Constantine the Great's era

Author: Jacob Burckhardt (Switzerland)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Constantine has always been regarded as one of the most important emperors of the Late Antiquity. His strong and resolute personality laid the foundation for the post-classical civilization of Europe; his reign was marked by turbulent times, full of drama. His victory at the Milvian Bridge was one of the most pivotal moments in world history. However, Constantine was also a controversial figure, and these controversies began as early as antiquity. The heretic Julian accused him of being greedy and extravagant. The pagan historian Sozomen believed (the Western) Empire's decline was partly his fault. On the other hand, the Christian Lactantius and Eusebius considered him a man chosen by God to bless humanity. This positive view dominated the Middle Ages. In reality, Constantine was not a devout Christian but a man consumed by ambition and the desire for power; worse still, he was a "man who would sacrifice others for his own interests" and a habitual breaker of oaths. Moreover, in matters of religion, he was not only inconsistent but also "deliberately irrational."