Emperor Constantine the Great: Christianity and the Roman Empire
Summary
Greg Jenner hosts historian Lucy Grig and comedian Ivo Graham to explore the life of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. They discuss his rise from a military family, the chaotic Tetrarchy, and his consolidation of power through civil war and the execution of rivals. The episode covers his controversial conversion to Christianity, the Council of Nicaea, and the founding of Constantinople.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor messages
Guest introductions and Ivo's history quiz
Constantine's legacy and historical sources
Constantine's parents and the Tetrarchy
The Crisis of the Third Century
How the Tetrarchy worked
Constantine's upbringing and military training
Diocletian's abdication and Constantine's rise
Civil war and Maxentius's claim to power
Battle of the Milvian Bridge and victory
Sponsors and Constantine's alliance with Licinius
Constantine's conversion and the Council of Nicaea
Family murders and the death of Crispus and Fausta
Founding Constantinople and its significance
Helena's pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Constantine's deathbed baptism and succession
The Donation of Constantine forgery
Final quiz and wrap-up
Outro and other episode recommendations
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