Constantine the Great

NAME Constantine the Great

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I or Saint Constantine, is celebrated as the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. His rule marked the rise of Christianity as a dominant faith within the Roman Empire, and he is credited with establishing Constantinople as a new capital and advancing religious tolerance with the Edict of Milan.

BIRTH Constantine was born on February 27, 272 AD in Naissus, in the Roman province of Moesia (modern-day Niš, Serbia).

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the son of Flavius Valerius Constantius, a Roman army officer, who became Caesar, the deputy emperor in the West in 293 AD. His mother, Helena, who later became Saint Helena, was a Christian and is traditionally credited with discovering the True Cross in Jerusalem.

CHILDHOOD Constantine likely spent his early childhood in his birthplace, Naissus6. During this time, he would have been exposed to both his father's military career and his mother's influence. Helena, who later became a saint, is traditionally credited with introducing Constantine to Christianity

EDUCATION Constantine's education was multifaceted, combining formal studies with practical experience. He received a typical Roman education, including Latin literature, Greek language and literature, philosophy, and rhetoric. Given his father's position, he also received military training from an early age. As a youth, he was sent to the court of Emperor Diocletian in Nicomedia, where he gained exposure to imperial administration, interacted with pagan and Christian intellectuals, and observed political maneuvering.

Despite his education, Constantine was more comfortable with Latin than Greek. He later composed speeches in Latin and had them translated into Greek for delivery. During his time at Diocletian's court, he was exposed to both pagan and Christian influences, potentially attending lectures by the Christian scholar Lactantius. However, his full conversion to Christianity occurred later in life.

CAREER RECORD Rising through military ranks, Constantine served as a military tribune in the East under emperors Diocletian and Galerius. 

July 25, 306 Constantine's career as a ruler begins when he is proclaimed Augustus by his troops in York (Eboracum) following his father's death. However, Galerius only recognizes him as Caesar.

November 11, 308 AD At the Council of Carnuntum, Constantine is officially demoted to Caesar, though he continues to style himself as Augustus.

October 28, 312 AD Constantine defeats Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, becoming the sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire.

February 313 AD Constantine and Licinius issue the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians.

314 AD: First civil war against Licinius, resulting in Constantine gaining control over the Balkans.

September 18 324 AD Constantine defeats Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis, becoming the sole emperor of the entire Roman Empire.

APPEARANCE Constantine was described as a tall and imposing figure with large, deeply set eyes that dominated his face. Unlike many previous emperors who wore beards, he preferred a clean-shaven look. His face was smooth with minimal creases, carved in simple planes. His hair was styled in a bowl cut, reminiscent of Emperor Trajan's hairstyle.

Head of a bronze colossus of Constantine by Wilfredor

FASHION As a Roman Emperor, Constantine followed the fashion trends of his time. This would have included wearing togas, tunics, and military attire.

In official depictions, Constantine was often shown wearing: A gold embellished crown adorned with pearls and emeralds, golden imperial robes, golden leather shoes and an oak-leaf crown, signifying his imperial status

As emperor, Constantine popularized luxurious attire among the clergy, presenting fine vestments to Christian bishops that rivaled pagan high priests' attire.

CHARACTER Constantine displayed a complex personality, at times ruthless, as evidenced by the execution of his eldest son Crispus and his wife Fausta under suspicious circumstances. He was also deeply religious, regularly engaging with bishops and showing a marked piety in later life.

Constantine was a skilled politician and a shrewd diplomat. 

Historical accounts suggest Constantine was an emotional person, prone to rage attacks but also easy to calm down.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Accounts of Constantine’s sense of humor are sparse, but his charisma and tact in dealings suggest he could be personable and engaging when needed.

RELATIONSHIPS Constantine married Fausta in 307 AD in Treverius (modern-day Trier, Germany). Fausta was about 17 or 18 years old at the time, while Constantine was about 15 years older. This was a political marriage that sealed an alliance between Constantine and Fausta's father, Emperor Maximian.

Initially, the marriage seems to have been successful. Constantine gradually came to appreciate Fausta and fell in love with her. They had a prolific marriage, producing five known children: three sons, Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans, who would succeed him,and two daughters, Constantina and Helen.

There are indications that Constantine valued Fausta. In 324 AD, he awarded her the highly honorary title of Augusta and honored her by issuing coins in her name with the same title.

Despite the seemingly good start, the marriage ended tragically. In 326 AD, Constantine ordered the execution of his eldest son Crispus, followed shortly after by the execution of Fausta. The reasons for these executions remain a subject of historical debate.

Fausta, as Salus, holding her two sons, Constantine II and Constantius II by Saperaud Wikipedia 

MONEY AND FAME As the Roman Emperor, Constantine had immense wealth and power. He used his resources to fund public works projects, support the Church, and enhance his own image.

Constantine introduced a new gold coin, the solidus, which stabilized the economy and became a standard currency across Europe and the Byzantine Empire for centuries.

FOOD AND DRINK As Emperor, Constantine's meals would have been prepared by professional cooks and likely included exotic ingredients and elaborate dishes to showcase his wealth and status.

MUSIC AND ARTS Constantine promoted arts and architecture, famously constructing Constantinople, which became a cultural hub adorned with classical Greek sculptures and Christian art.

LITERATURE Constantine was interested in religious literature, particularly the Bible. He also supported the development of Christian theology and philosophy.

Though he was not a writer himself, Constantine valued religious discourse and hosted discussions with bishops. In his later years, he preached sermons in his palace, symbolizing his embrace of Christian teachings.

Constantine features heavily in historical accounts and Christian writings, often portrayed as a divine instrument for the faith. Eusebius of Caesarea’s Life of Constantine remains a key primary source, depicting him as a near-saintly figure chosen by God to lead Rome to Christianity. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, he appears in Paradiso as a ruler who changed the course of religious history.

NATURE Constantine’s foundation of Constantinople emphasized natural beauty, as the city’s location offered strategic views and lush surroundings along the Bosporus.

PETS As a Roman Emperor, Constantine would have had access to various animals, potentially including exotic ones, but these would likely have been for entertainment, hunting, or symbolic purposes rather than personal pets in the modern sense

HOBBIES AND SPORTS  Constantine was known for his interest in military strategy and likely trained regularly in martial skills. He also likely enjoyed traditional Roman pastimes such as hunting, horse racing, and chariot racing.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Constantine supported the use of solar dating for the Christian Sabbath and indirectly influenced the early Church’s study of astronomical cycles.

REIGN Constantine started his career under some pretty tough bosses, Diocletian and Galerius, fighting Persians and whatnot. But it was after his father died in 306 that things really got interesting.

The Council of Carnuntum, held in 308 AD, was a pivotal meeting in the history of the Tetrarchy, the Roman Empire’s system of shared rule, designed by Emperor Diocletian to prevent civil war and stabilize succession. The primary issues were rival claims to power in the West, particularly tensions between Constantine, who controlled Gaul and Britain, and Maxentius, who held Rome and Italy.

Convened by Emperor Galerius, the conference aimed to address the instability within the Roman Empire. At this gathering, Constantine was demoted from the rank of Augustus (senior emperor) to Caesar (junior emperor) a lower title, while Licinius, a trusted ally of Galerius (then the senior Augustus in the East), was appointed Augustus of the West. This demotion was a significant setback, as it stripped him of much of his authority and influence.  However, Constantine was not one to accept defeat easily. Despite the official demotion, he continued to style himself as Augustus, asserting his claim to the imperial title.

Constantine fought a bunch of civil wars and emerged victorious, becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Once in charge, he was a bit of a reformer. He restructured the government, introduced a new gold coin, and reorganized the army. He even went on successful campaigns against the Franks, the Alemanni, and the Goths.

Now, here’s where things get really fascinating. Constantine was a bit of a religious chameleon. He started as a pagan, then became a Christian, and even dabbled in Arianism before settling on a more orthodox form of Christianity. He issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity, and convened the First Council of Nicaea to define Christian doctrine. He even built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

But what really cemented his legacy was his move of the capital from Rome to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. This city would go on to be the heart of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.

Constantine was a complex figure, a man of both action and faith. He shaped the course of Roman history and left an enduring mark on the world. So next time you think about the Roman Empire, remember Constantine the Great, the man who made Christianity cool, moved the capital, and basically changed the game.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY A complex spiritual journey led him from paganism to a Christian conversion, partly due to his vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. 

Constantine's journey to Christianity wasn't a sudden conversion but a gradual evolution. In his early years as emperor, his religious beliefs were a bit of a mixed bag. He was drawn to the idea of a single, supreme deity, and he even promoted Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun, as a symbol that could appeal to both pagans and Christians.

After his father's death in 306, found himself locked in a power struggle with Maxentius for control of the Western Roman Empire. Determined to settle the matter by force, Constantine prepared for the decisive Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312.

On the eve of the battle, as he crossed the Alps, Constantine experienced a divine vision. A luminous cross appeared in the sky, accompanied by the words "In this sign, you shall conquer." Interpreting this as a message from the Christian God, Constantine ordered his soldiers to paint the sign of the cross on their shields and standards.

The ensuing battle was a resounding victory for Constantine. Shortly afterwards, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which ended the persecution of Christians and granted religious tolerance throughout the empire.

After the vision, Constantine began incorporating Christian symbols like the Chi-Rho into imperial imagery, including on the shields of his soldiers and on coinage.

As time went on, Constantine became increasingly aligned with Christian orthodoxy. He convened the Council of Nicaea on May 20, 325 AD, which helped to define the core beliefs of Christianity. After this point, he stopped promoting Sol Invictus and embraced a more traditional Christian perspective.

Constantine was baptized by Eusebius of Nicomedia, an Arian bishop, in 337 near Nicomedia He had put off baptism until he fell gravely ill in the spring of 337. Constantine initially wished to be baptized in the River Jordan, but as his condition deteriorated, he tried to return to Constantinople and was baptized on the journey. He received baptism, "putting off the imperial purple for the white robes of a neophyte," and died shortly after .

The delay in baptism was not uncommon for the time. Some historians suggest Constantine waited until the end of his life to be baptized so he could have all his sins forgiven at once, especially given the violent acts he had committed as emperor.

The Baptism of Constantine, as imagined by students of Raphael

Ultimately, Constantine believed that the Christian God had granted him victory in battle and favored his rule. While he increased tolerance for Christianity, he also placed limits on traditional Roman polytheism. His complex religious journey and political maneuvering shaped the course of the Roman Empire and the future of Christianity.

In 326 AD, Constantine's mother, Helena, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Her mission was to uncover the sacred relics associated with Jesus Christ. On September 14th of that year, a significant discovery was made: the True Cross, believed to be the actual cross upon which Jesus was crucified. This sacred relic was unearthed in Jerusalem.

Helena brought fragments of the True Cross, along with other holy relics, back to Rome. These precious artifacts were housed in a private chapel within her palace, where they remain to this day, a testament to her pilgrimage and a revered relic for generations of believers.

POLITICS Despite his support for Christianity, Constantine was a conservative leader who aimed to preserve the Roman Empire's traditions. His laws reflected Christian values but also maintained Roman legal principles.

Constantine's religious policies were often driven by political considerations. He saw religion as a tool to unite the empire and maintain stability. He balanced Christian and non-Christian officials in his government, showing a pragmatic approach.

Constantine shifted the empire’s power center eastward by founding Constantinople and was instrumental in endorsing Christianity as the empire’s primary religion.

SCANDAL The suspicious deaths of Constantine’s son, Crispus, and wife, Fausta, marked a significant scandal. Fausta was executed by suffocation after Crispus was put to death, both under allegations of conspiracy.

MILITARY RECORD Constantine, a skilled military commander, engaged in numerous campaigns throughout his reign. He began his career assisting his father in Britain and later defended Gaul from Frankish invaders. He also led successful raids and campaigns against the Bructeri, Franks, and other tribes along the Rhine.

The most significant campaigns of his reign were the civil wars against Maxentius and Licinius. Constantine's decisive victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 marked a turning point in his career and the history of the Roman Empire. He later defeated Licinius in 314 and 316, ultimately becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire in 324.

In addition to his civil wars, Constantine conducted successful campaigns against various tribes on the Roman frontiers, including the Franks, Alemanni, Goths, and Sarmatians. He reorganized the Roman army to improve its effectiveness, creating mobile units for offensive operations and frontier garrison troops for defense.

At the time of his death in 337, Constantine was preparing for a campaign against the Persians. His military prowess and strategic acumen were instrumental in maintaining the stability and security of the Roman Empire.

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge (1520–24) by Giulio Romano

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Constantine maintained his strength and military fitness, although his later years were marked by a serious illness that eventually claimed his life.

HOMES Constantine, during his reign, established various centers of power throughout the Roman Empire. Initially, he ruled from Trier in Gaul, a former Tetrarchic capital. However, he was a man of movement, setting up courts in cities such as Arles, Milan, Ticinum, Sirmium, and Serdica.

Rome, the traditional heart of the Empire, remained an important city for Constantine. He invested heavily in the city, constructing numerous monuments, including his iconic Arch and the churches of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. He even celebrated his twenty-year jubilee there.

In 324 AD, a pivotal moment arrived. Constantine consecrated Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople, and designating it as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The official dedication took place on May 11, 330 AD. He constructed a magnificent new imperial palace, solidifying Constantinople's status as the imperial center. The grand complex symbolized his legacy and devotion to the Christian faith.

TRAVEL Constantine was a frequent traveler, crisscrossing the Roman Empire throughout his reign. He made his presence felt in major cities like Trier, Rome, Milan, Sirmium, and Constantinople. His journeys weren't just for pleasure; they were often tied to military campaigns and administrative duties.

He led expeditions against the Franks, Maxentius, Licinius, and various frontier tribes. Additionally, he undertook extensive administrative tours to oversee governance, attend councils, and implement reforms.

While specific details about his travel methods are scarce, we can make educated guesses based on Roman practices. He likely relied on the vast network of Roman roads, often traveling by horseback or in horse-drawn carriages. For longer sea journeys, ships were the mode of transport. The imperial post system, cursus publicus, would have facilitated rapid communication and travel across the empire.

During his travels, Constantine would have stayed in imperial palaces, military camps, or possibly private estates of wealthy supporters. He was always accompanied by a significant entourage, including personal guards, administrative staff, servants, and sometimes even family members.

Constantine’s reign was marked by travel across the empire, notably to Rome, Constantinople, Nicomedia, and the Holy Land, where his mother journeyed to retrieve Christian relics.

DEATH Constantine fell ill in 337 and sought to be baptized in the River Jordan. He received baptism shortly before his death in Achyron on May 22, 337. He was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Constantine's media portrayals highlight his role as a transformative figure bridging old and new religious ideologies, with many of his life’s iconic moments—such as his vision of the cross, the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and his role in the Council of Nicaea—serving as focal points for storytelling across multiple formats. They include:

1. Art: Medieval and Renaissance artworks frequently depict Constantine’s pivotal moments, especially his vision of the cross at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Frescoes by artists like Raphael in the Rooms of Constantine in the Vatican Palace celebrate these themes, illustrating him with the cross and in moments of divine favor.

2. Film and Television: Constantine the Great has been a prominent figure on film and television, symbolizing the transition from paganism to Christianity in the Roman Empire. They include.

Constantine and the Cross (1961), an Italian historical film, portrays him as a heroic and devout Christian emperor, focusing on his battle with Maxentius and conversion.

The History Channel's Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire (2008) dramatizes Constantine’s reign and his role in shaping Christianity.

Constantine also appears as a character in A.D. The Bible Continues (2015), a miniseries exploring early Christianity's growth after the crucifixion, though more indirectly connected to Constantine.

3. Video Games: Constantine appears in various strategy games, such as Total War: Rome II and Civilization VI, often symbolizing leadership and military prowess, where players can assume his role or interact with his character to expand and Christianize their empires.

ACHIEVEMENTS  Constantine’s legacy includes:

Legalization of Christianity: His Edict of Milan marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity.

Foundation of Constantinople: He established a new capital for the Roman Empire, which would last for centuries.

Military Victories: He secured numerous military victories that solidified his power and influence.

Patronage of the Arts: He supported the development of Christian art and architecture.