VITA CONSTANTINI - LIFE OF CONSTANTINE - facts or myths?

Constantine the Great: Ruler, Strategist, Reformer

Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I, is one of the most significant figures in the history of both the Roman Empire and Western culture as a whole. He was born around 272 AD in Naissus (modern-day Niš in Serbia) and died on May 22, 337 AD. His reign, which lasted from 306 to 337 AD, was marked by many groundbreaking events that had far-reaching consequences for the history of Europe and Christianity.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Constantine was the son of Constantius Chlorus, a Roman Caesar, and Helena, who would later be recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. In his youth, he was connected to the Roman army, which helped him gain military experience. After the death of his father, he fought for power in the complex political landscape of the Empire, which was divided among two Caesars and two Augusti. In 312 AD, after a victorious battle at the Milvian Bridge, where he defeated his rival Maxentius, he became the sole ruler of the western part of the Empire.

Reforms and Creation of a New Order

Constantine was not only a talented warrior but also a capable administrator. He implemented a series of reforms that strengthened central authority, reformed the tax and administrative systems. His goal was to restore unity and stability in an Empire experiencing internal crisis. In 324 AD, after defeating his last rival Licinius, he became the sole emperor of Rome and decided to move the capital to Byzantium, which in 330 AD he transformed into the new capital – Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

Christianity and the Edict of Milan

One of Constantine’s most significant legacies was his approach to religion. In 313 AD, by issuing the Edict of Milan, he legalized Christianity, which had a tremendous impact on the future of the faith. This edict ended the persecution of Christians and contributed to their dynamic growth within the Roman Empire. In the summer of 325 AD, Constantine convened bishops from across the Empire to Nicea (modern-day Iznik in Turkey). According to sources (from times much later than the event itself; the only eyewitness of the council who described the proceedings was Eusebius of Caesarea), this was to be the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church. Eusebius noted that the emperor wanted to unite Christians in the Roman Empire and resolve the growing conflicts regarding doctrinal faith, including determining the date of Easter. Other sources inform us that in the summer of 325, the emperor celebrated the twentieth anniversary of his reign and that this circumstance was the reason for convening the meeting in Nicea.

Constantine died of natural causes on May 22, 337, in the imperial villa at Ancyra near Nicomedia. A few days before his death, he was baptized by the Arian bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia—this account comes from the only source written by Eusebius of Caesarea. He also provided details regarding Constantine’s funeral—the ceremonies had a Christian character but displayed visible pagan influences typical of previous Roman emperors’ burials.

Legend and Cult

Constantine the Great was a controversial figure. His reign both brought peace and stability and also introduced many internal conflicts related to the diversity of religious and political beliefs within the Empire. His ruthlessness and cruelty, which manifested in the murders of family members, including his son Crispus and his wife Fausta, undoubtedly cast a shadow on his legacy. After his death, he was recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church, as equal to the apostles, and his cult developed in many regions of Europe.

Legacy

Constantine left behind an incredibly lasting legacy. His decision to move the capital to Constantinople became one of the key moments in history, shaping the political and cultural landscape of Europe for centuries to come. His contributions to the development of Christianity, as well as the political unification of the Roman Empire, have persisted in historical consciousness to this day.

Thus, Constantine the Great was not only an emperor but also a pivotal figure who influenced the shaping of culture, religion, and politics for subsequent centuries, leaving indelible marks on the history of mankind.

Veroli Foundation: Research on the Life and Legacy of Constantine the Great

Our mission is to understand how the brief yet transformative life of this emperor shaped not only one religion but also the entire Western civilization.

Our Goals

We are particularly fascinated by the First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, which may have been a crucial moment in the history of the Church. We investigate its significance, decisions, and their impact on the development of Christian doctrine as well as the unification of believers within the Roman Empire.

However, our interests extend far beyond that. We also analyze other significant events related to Constantine’s reign, including his administrative reforms and influence on the social and cultural life of the Empire.

Architectural and Artistic Research

We are especially interested in the buildings commissioned by Constantine and his mother Helena, such as the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter in Rome and the monumental Hippodrome in Constantinople. These architectural works not only reflect the emperor’s vision but also the lasting influence of Christianity on the art and culture of that era.

Additionally, we conduct research on representations of Constantine—from sculptures and mosaics to coins featuring his likeness. Each of these artifacts tells a story that sheds light on the emperor’s life and his role in shaping the world of his time.

Join Us!

We invite all history enthusiasts, researchers, and culture aficionados to collaborate with us. Together, let’s uncover the rich legacy of Constantine the Great and his indelible marks on the history of the Church and the entire civilization. Follow our research, events, and publications, and collaborate with us in discovering unknown aspects of the life of this fascinating emperor!