Constantine the Great - 1359 Words

Constantine the Great Constantine the Great, first Christian Emperor, originator of Constantinople, creator of the Byzantine Empire, military conqueror, and honored saint, has been labeled by many the most instrumental emperor of the Roman Empire. Constantine played a crucial role in the development of Europe during the Middle Ages, and founded Christianity as the formal religion of the Roman Empire. His dynamic yet effective predominance laid the infrastructure of European development. From his humble beginnings, to his command of the Roman Empire, to his final days, Constantine’s impact on world history and Christianity has left behind an unforgettable legacy. He was described by Eusebius as â€Å"such an emperor as all history records†¦show more content†¦Diocletian did not entirely trust Constantius, and held Constantine as a hostage in his court to ensure first-rate performance from Constantius. Despite this Constantine remained a distinguished court member, f ighting for Diocletian, as well as for Galerius in Asia. He battled the barbarians of Danube in 296, fought the Persians in Syria and Mesopotamia in 297, 298, and 299. Constantine returned to Nicomedia in the spring of 303, to find the beginnings of Diocletian’s â€Å"Great Persecution†, beginning to take place. The Great Persecution brought about the demolition of the new church in Nicomedia, the imprisonment of priests, the deprivation of authoritative ranks from Christians, and the destruction of many churches and scriptures. On May 1, 305 Diocletian announced his resignation because of a crippling illness he developed during the previous winter. Galerius was chosen as his imperial successor. It did not take Constantine long to recognize the immediate danger in remaining in the east. Constantius made the request of Galerius to allow his son to leave the east to help him campaign in Britain. Galerius granted the request, and during the summer of 305 Constantine joine d his father in Gaul. Constantine campaigned at his father’s side for a year in Northern Britain, before his father became very ill. Over the course of his campaign, Constantius’s health quickly declined, and heShow MoreRelatedThe Legacy Of Constantine The Great1471 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Constantine the Great, also known as Saint Constantine, was the Roman Emperor from 306 to 337, right after Diocletian. As the first Roman emperor to call himself a Christian, his actions greatly affected both the history of the Christian Church and the history of the world. However, the question is, were his efforts about benefitting the church or about benefitting himself? It is said that because of his edicts and leadership, he was able to move the church as well as himself intoRead MoreConstantine the Great Constantine the Great, military victor, glorified saint, equal to the1900 Words   |  8 PagesConstantine the Great Constantine the Great, military victor, glorified saint, equal to the Apostles, first Christian Emperor, builder of Constantinople, and founder of the Byzantine Empire, has been called by many the most influential emperor of Late Antiquity. Constantine played a crucial role in the development of Europe during the Middle Ages, and established Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. His dynamic yet effective predominance laid the foundations of post classicalRead MoreThe Great Leaders Of Pericles And Constantine1516 Words   |  7 PagesHe stares in awe at the sign, then begins to think about it. This all happened a long time ago. Today, the two people mentioned are remembered as two great leaders that lived before, in the ancient world. Throughout history, they changed the lives of many, and affected many others during their rule. Pericles and Constantine were examples of great leaders in the ancient world. Under their rule, changes were made. Both led armies into battles against others. However, they both had a different styleRead MoreConstantine The Great s Life1874 Words   |  8 PagesConstantine The Great, he was born on February 27, circa 280, in Naissus, Moesia (now it is Serbia). His father, Flavius Valorous was an officer in the Roman army at that time. Constantine the Great’s mother, Helena, was from humble beginnings; it is unknown whether she was the wife or concubine of Constantius. That marriage was not really a good marriage, so Constantine’s father left Helena to marry the stepdaughter of Maximian, the Western Roman emperor. After sometime Constantine’s father wasRead MoreConstantine The Great And Flavius Valerius Constantinus1114 Words   |  5 PagesPART A Constantine, more formally known as Constantine the Great or Flavius Valerius Constantinus, was born on the 27th of February in possibly 280 CE. Constantine was a Roman, and subsequently Emperor - known to be Christian. Flavius Valerius Constantius, whom was an army officer, was his father, whilst his mother is named Helena - thought to possibly be a concubine of his father. His father is known for being raised to the title of Caesar, becoming known as Constantius Chlorus, granted 3 yearsRead MoreAlexander The Great Of The Classical Greek Culture Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesver seen before. Alexander the Great symbolized that same dichotomy in what he believed, how he dressed and spoke, and how he approached life. He had no idea that he would create a new culture. Alexander spoke Greek but did not act Greek in every way of his life. He did not live modestly like the classical Greek culture required. Instead of dressing simply and with austerity, Alexander wore elaborate Asian-styled clothing and he likely enjoyed Epicurean pleasures. Although leading military campaignsRead More The Rule of Constantine Essay1541 Words   |  7 PagesThe Rule of Constantine The emperor Constantine has been called the most important emperor of the late antiquity. The many great events of his reign laid foundations that would affect the future of Europe and Western Civilization for centuries to come. His recognition and support of Christianity was one of the most important moments in world history. Moving the government of the Roman Empire to Constantinople and founding â€Å"New Rome† was one of the most significant decisions ever made by a RomanRead MoreThe Rise Of The Century King Cyrus And Emperor Constantine1305 Words   |  6 Pagesin history King Cyrus and Emperor Constantine you will discover that these two historical leaders dramatically influenced the change of direction for Judaism and Christianity. There are some scholars who would argue that these two ruler’s conversions to god was not sincere and they were just political masterminds. Either way Cyrus and Constantine are two central figures in Judaism and Christianity, two of t he world’s major organized religions. Cyrus and Constantine took over many lands and built theirRead MoreConstantine : A Influential Leader1295 Words   |  6 PagesConstantine was a very influential leader throughout his life. He was able to accomplish many things, everything from making a major world religion possible, to running a successful empire. It all started when he was born in around 280 CE in Naissus, Moesia, to father Flavius Valerius and mother Helena. His father became Roman emperor in around 305 CE. He was elected to the position of emperor by Maximalla, who was the emperor of Western Rome at the time. While his father was alive, Constantine wasRead MoreThe Religious Conversions of King Clovis I and Emperor Constantine I738 Words   |  3 Pagessuch as the conversion of Constantine I, nor as ground-breaking as that of Clovis I. Constantine I was born in the year 280. During his reign as emperor of the Roman Empire, the state was falling apart. 1 He was the f irst Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He called the Council of Nicea in 325 to resolve conflicts arising between the Arian Christians and the Athansian Christians. 2 This resulted in the canonization of Athansian Christianity, to which Constantine I converted his empire. 3Clovis