Handout for Jan. 29: Constantine and the Suppression of Paganism Emperors:Constantine 306-337
312: "Vision" and conversion.
313: Edict of Milan legalizes Christianity.
324: Conquers eastern empire from Licinius; now sole ruler.
325: Council of Nicaea, first "ecumenical" council.
330: Foundation of Constantinople, "New Rome."
Helena, Constantine’s mother. Visits Jerusalem, "discovers" site of crucifixion (Holy Sepulcher) and relics of the Cross.
Constantius II (337-361).
Julian "the Apostate" 361-363. Attempts to restore paganism. Killed while invading Persia.
Valentinian (364-375) and Valens (364-378).
Theodosius I (379-395), supports Nicene "Orthodox" Christianity.
391: Destruction of the Serapeum in Alexandria.
392: Pagan worship outlawed.
Religious leaders:
Ambrose, bishop of Milan (374-397). Confronts emperors and wins.
Augustine, 354-429. Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. Wrote Confessions, On Christian Doctrine, City of God and much, much more. First to articulate doctrine of Original Sin.
Jerome, scholar and ascetic (347-420). Among many other accomplishments, produced the "Vulgate" or Latin translation of Scripture used by the Catholic church.