means 'born to be lord and god' and appeared on coins during Aurelian's reign.

Answer: True

Explanation: The phrase 'domino et deo nato,' meaning 'born to be lord and god,' appeared on coins during Emperor Aurelian's reign, signifying the growing divine and lordly status attributed to the emperor.

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Which of the following was a significant administrative or military change associated with the Dominate by Mommsen?

Answer: A complete reform of the administration.

Explanation: Mommsen associated the Dominate period with a complete reform of the administration and a transformation of the military machine.

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What financial development did Mommsen highlight for the Dominate era, specifically related to coinage?

Answer: The introduction of the universally current gold Solidus by Constantine.

Explanation: Mommsen highlighted the reintroduction of the universally current gold coin known as the Solidus by Constantine the Great as a significant financial development during the Dominate era.

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How did the imperial title 'Augustus' evolve during the Dominate, according to Mommsen?

Answer: There was an increased emphasis on it, with variations like 'perpetuus Augustus'.

Explanation: According to Mommsen's analysis, the imperial title 'Augustus' experienced an increased emphasis during the Dominate, with frequent use of variations such as 'perpetuus Augustus' and 'semper Augustus'.

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What does the title 'dominus' signify, and when did it gain prominence for the Emperor?

Answer: It means 'lord' and gradually prevailed during the Dominate.

Explanation: The title 'dominus,' signifying 'lord,' gradually became the predominant form of address for the Emperor during the Dominate period, originating from the term for slave owners.

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During which emperor's reign did the title 'dominus' first appear on coins, often combined with 'deus'?

Answer: Aurelian

Explanation: Mommsen's account indicates that the title 'dominus,' often coupled with 'deus' in the phrase 'domino et deo nato' ('born to be lord and god'), first appeared on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Aurelian.

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What change did Diocletian introduce to the ceremony of imperial adoration?

Answer: He introduced the ceremony of genuflection (bowing/kneeling).

Explanation: Diocletian instituted a significant alteration to the ceremony of imperial adoration by introducing the practice of genuflection, requiring subjects to bow or kneel before the Emperor.

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Why was the concept of the Emperor as a living deity problematic for Christianity during the Dominate?

Answer: It was irreconcilable with Christian monotheism.

Explanation: The concept of the Emperor as a living deity presented a fundamental conflict with Christianity, as it was irreconcilable with Christian monotheism.

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What was the significance of Italy losing its privileged status during the Dominate?

Answer: It signified a decentralization and administrative shift.

Explanation: The loss of Italy's privileged status during the Dominate signified a significant administrative shift and decentralization of the empire's governance.

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Which of the following best describes the transformation of the military during the Dominate, according to Mommsen?

Answer: It transformed into an effective, mobile force with more foreign recruits.

Explanation: According to Mommsen's analysis, the military during the Dominate transformed into an effective and mobile force, contrasting with the Principate's reliance on static frontier troops, and included increased foreign recruits.

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The concept of 'nomos empsychos' (living law) in Mommsen's theory relates to:

Answer: The emperor's power being embodied in his person.

Explanation: The concept of 'nomos empsychos,' meaning 'living law,' as discussed in relation to Mommsen's theory of the Dominate, pertains to the embodiment of the emperor's power and authority in his person.

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Which title, originally denoting slave owners, became prominent for the Emperor during the Dominate?

Answer: Dominus

Explanation: The title 'Dominus,' which originally signified slave owners, gained prominence for the Emperor during the Dominate period, gradually prevailing over earlier forms of address.

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The shift from shaking hands to genuflection during imperial ceremonies signifies:

Answer: A move towards oriental courtly practices.

Explanation: The transition from the practice of shaking hands or kissing the Emperor during the Principate to the ceremony of genuflection introduced by Diocletian signifies a move towards more elaborate oriental courtly practices.

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The division of the Empire into Greek and Latin halves is associated with which period?

Answer: The Dominate

Explanation: The division of the Roman Empire into distinct Greek and Latin halves is associated with the Dominate period, representing a shift from the Latin-Greek orientation of the Principate.

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Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a change or characteristic of the Dominate period according to Mommsen's analysis?

Answer: Reintroduction of the Republic.

Explanation: Mommsen's analysis, as presented, details changes such as an increased emphasis on the title Augustus, the division of the Empire, and the introduction of the ceremony of genuflection. The reintroduction of the Republic was not mentioned as a characteristic of the Dominate period.

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What opposition did Diocletian's new imperial practices face?

Answer: Opposition in Rome.

Explanation: Diocletian's introduction of new imperial practices, such as genuflection and the adoption of the title 'dominus,' encountered significant opposition in Rome.

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Scholarly Reception and Critique

The term 'Dominate' is currently widely accepted and frequently used by most classical historians.

Answer: False

Explanation: While historically significant, the term 'Dominate' is now considered near-obsolete by many classical historians. For example, the Oxford Classical Dictionary classifies it as such, indicating a shift in scholarly consensus regarding its utility for periodization.

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Historians influenced by Mommsen characterized the Dominate government as a bureaucratic absolute monarchy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historians who followed Theodor Mommsen's framework often characterized the Dominate government as the foundation of a Pan-European system, specifically a bureaucratic absolute monarchy.

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Jochen Bleicken strongly supported Mommsen's division of the Roman Imperial era into Principate and Dominate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to supporting Mommsen's division, Jochen Bleicken critically disputed this periodization in 1978, arguing that there was no fundamental constitutional change to justify separating the Principate from the Dominate.

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Bleicken argued that Mommsen's use of 'Dominate' was intended to make the later Roman Empire seem 'un-Roman' by comparison to the Persian court.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jochen Bleicken suggested that Theodor Mommsen's adoption of the term 'Dominate' may have served to characterize the later Roman Empire as 'un-Roman,' drawing parallels with the oriental Persian court.

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Jochen Bleicken believed Mommsen's periodization accurately reflected a fundamental constitutional change in the Roman Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jochen Bleicken argued that Mommsen's periodization did not accurately reflect a fundamental constitutional change, as he found no distinct constitutional shift to justify separating the Principate from the Dominate.

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What is the current scholarly consensus regarding the term 'Dominate' for historical periodization?

Answer: It is considered a near-obsolete term by many historians.

Explanation: The term 'Dominate' is now considered near-obsolete by many classical historians, indicating a shift in scholarly consensus regarding its utility for periodization.

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How did historians influenced by Mommsen contrast the Dominate government with the Republic and Principate?

Answer: As a bureaucratic absolute monarchy contrasting with laissez-faire.

Explanation: Historians influenced by Mommsen's work contrasted the Dominate government with the Republic and Principate by characterizing it as a bureaucratic absolute monarchy, a significant departure from the laissez-faire approach of earlier periods.

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According to Bleicken, what might have been Mommsen's underlying motive for using the term 'Dominate'?

Answer: To portray the later Empire as 'un-Roman' by comparing it to the Persian court.

Explanation: Jochen Bleicken suggested that Theodor Mommsen's utilization of the term 'Dominate' may have served to characterize the later Roman Empire as 'un-Roman,' drawing parallels with the oriental Persian court.

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What did Bleicken suggest about Mommsen's perspective on the Dominate in relation to 18th/19th-century views?

Answer: It was influenced by the socio-political climate of Mommsen's time.

Explanation: Jochen Bleicken contended that Theodor Mommsen's perspective on the Dominate was significantly influenced by the socio-political climate of the 18th and 19th centuries, an era marked by experiences with despots and a perceived contrast with earlier historical freedoms.

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