The Life and Legacy of Emperor Constantine

By Kevin Salcedo

Constantine’s Early Life

• Born in approximately 272 as the son of a Roman army officer and his consort.

• He would come to be considered a future candidate for his father’s position of Caesar.

• Received a formal education at Diocletian’s court• Witnessed the Great Christian persecution. • Would be held in this court as hostage under

Galerius, who became Augusti along with his father• Constantine would also become an Augusti although

he was only acknowledged as a caesar.

Early Rule

• Constantine positioned his army on the Rhine and showed first signs of dealing with Christians leniently.

• He would become an official augusti through marriage, simultaneously quelling political unrest.

• He would continue to exercise his military power and gain acheivements.

Rebellion and War

• Constantine would quell the rebellion of Maximian and later defeat Maxentius in war, who had already shown signs of defection earlier.

Christian Relations

• Constantine's first link to Christianity was his use of the “Rho” sign on his soldiers shields which he attributed his victory to.

• His policy towards Christianity begins with the Edict of Milan.

• Offered privileges to Christianity• Controversy as to when he accepted

Christianity

Controversy

• Christianity accepted at young age, gradually over time, or at end of life?

• Christianity simply used as tool to unite Empire and quell social issues?

• He did not give Christianity enough visual representation as well as pledging full allegiance to it: Arch of Constantine, coinage, and venerable day of the sun?

Legacy

• Title of “the Great”• Military achievements• Unification of the Empire• Byzantine• Longest reign as Emperor

Questions?

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