Member-only story

Constantine the Great: A Short Introduction

Ernest Hemingway

·11.4k Followers· Follow

Published in A Short Introduction To Constantine The Great

5 min read · 2 weeks before

236 View Claps

39 Respond

Save

Listen

Constantine the Great, born Flavius Valerius Constantinus (c. 272-337 CE),was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. His reign marked a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire and the development of Christianity. This short provides an overview of his life, reign, and legacy.

A Short Introduction to Constantine the Great

by John Lord

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	721 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	27 pages

Early Life and Rise to Power

Constantine was born in Naissus, Moesia Superior (present-day Niš, Serbia) to Constantius Chlorus, a Roman general, and Helena, a Christian woman. He began his military career under his father and became a skilled commander. After his father's death in 306 CE, Constantine declared himself emperor and engaged in a series of civil wars to secure his power.

Conversion to Christianity

In 312 CE, on the eve of the Battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky and the words "In hoc signo vinces" ("In this sign, you will conquer"). This vision is said to have converted him to Christianity. After his victory at Milvian Bridge, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted toleration to all religions within the empire, including Christianity.

Reign and Reforms

As emperor, Constantine made significant contributions to the Roman Empire. He ended the Diocletian persecution of Christians, reformed the administrative and military systems, and rebuilt the city of Byzantium (renamed Constantinople) as the new capital of the empire.

Military Campaigns

Constantine was a skilled military leader who waged successful campaigns against the Franks, the Goths, and the Sarmatians. He defeated the Frankish king, Chrocus, in 306 CE and the Gothic king, Rausimod, in 326 CE. He also strengthened the Roman frontiers along the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Administrative Reforms

Constantine introduced several administrative reforms to strengthen the empire. He divided the empire into four prefectures, each governed by a prefect. He also created a new tax system and reformed the coinage.

Building Projects

Constantine was an ambitious builder who commissioned numerous public works projects. He built a new palace in Trier (Germany) and a vast basilica in Rome known as Constantine's Basilica. He also constructed the Arch of Constantine to commemorate his victory at Milvian Bridge.

Legacy

Constantine the Great had a profound impact on the history of the Roman Empire and Christianity. His conversion to Christianity marked the beginning of a new era in which the religion gained official recognition and support within the empire.

Christianity and the Roman Empire

The Edict of Milan granted toleration to all religions, but it had a particularly significant impact on Christianity. It paved the way for the growth and spread of the religion throughout the empire. Constantine also played a key role in the development of Christian doctrine by convening the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which established the Nicene Creed.

Byzantium as the New Capital

Constantine's decision to rebuild and relocate the capital of the empire to Byzantium had a lasting impact on the development of the Eastern Roman Empire. The new capital, renamed Constantinople, became a flourishing center of commerce and culture.

Constantinian Shift

The term "Constantinian Shift" refers to the gradual adoption of Christianity by the Roman state during Constantine's reign. This shift marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity and its relationship with the Roman Empire.

Constantine the Great was a complex and influential figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Roman and Christian history. His conversion to Christianity, military campaigns, and administrative reforms left a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and debated today.

A Short Introduction to Constantine the Great

by John Lord

5 out of 5