This book explores the reign of Constantine the Great (306337) and, more generally, the political history of the third century, thus putting Constantine's career and many of his decisions in context. It traces events under the first Tetrarchy and then explores Constantine's rise to power, his rule and reforms, and continuity and change with regard to his predecessors. It considers how he was able to transform the empire and establish his own dynasty, highlighting his political and military prowess, and therefore provides an essential overview of the political history of the period.

Explores political developments during the reign of Constantine, 306337 Traces the history of the Roman Empire through the third century, placing Constantine in context Highlights the essential continuity between Constantine's reign and those of the Illyrian emperors

Autorentext

Stanislav Dolezal is Assistant Professor at the University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Klappentext

This book explores the reign of Constantine the Great (306 337) and, more generally, the political history of the third century, thus putting Constantine's career and many of his decisions in context. It traces events under the first Tetrarchy and then explores Constantine's rise to power, his rule and reforms, and continuity and change with regard to his predecessors. It considers how he was able to transform the empire and establish his own dynasty, highlighting his political and military prowess, and therefore provides an essential overview of the political history of the period.

Inhalt

1. Introduction .- 2. Literary sources on Constantine´s time .- 3. The Illyrian emperors .- 4. Constantine´s life up to 306 CE .- 5. Britain .- 6. The Fight for the West .- 7. Licinius .- 8. Crispus .- 9. The Final Ten Years .- 10. The Death of Constantine and the Massacre of his Relatives .- 11. Appendices.