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Constantine the Great: the Re-organisation of the Empire and the Triumph of the Church
- Annotated with suggested further readings and in-links to current web content
In the following chapters, my object has been to tell the story of the Life and Times of Constantine the Great. Whether he deserves the epithet my readers will judge for themselves; certainly his place in the select list of the immortals is not among the higheSt. But whether he himself was ''great'' or not, under his auspices one of the most momentous changes in the history of the world was accomplished, and it is the first conversion of a Roman Emperor to Christianity, with all that such conversion entailed, which makes his period so important and so well worth studying.
I have tried to write with impartiality—a virtue which one admires the more after a close reading of original authorities who, practically without exception, were bitter and malevolent partisans. The truth, therefore, is not always easily recognized, nor has recognition been made the easier by the polemical writers of succeeding centuries who have dealt with that side of Constantine's career which belongs more particularly to ecclesiastical history. In narrating the course of the Arian Controversy and the proceedings of the Council of Nicaea I have been content to record facts—as I have seen them—and to explain the causes of quarrel rather than act as judge between the disputants. And though in this branch of my subject I have consulted all the original authorities who describe the growth of the controversy, I have not deemed it necessary to read, still less to add to, the endless strife of words to which the discussion of the theological and metaphysical issues involved has given rise. On this point I am greatly indebted to, and have made liberal use of, the admirable chapters in the late Canon Bright's The Age of the Fathers.
Chapters:
PREFACE
CHAPTER I - THE EMPIRE UNDER DIOCLETIAN
CHAPTER II - THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER III - THE ABDICATION OF DIOCLETIAN AND THE SUCCESSION OF CONSTANTINE
CHAPTER IV - CONSTANTINE AND HIS COLLEAGUES
CHAPTER V - THE INVASION OF ITALY
CHAPTER VI - THE VISION OF THE CROSS AND THE EDICT OF MILAN
CHAPTER VII - THE DOWNFALL OF LICINIUS
CHAPTER VIII - LAST DAYS OF PERSECUTION
CHAPTER IX- CONSTANTINE AND THE DONATISTS
CHAPTER X - THE ARIAN CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER XI - THE COUNCIL OF NICEA
CHAPTER XII - THE MURDERS OF CRISPUS AND FAUSTA
CHAPTER XIII - THE FOUNDATION OF CONSTANTINOPLE
CHAPTER XIV - ARIUS AND ATHANASIUS
CHAPTER XV - CONSTANTINE'S DEATH AND CHARACTER
In the following chapters, my object has been to tell the story of the Life and Times of Constantine the Great. Whether he deserves the epithet my readers will judge for themselves; certainly his place in the select list of the immortals is not among the higheSt. But whether he himself was ''great'' or not, under his auspices one of the most momentous changes in the history of the world was accomplished, and it is the first conversion of a Roman Emperor to Christianity, with all that such conversion entailed, which makes his period so important and so well worth studying.
I have tried to write with impartiality—a virtue which one admires the more after a close reading of original authorities who, practically without exception, were bitter and malevolent partisans. The truth, therefore, is not always easily recognized, nor has recognition been made the easier by the polemical writers of succeeding centuries who have dealt with that side of Constantine's career which belongs more particularly to ecclesiastical history. In narrating the course of the Arian Controversy and the proceedings of the Council of Nicaea I have been content to record facts—as I have seen them—and to explain the causes of quarrel rather than act as judge between the disputants. And though in this branch of my subject I have consulted all the original authorities who describe the growth of the controversy, I have not deemed it necessary to read, still less to add to, the endless strife of words to which the discussion of the theological and metaphysical issues involved has given rise. On this point I am greatly indebted to, and have made liberal use of, the admirable chapters in the late Canon Bright's The Age of the Fathers.
Chapters:
PREFACE
CHAPTER I - THE EMPIRE UNDER DIOCLETIAN
CHAPTER II - THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER III - THE ABDICATION OF DIOCLETIAN AND THE SUCCESSION OF CONSTANTINE
CHAPTER IV - CONSTANTINE AND HIS COLLEAGUES
CHAPTER V - THE INVASION OF ITALY
CHAPTER VI - THE VISION OF THE CROSS AND THE EDICT OF MILAN
CHAPTER VII - THE DOWNFALL OF LICINIUS
CHAPTER VIII - LAST DAYS OF PERSECUTION
CHAPTER IX- CONSTANTINE AND THE DONATISTS
CHAPTER X - THE ARIAN CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER XI - THE COUNCIL OF NICEA
CHAPTER XII - THE MURDERS OF CRISPUS AND FAUSTA
CHAPTER XIII - THE FOUNDATION OF CONSTANTINOPLE
CHAPTER XIV - ARIUS AND ATHANASIUS
CHAPTER XV - CONSTANTINE'S DEATH AND CHARACTER
368 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1905
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 3, 2018
This is not your standard biography of Constantine the Great. It is in fact the story of the reigns of four men of different characters and religious persuasions at the height of the religious persecutions and manias in the Roman world in the 4th Century.
For those with an interest into how why the world was stale and how Christianity was adopted by Constantine and became the "state" religion, then this is for you. It is an academic religious history that is wholly readable for both amateur and scholar alike. The reigns of the Roman Emperors at the height of the drama are put into context with the subject matter at hand - which those looking for a straight up biography of Constantine may fine a little dry.
What I found fascinating was that Firth also debunks some of the mythology surrounding Constantine, including the famous "donation", and we discover " ... a man easily swayed by a strong-minded woman ...." - his wife Fausta, his mother Helena, and half-sister Constantia. And here I was hooked! My fascination with historical women kicked into overdrive - I especially love this description of the women: ".... these great ladies move in shadowy outline across the stage; we can scarcely distinguish their features or form, but we think we can see their handiwork, most unmistakably in the appalling tragedies which we now have to narrate ..." (referring to the death of Crispus and Fausta c326AD). One wonders how Constantine ever managed to be called "the Great".
Christianity began its life as an heretical school of thought and belief. So just how, out of all this schism and strife, did Christianity manage to triumph. Firth gives us a hint with his statement that Christianity triumphed because " ... the world had grown stale ..."
For those with an interest into how why the world was stale and how Christianity was adopted by Constantine and became the "state" religion, then this is for you. It is an academic religious history that is wholly readable for both amateur and scholar alike. The reigns of the Roman Emperors at the height of the drama are put into context with the subject matter at hand - which those looking for a straight up biography of Constantine may fine a little dry.
What I found fascinating was that Firth also debunks some of the mythology surrounding Constantine, including the famous "donation", and we discover " ... a man easily swayed by a strong-minded woman ...." - his wife Fausta, his mother Helena, and half-sister Constantia. And here I was hooked! My fascination with historical women kicked into overdrive - I especially love this description of the women: ".... these great ladies move in shadowy outline across the stage; we can scarcely distinguish their features or form, but we think we can see their handiwork, most unmistakably in the appalling tragedies which we now have to narrate ..." (referring to the death of Crispus and Fausta c326AD). One wonders how Constantine ever managed to be called "the Great".
Christianity began its life as an heretical school of thought and belief. So just how, out of all this schism and strife, did Christianity manage to triumph. Firth gives us a hint with his statement that Christianity triumphed because " ... the world had grown stale ..."
June 8, 2020
A great read, and a very comprehensive assessment of one of the later Roman emperors. I’ve lost track of the number of times I had to use a dictionary to check words in this book, on account of its age!
This book by Firth succeeds in balancing the religious and secular aspects of Constantine’s reign, although personally I would have preferred more detail on the political/military landscape left behind by Constantine after his death, rather than an overbearing focus on his religious policy.
Overall, an old but nonetheless brilliant study.
This book by Firth succeeds in balancing the religious and secular aspects of Constantine’s reign, although personally I would have preferred more detail on the political/military landscape left behind by Constantine after his death, rather than an overbearing focus on his religious policy.
Overall, an old but nonetheless brilliant study.
September 24, 2019
Beautiful Book
This book gave a great balance between theology and history. In other words, not too much of one or the other. However, I will admit there were large paragraphs full of my new details that show the story was well researched.
I’m gonna keep this book as a reference book in the future but I’m very glad that I read it.
This book gave a great balance between theology and history. In other words, not too much of one or the other. However, I will admit there were large paragraphs full of my new details that show the story was well researched.
I’m gonna keep this book as a reference book in the future but I’m very glad that I read it.
December 15, 2017
A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book Constantine The Great by John B. Firth.
I have read other books about Constantine, including the Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews -- A History by James Caroll. This current book by Firth one was a challenge because the author wanted the reader to access whether the title of "Great" was warranted. It was not a difficult book to read and had great historical value. Having read Augustus Caesar (Not yet reviewed) by John Firth, I had a pretty good glimpse of the earlier days of the Roman Empire and how Augustus consolidated the ruling by several "Caesars" into one strong head of state. About 300 years later, the control of the Roman Empire was again spread among several leaders (Caesars/Augustus'), Constantine being one of five.
Constantine, like Augustus, did battle with the others through actual combat or through intrigue and became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire again. His fame to this solitary ruler of Rome came as a result of his final battle for control of Rome in 312 AD thus ending the rule of Rome by multiple rulers referred to as the Tetrarchy.
Just before the battle, Constantine received a vision of the Cross of Jesus and the message was "by this Cross, you will conquer".
Constantine ruled that Christianity will henceforth be the sole religion, thus ending centuries of pagan worship of multiple Gods. Constantine was a respected ruler for many ears until his death at 65 years of age. He He was an excellent ruler and did move the capitol of the Roman Empire to Constantinople (Turkey). He was responsible for the building of many Catholic Cathedrals through out the Empire but was less than attentive to fiscal responsibilities and it created crisis for the empire and fertile ground for invasions of the barbarians. During his reign the importance of the Catholic Church grew. He was also responsible for the formation of the Council of Nicaea, which addressed several notable heretical movements that threatened the Catholic Church and forced it to articulate a "Creed" of belief for the Church.
The author, John B. Firth raised the question of "Great", I believe because of his laissez faire attitude about the rigors of financial responsibilities and his testimony of how the Roman Empire would be ruled. He had named five of his heirs to be "Caesars" thus re perpetuating the fragmented rule of the Roman Empire and giving the final impetus to the onslaught of the barbarians invasion and an end to the Empire, at least in the West.
I thought this book was somewhat disjointed in parts but still of great historical value, I gave this book four star out of five and would unhesitatingly recommended to those who love history.
I have read other books about Constantine, including the Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews -- A History by James Caroll. This current book by Firth one was a challenge because the author wanted the reader to access whether the title of "Great" was warranted. It was not a difficult book to read and had great historical value. Having read Augustus Caesar (Not yet reviewed) by John Firth, I had a pretty good glimpse of the earlier days of the Roman Empire and how Augustus consolidated the ruling by several "Caesars" into one strong head of state. About 300 years later, the control of the Roman Empire was again spread among several leaders (Caesars/Augustus'), Constantine being one of five.
Constantine, like Augustus, did battle with the others through actual combat or through intrigue and became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire again. His fame to this solitary ruler of Rome came as a result of his final battle for control of Rome in 312 AD thus ending the rule of Rome by multiple rulers referred to as the Tetrarchy.
Just before the battle, Constantine received a vision of the Cross of Jesus and the message was "by this Cross, you will conquer".
Constantine ruled that Christianity will henceforth be the sole religion, thus ending centuries of pagan worship of multiple Gods. Constantine was a respected ruler for many ears until his death at 65 years of age. He He was an excellent ruler and did move the capitol of the Roman Empire to Constantinople (Turkey). He was responsible for the building of many Catholic Cathedrals through out the Empire but was less than attentive to fiscal responsibilities and it created crisis for the empire and fertile ground for invasions of the barbarians. During his reign the importance of the Catholic Church grew. He was also responsible for the formation of the Council of Nicaea, which addressed several notable heretical movements that threatened the Catholic Church and forced it to articulate a "Creed" of belief for the Church.
The author, John B. Firth raised the question of "Great", I believe because of his laissez faire attitude about the rigors of financial responsibilities and his testimony of how the Roman Empire would be ruled. He had named five of his heirs to be "Caesars" thus re perpetuating the fragmented rule of the Roman Empire and giving the final impetus to the onslaught of the barbarians invasion and an end to the Empire, at least in the West.
I thought this book was somewhat disjointed in parts but still of great historical value, I gave this book four star out of five and would unhesitatingly recommended to those who love history.
September 8, 2023
Só não dou nota máxima porque a tradução parece não ter sido revisada. Porém, o conteúdo e a forma como o Professor John Benjamin Firth escreveu este livro, nos faz querer ler mais. É gostoso ler uma história analisada de forma imparcial, generosa e honesta. Eu estou à procura de entender esse período da história da humanidade e da Igreja, e encontrei aqui um conteúdo muito rico. Abriu portas para explorar muito mais, com uma base sólida.
September 12, 2019
El relato es muy bueno, pues aparte de que nos ubica en todo momento en tiempo y lugar, es crítico, alejándose de las teorías simples que pueden relatar la conversión de Constatino al cristianismo como un fenómeno esotérico, para presentarnos teorías aceptables de decisiones prácticas del emperador. Permite contestar la pregunta que sea hace al inicio, ¿Merece Constantino el adjetivo de "El Grande"? Creo que no y esto lo concluyo dado el completo retrato del Emperador como persona, con sus defectos y debilidades. Si creo que el autor se excede en hacer transcripciones innecesariamente largas de textos antiguos y me hubiera gustado que explorara un poco más la faceta psicológica de Constantino, pese a lo cual el libro es muy bueno.
May 27, 2018
Very brief thoughts
This is more a history of the early church with references to Constantine’s life interspersed. It is an easy read and well researched. I would recommend it more to someone interested in church history tan Roman history. Of course, both histories were intertwined in this era.
This is more a history of the early church with references to Constantine’s life interspersed. It is an easy read and well researched. I would recommend it more to someone interested in church history tan Roman history. Of course, both histories were intertwined in this era.
January 19, 2020
Constantine
A good overview of the first Christian emperor and his times. The writing style is definitely late 18th century but not at all a distraction. It is possible newly discovered material will prove this author outdated in some areas but on whole, the information and perspective gained was well worth the read.
A good overview of the first Christian emperor and his times. The writing style is definitely late 18th century but not at all a distraction. It is possible newly discovered material will prove this author outdated in some areas but on whole, the information and perspective gained was well worth the read.
March 12, 2026
Be-warned that this title is 1/3 of pure ecclesiastical history of the Donatist schism, Arrian heresy, and Council of Nicaea
September 4, 2017
A bit of a trudge to get through, but some interesting info
To me, four things made this book fall short of a 5-star review. First is the archaic and overly flowery language. I suppose it is unfair to evaluate a book based on language that may have been appropriate when it was written, but I found myself having to put it down many times to give my brain a break. I think my vocabulary is pretty extensive, but I had to look up a lot of (unnecessarily) obscure words. The second thing that made this a frustrating read at times was the religious bias of the reader. The last chapter, for example, has nothing to do with Constantine, but is rather an expression of the author's view of Christianity during that era. Thirdly, I found it difficult at times to follow the flow of the chronology, as the author organised several chapters around key events, often overlapping and doubling back on his narrative. Lastly, I found it challenging to follow all the trails of evidence the author was citing. He frequently spent a good deal of time talking about accounts written by certain authors, whom he later dismissed as unreliable. Despite these drawbacks, I found the sections on the Council of Nicea and the Arian controversy/heresy to be particularly interesting, although I often found myself confused by the author's meandering style. I was surprised he spent so much time talking about the extremism of early Catholicism (and I sensed a critical, rather than objective, attitude towards it), but he spent so little time on Constantine's mother Helena, who is such a major figure in Catholic haliography. Regardless, the author has obviously done a lot of research on the subject, and I found myself absorbed in the person who was Constantine. It is a bit odd there are no references or footnotes at all anywhere in the book. (Please pardon any typos; I am writing this on my phone!).
To me, four things made this book fall short of a 5-star review. First is the archaic and overly flowery language. I suppose it is unfair to evaluate a book based on language that may have been appropriate when it was written, but I found myself having to put it down many times to give my brain a break. I think my vocabulary is pretty extensive, but I had to look up a lot of (unnecessarily) obscure words. The second thing that made this a frustrating read at times was the religious bias of the reader. The last chapter, for example, has nothing to do with Constantine, but is rather an expression of the author's view of Christianity during that era. Thirdly, I found it difficult at times to follow the flow of the chronology, as the author organised several chapters around key events, often overlapping and doubling back on his narrative. Lastly, I found it challenging to follow all the trails of evidence the author was citing. He frequently spent a good deal of time talking about accounts written by certain authors, whom he later dismissed as unreliable. Despite these drawbacks, I found the sections on the Council of Nicea and the Arian controversy/heresy to be particularly interesting, although I often found myself confused by the author's meandering style. I was surprised he spent so much time talking about the extremism of early Catholicism (and I sensed a critical, rather than objective, attitude towards it), but he spent so little time on Constantine's mother Helena, who is such a major figure in Catholic haliography. Regardless, the author has obviously done a lot of research on the subject, and I found myself absorbed in the person who was Constantine. It is a bit odd there are no references or footnotes at all anywhere in the book. (Please pardon any typos; I am writing this on my phone!).
January 21, 2018
An interesting and fascinating book about one of the most important emperor of the Roman empire, the one who changed the empire structure. The book was very good to describe the changes and the complexities of the Roman politics.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press
Recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press
July 3, 2018
A well written and lengthy breakdown of Constantines life, going into particular detail around the religious schisms that occured during his reign. Personally I would've liked to hear a bit more around the battles he fought during the civil wars.
May 23, 2018
It took an awful long time to get started - far too much padding and scene setting for a book of this length -and then the writer seemed to forget who he was supposed to be writing about.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews