Constantine the Great the Man and His Times

by Michael Grant

Book Overview

2009, Hardcover with dust jacket, 269 pages This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965014215
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: History Book Club
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An informative and enjoyable read

In my book, "Astronomical Symbols on Ancient and Medieval Coins", I devote an entire chapter to the visions of Constantine, the depiction of these visions on Constantinian coinage, and what Constantine actually saw in the heavens. As part of my research, I read numerous books on the life of Constantine, and I found that Michael Grant's book, "Constantine the Great," was especially useful. Not only were there many items of interest that added to my understanding of the history of his reign, but of all the books about Constantine that I read, Grant's book was one of the easiest and most interesting reads. He really brought ancient history to life. I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in Roman history. Marshall Faintich

Concise yet thoughtful

This is a concise yet thoughtful work on the pivotal character in the late classical world. Constantine's character is analyzed as well as possible and there is an excellent chapter on his building programs thoughout the Roman Empire. The Civil Wars between Constantine and Maxentius, then Constantine and Licinius, are covered in good detail. More information on the Tetrarchy (Constantine lived at the court of Galerius, who was a Caeser under Diocletian and an Augustus after Diocletian and Maximian retired) would have been useful to help give the reader a clearer picture of the times Constantine lived in. The conclusion was a bit disappointing. Grant spends little time discussing the affect Constantine's policies had upon the civil wars fought by his three sons and two nephews, of which Constantius II was ultimately victorious. Also, he spends little time in his conclusion talking about how Constantine's policies effected Constantius II's rule.All in all, a good book on a difficult subject.