The Rise of the Papacy 347 QUESTIONS Section 54. Why is it essential to know about the history of the Church in order to understand the Middle Ages? Compare the Christian idea of the importance of life in this world and the next with the pagan views. Describe a basilica. Mention some govern- mental duties that were assumed by the Church. Give the reasons why the Church became such a great power in the Middle Ages. Section ss- Why was the Roman church the most important of all the Christian churches ? On what grounds did the bishop of Rome claim to be the head of the whole Church ? Did the Christians in the eastern portion of the Roman Empire accept the bishop of Rome as their head ? Why did the popes become influential in the governing not only of Rome but of Italy .? Tell what you can of Gregory the Great.
