1. what is goldstein’s theory on the importance of the way a people defines itself? (in other words, summarize her theory.)

2. apply this theory to explain the significance of the division of the roman empire after 395.

3. how did warfare between the byzantine and persian empires affect the way in which elites in both empires defined their respective states and societies from the fourth century to the eighth century?

4. how did the ways in which byzantine elites redefined their state and society impact jewish communities living in the byzantine empire?

5. how did the ways in which persian elites redefined their states and societies impact jewish communities living in the persian empire?