Ruler / statesman · Patristic
Constantine the Great
c. 272–337 · Christian empire
Venerated as a saint and “Equal to the Apostles” in the Byzantine calendar (21 May), including by Byzantine Catholics; never formally venerated in the Latin Church.
The first Christian emperor. After his vision before the Milvian Bridge (312) he granted toleration to the Church (Milan, 313), restored her property, built the great basilicas of Rome, Jerusalem and his new capital Constantinople, summoned the Council of Nicaea (325) and enforced its creed, legislated for Sunday rest and against infanticide and crucifixion, and was baptized on his deathbed.
Why he matters: With him the Church passed from the catacombs to the public square, beginning the Christian political order that lasted until the Enlightenment; every debate about Church and state, for and against “Constantinianism,” starts with him.
Where to be careful
He executed his son Crispus and wife Fausta, meddled in doctrinal disputes he did not understand, exiled Athanasius, and died in the hands of an Arian bishop; the East honors his apostolic work, not every act.
Reading
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Life of ConstantineEusebius of Caesarea · The court bishop's panegyric; the primary source, to be read critically.
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Constantine and EusebiusTimothy D. Barnes · The scholarly standard.
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Defending ConstantinePeter J. Leithart · A sympathetic reassessment of “Constantinianism.”
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each dispute the test covers.