Imperial Religious Policy from Constantine to Theodosius I
Abstract
In a little over eighty years, from 311 to 394, Christianity is transformed from a marginal and little-known faith—grudgingly or graciously tolerated by the emperors—into the public religion of the state.
This book summarizes the history of the bloody persecutions endured by Christianity, and also shows how the Roman administration confronted and sought to contain what, in the early centuries of the new era, was regarded at most as an illicita superstitio.
Beginning with the tetrarchic system introduced by Diocletian, it recounts the specific and general legislative measures taken for and against Christians by the fourth-century emperors, according to the territories over which, by virtue of the empire’s division, each exercised sovereignty.
Finally, it describes the definitive establishment of Christianity under Theodosius, vividly captured in the iconic image of the emperor himself who, publicly declaring himself a sinner, seeks and receives from Bishop Ambrose of Milan permission to enter the church as a supplicant and penitent.
Indice
- 1 The dawn. The Empire opens to Christianity
- 1 The tetrarchy
- 2 Severus is appointed Augustus: the usurpation of Maxentius
- 3 Severus marches on Rome, but is betrayed and killed
- 4 Licinius and Constantine are appointed Augusti
- 5 The death of Maximian
- 6 Illicita superstitio
- 7 From Aurelian to Diocletian
- 8 Maxentius, Maximinus Daia, and Licinius
- 9 Application of Galerius’s edict and the defeat of Maxentius
- 10 New persecutions of Christians and the death of Maximinus Daia
- 11 Conflict between Constantine and Licinius
- 12 Constantine’s religious policy
- 2 The fog. The Empire confronts Christianity
- 1 Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius
- 2 Constantius’s religious policy
- 3 Roads and postal transport
- 4 Cities and public services
- 5 From Constantius to Julian
- 6 Julian’s measures in religious matters
- 7 Reorganization of the pagan priesthood
- 8 The edict of 362 on teaching
- 9 Against the Christians and their works
- 3 The midday. The Empire consecrates itself to Christianity
- 1 Jovian as emperor
- 2 Valentinian and Valens as emperors
- 3 Gratian as Augustus: military exploits of Theodosius the Elder
- 4 The deaths of Valentinian and Valens
- 5 Theodosius as Augustus
- 6 Measures on religious matters by Gratian and Theodosius
- 7 Rebellion of Magnus Clemens Maximus: death of Gratian
- 8 Condemnation of Priscillian as a heretic: Maximus invades Italy
- 9 Theodosius’s measures against paganism
- 10 The usurpation of Eugenius in Rome; the last fleeting counter-offensive of paganism
- 11 Concluding remarks
- — Bibliography
- — Notes
Dettagli bibliografici
Titolo
Imperial Religious Policy from Constantine to Theodosius I
Autore
Ferdinando Emilio Abbate
Editore
PM Edizioni
Anno
2025
ISBN
979-12-5534-086-7
Pagine
89
Formato
15 x 21 cm
Lingua
Italiano