List of Illustrations ix
Preface x
Abbreviations xii
1 Introduction 1
Official Lies and the 'Constantinian Question' 2
The Progress of Historical Research 6
Contemporary Perspectives on Constantine 8
Coins, Inscriptions and Monuments 16
2 The Soldier and the Stable-Girl 27
The Social Status of Helena 30
The Marriage of Constantine's Parents 33
Constantius' Second Wife 38
The Later Life of Helena 42
3 Constantine, the Ruins of Babylon and the Court of Pharaoh 46
The Diocletianic Tetrarchy (293-305) 46
The Appointment of New Emperors 49
Constantine in the East (293-305) 51
The Dynastic Coup of 305 56
4 The Road to Rome 61
Constantine's Proclamation and Recognition as Emperor 62
Politics and Warfare 306-310 66
The Vision of Constantine 74
The Invasion of Italy 80
Constantine in Rome and Christmas 312 83
Constantinian Churches in Rome 85
Appendix: The Status of Constantine 306-311 89
5 Brothers-in-Law 90
Constantine and Licinius in Milan 90
Was there an 'Edict of Milan'? 93
Towards War 97
From Cibalae (316) to Chrysopolis (324) 103
6 The Transformation of the East 107
The Foundation of Constantinople 111
An Imperial Sermon 113
The Council of Nicaea 120
A Christian Capital for a Christian Roman Empire 126
Pro-Christian Legislation 131
Constantine and Ecclesiastical Politics 140
East and West in the Fourth Century 142
7 Dynastic Politics after the Council of Nicaea 144
The Deaths of Crispus and Fausta 144
A Third Wife for Constantine? 150
The Organization of the Empire 153
Constantine's Dynastic Plans 163
An Astrologer's Praise of Constantine 168
Tables: Dynastic Alliances and Children of Emperors 285-337 170
Appendix: The Dynastic Marriages of 335 and 336 171
8 Epilogue 173
Appendix A: The Career of Lactantius 176
Appendix B: Galerius' Sarmatian Victories 179
Appendix C: The Panegyrici Latini and Constantine 181
Appendix D: Eusebius, On Easter (De Sollemnitate Paschali) 185
Appendix E: Nicagoras in Egypt 192
Appendix F: Praxagoras of Athens 195
Appendix G: An Anonymous Panegyric of Constantine 198
Notes 201
Bibliography 226
Index 254
