Emperor Constantine the Great: Christianity and the Roman Empire
About this episode
This episode explores the life of Emperor Constantine the Great and his role in the Christianisation of the Roman Empire.
Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Rome by Professor Lucy Grig and comedian Ivo Graham to learn all about Emperor Constantine the Great and the Christianisation of the Roman empire. Born not in Rome but in the Balkans, Constantine’s life was shaped by the turbulent politics of the late third century. He grew up as Emperor Diocletian – remembered now as a savage persecutor of Christians – was establishing the Tetrarchy, with four rulers now in control of the empire. One of these was Constantine’s father, Constantius. But when Constantius died in York, his son was acclaimed emperor in his place, kicking off a violent civil war. This episode traces Constantine’s life, from his childhood through to his elevation as emperor, taking in his extraordinary victory at Milvian Bridge, the vision that allegedly encouraged his conversion to Christianity, and his founding of Constantinople as a New Rome. It also examines his relationship with his mother, later known as Saint Helena, the bloody path he carved to the imperial throne, and his role in the pivotal Council of Nicaea, a landmark event in Christian history. If you’re a fan of religious revolutions, bloody Roman power politics, and…
People in this episode
Host: Greg Jenner
Guests: Professor Lucy Grig, Ivo Graham
Topics covered
- Emperor Constantine
- Christianisation of the Roman Empire
- Roman power politics
- Council of Nicaea
- historical figures
Mentioned in this episode
Places: York, Constantinople, Balkans, Rome
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