Constantine the Great

The giant head and hands, sole of the titanic figure of Constantine that once dominated the Basilica Nova in Rome, seem to proclaim him one of the greatest emperors.

Certainly, he changed the empire:

· he left it on the way to becoming Christian;

· he gave it a new capital that became the centre of the new civilization;

· he reformed the army (again);

· he defeated all the enemies, mainly Roman, but also foreign – Franks, Sarmatians, Goths – before dying.

In founding Constantinople as his new capital, Constantine showed his great foresight. The best-defended site in Europe, at the crossroads of several major trade and military routes, Constantinople prospered.

Соnstantine’s own religious beliefs remain uncertain. Like his father, he initially worshipped Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun. But after the victory in 312 AD, he became very tolerant to all faiths and especially to Christianity. Being a good politician and businessman, he developed an interest in theological speculation. Moreover, he continued to be treated as the pagan chief priest, but did not object to the renovation of temples in old Byzantium and was baptized only on his deathbed (too weak to protest).

Constantine was the last Roman emperor to rule the whole Roman world and the empire that he left to his successors still looked brilliant, powerful and wealthy.

Complete the sentences:

1. Constantine was considered a great ruler because…

2. There were not only foreign enemies for Rome, but also …

3. Constantine was wise because …

4. Constantine was a good politician and businessman because …

5. Constantine was pagan and worshipped …