Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance

By H.A. Drake

Book Overview

Historians who viewed imperial Rome in terms of a conflict between pagans and Christians have often regarded the emperor Constantine's conversion as the triumph of Christianity over paganism. This study takes a fresh look at Constantine's rule uncovering the political motivations behind his policies. Constantine, H.A. Drake suggests, was looking not only for a god in whom to believe, but also a policy he could adopt. Drake shows how these policies were constructed to ensure the stability of the empire and fulfill Constantine's imperial duty in securing the favour of heaven.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801862183
• ISBN13: 9780801862182
• Release Date: December 1999
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 609 Pages
• Weight: 2.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 2.0" x 6.3"