Conflict with Arius and Arianism as well as successive Roman emperors shaped Athanasius's career. In 325, at the age of 27, Athanasius began his leading role against the Arians as his bishop's assistant during the First Council of Nicaea. Roman emperor Constantine the Great had convened the council in May–August 325 to address the Arian position that the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, is of a distinct substance from the Father. Three years after that council, Athanasius succeeded his mentor as archbishop of Alexandria. In addition to the conflict with the Arians (including powerful and influential Arian churchmen led by Eusebius of Nicomedia), he struggled against the Emperors Constantine, Constantius II, Julian the Apostate and Valens. He was known as "Athanasius Contra Mundum" (Latin for Athanasius Against the World). COUNT 9
QSN1 Athanasius began his leading role at what age? ANS1 27 QSN2 In what year was the First Council of Nicaea? ANS2 325 QSN3 Athanasius was also known as what? ANS3 Athanasius Contra Mundum QSN4 How many years after the First Council of Nicaea did Athanasius become archbishop? ANS4 Three years QSN5 Who is one emporer Athanasius struggled against? ANS5 Constantine QSN6 What conflict shaped his career? ANS6 Conflict with Arius and Arianism QSN7 Why was the First Council of Nicaea convened? ANS7 Jesus of Nazareth, is of a distinct substance from the Father QSN8 Because of his conflicts with the emperors, how was he known? ANS8 Athanasius Against the World QSN9 Whose position was it that Jesus was the Son of God? ANS9 the Arian position