The Life of Constantine — Eusebius of Caesarea

Book I c.1–59
Chapter 1 Preface.--Of the Death of Constantine.
Chapter 2 The Preface Continued.
Chapter 3 How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants.
Chapter 4 That God honored Constantine.
Chapter 5 That he reigned above Thirty Years, and lived above Sixty.
Chapter 6 That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations.
Chapter 7 Comparison with Cyrus, King of the Persians, and with Alexander of Macedon.
Chapter 8 That he conquered nearly the Whole World.
Chapter 9 That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons.
Chapter 10 Of the Need for this History, and its Value for Edification.
Chapter 11 That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine.
Chapter 12 That like Moses, he was reared in the Palaces of Kings.
Chapter 13 Of Constantius his Father, who refused to imitate Diocletian, Maximian, and Maxentius, in their Persecution of the Christians.
Chapter 14 How Constantius his Father, being reproached with Poverty by Diocletian, filled his Treasury, and afterwards restored the Money to those by whom it had been contributed.
Chapter 15 Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues.
Chapter 16 How Constantius, feigning Idolatry, expelled those who consented to offer Sacrifice, but retained in his Palace all who were willing to confess Christ.
Chapter 17 Of his Christian Manner of Life.
Chapter 18 That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring.
Chapter 19 Of his Son Constantine, who in his Youth accompanied Diocletian into Palestine.
Chapter 20 Flight of Constantine to his Father because of the Plots of Diocletian.
Chapter 21 Death of Constantius, who leaves his Son Constantine Emperor.
Chapter 22 How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army.
Chapter 23 A Brief Notice of the Destruction of the Tyrants.
Chapter 24 It was by the Will of God that Constantine became possessed of the Empire.
Chapter 25 Victories of Constantine over the Barbarians and the Britons.
Chapter 26 How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius.
Chapter 27 That after reflecting on the Downfall of those who had worshiped Idols, he made Choice of Christianity.
Chapter 28 How, while he was praying, God sent him a Vision of a Cross of Light in the Heavens at Mid-day, with an Inscription admonishing him to conquer by that.
Chapter 29 How the Christ of God appeared to him in his Sleep, and commanded him to use in his Wars a Standard made in the Form of the Cross.
Chapter 30 The Making of the Standard of the Cross.
Chapter 31 A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans now call the Labarum.
Chapter 32 How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures.
Chapter 33 Of the Adulterous Conduct of Maxentius at Rome.
Chapter 34 How the Wife of a Prefect slew herself for Chastity's Sake.
Chapter 35 Massacre of the Roman People by Maxentius.
Chapter 36 Magic Arts of Maxentius against Constantine; and Famine at Rome.
Chapter 37 Defeat of Maxentius's Armies in Italy.
Chapter 38 Death of Maxentius on the Bridge of the Tiber.
Chapter 39 Constantine's Entry into Rome.
Chapter 40 Of the Statue of Constantine holding a Cross, and its Inscription.
Chapter 41 Rejoicings throughout the Provinces; and Constantine's Acts of Grace.
Chapter 42 The Honors Conferred upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches.
Chapter 43 Constantine's Liberality to the Poor.
Chapter 44 How he was present at the Synods of Bishops.
Chapter 45 His Forbearance with Unreasonable Men.
Chapter 46 Victories over the Barbarians.
Chapter 47 Death of Maximin, who had attempted a Conspiracy, and of Others whom Constantine detected by Divine Revelation.
Chapter 48 Celebration of Constantine's Decennalia.
Chapter 49 How Licinius oppressed the East.
Chapter 50 How Licinius attempted a Conspiracy against Constantine.
Chapter 51 Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods.
Chapter 52 Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property.
Chapter 53 Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches.
Chapter 54 That those who refuse to sacrifice are to be dismissed from Military Service, and those in Prison not to be fed.
Chapter 55 The Lawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius.
Chapter 56 At length he undertakes to raise a Persecution.
Chapter 57 That Maximian, brought Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
Chapter 58 That Maximin, who had persecuted the Christians, was compelled to fly, and conceal himself in the Disguise of a Slave.
Chapter 59 That Maximin, blinded by Disease, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
Book II c.1–73
Chapter 1 Secret Persecution by Licinius, who causes Some Bishops to be put to Death at Amasia of Pontus.
Chapter 2 Demolition of Churches, and Butchery of the Bishops.
Chapter 3 How Constantine was stirred in Behalf of the Christians thus in Danger of Persecution.
Chapter 4 That Constantine prepared himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius by the Practice of Divination.
Chapter 5 What Licinius, while sacrificing in a Grove, said concerning Idols, and concerning Christ.
Chapter 6 An Apparition seen in the Cities subject to Licinius, as of Constantine's Troops passing through them.
Chapter 7 That Victory everywhere followed the Presence of the Standard of the Cross in Battle.
Chapter 8 That Fifty Men were selected to carry the Cross.
Chapter 9 That One of the Cross-Bearers, who fled from his Post, was slain: while Another, who faithfully stood his Ground, was preserved.
Chapter 10 Various Battles, and Constantine's Victories.
Chapter 11 Flight, and Magic Arts of Licinius.
Chapter 12 How Constantine, after praying in his Tabernacle, obtained the Victory.
Chapter 13 His Humane Treatment of Prisoners.
Chapter 14 A Farther Mention of his Prayers in the Tabernacle.
Chapter 15 Treacherous Friendship, and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius.
Chapter 16 How Licinius counseled his Soldiers not to attack the Standard of the Cross.
Chapter 17 Constantine's Victory.
Chapter 18 Death of Licinius, and Celebration of the Event.
Chapter 19 Rejoicings and Festivities.
Chapter 20 Constantine's Enactments in Favor of the Confessors.
Chapter 21 His Laws concerning Martyrs, and concerning Ecclesiastical Property.
Chapter 22 How he won the Favor of the People.
Chapter 23 That he declared God to be the Author of his Prosperity: and concerning his Rescripts.
Chapter 24 Law of Constantine respecting Piety towards God, and the Christian Religion.
Chapter 25 An Illustration from Ancient Times.
Chapter 26 Of Persecuted and Persecutors.
Chapter 27 How the Persecution became the Occasion of Calamities to the Aggressors.
Chapter 28 That God chose Constantine to be the Minister of Blessing.
Chapter 29 Constantine's Expressions of Piety towards God; and Praise of the Confessors.
Chapter 30 A Law granting Release from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and from the Confiscation of Property.
Chapter 31 Release likewise granted to Exiles in the Islands.
Chapter 32 And to those ignominiously employed in the Mines and Public Works.
Chapter 33 Concerning those Confessors engaged in Military Service.
Chapter 34 The Liberation of Free Persons condemned to labor in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude.
Chapter 35 Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, also of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property.
Chapter 36 The Church is declared Heir of those who leave no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed.
Chapter 37 Lands, Gardens, or Houses, but not Actual Produce from them, are to be given back.
Chapter 38 In what Manner Requests should be made for these.
Chapter 39 The Treasury must restore Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the Churches.
Chapter 40 The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be transferred to the Possession of the Churches.
Chapter 41 Those who have purchased Property belonging to the Church, or received it as a Gift, are to restore it.
Chapter 42 An Earnest Exhortation to worship God.
Chapter 43 How the Enactments of Constantine were carried into Effect.
Chapter 44 That he promoted Christians to Offices of Government, and forbade Gentiles in Such Stations to offer Sacrifice.
Chapter 45 Statutes which forbade Sacrifice, and enjoined the Building of Churches.
Chapter 46 Constantine's Letter to Eusebius and Other Bishops, respecting the Building of Churches, with Instructions to repair the Old, and erect New Ones on a Larger Scale, with the Aid of the Provincial Governors.
Chapter 47 That he wrote a Letter in Condemnation of Idolatry.
Chapter 48 Constantine's Edict to the People of the Provinces concerning the Error of Polytheism, commencing with Some General Remarks on Virtue and Vice.
Chapter 49 Concerning Constantine's Pious Father, and the Persecutors Diocletian and Maximian.
Chapter 50 That the Persecution originated on Account of the Oracle of Apollo, who, it was said, could not give Oracles because of “the Righteous Men.”
Chapter 51 That Constantine, when a Youth, heard from him who wrote the Persecution Edict that “the Righteous Men” were the Christians.
Chapter 52 The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment practiced against the Christians.
Chapter 53 That the Barbarians kindly received the Christians.
Chapter 54 What Vengeance overtook those who on Account of the Oracle raised the Persecution.
Chapter 55 Constantine gives Glory to God, makes Grateful Acknowledgment of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People.
Chapter 56 He prays that All may be Christians, but compels None.
Chapter 57 He gives Glory to God, who has given Light by his Son to those who were in Error.
Chapter 58 He glorifies him again for his Government of the Universe.
Chapter 59 He gives Glory to God, as the Constant Teacher of Good.
Chapter 60 An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that No One should trouble his Neighbor.
Chapter 61 How Controversies originated at Alexandria through Matters relating to Arius.
Chapter 62 Concerning the Same Arius, and the Melitians.
Chapter 63 How Constantine sent a Messenger and a Letter concerning Peace.
Chapter 64 Constantine's Letter to Alexander the Bishop, and Arius the Presbyter.
Chapter 65 His Continual Anxiety for Peace.
Chapter 66 That he also adjusted the Controversies which had arisen in Africa.
Chapter 67 That Religion began in the East.
Chapter 68 Being grieved by the Dissension, he counsels Peace.
Chapter 69 Origin of the Controversy between Alexander and Arius, and that these Questions ought not to have been discussed.
Chapter 70 An Exhortation to Unanimity.
Chapter 71 There should be no Contention in Matters which are in themselves of Little Moment.
Chapter 72 The Excess of his Pious Concern caused him to shed Tears; and his Intended Journey to the East was postponed because of These Things.
Chapter 73 The Controversy continues without Abatement, even after the Receipt of This Letter.
Book III c.1–66
Chapter 1 A Comparison of Constantine's Piety with the Wickedness of the Persecutors.
Chapter 2 Farther Remarks on Constantine's Piety, and his Open Testimony to the Sign of the Cross.
Chapter 3 Of his Picture surmounted by a Cross and having beneath it a Dragon.
Chapter 4 A Farther Notice of the Controversies raised in Egypt by Arius.
Chapter 5 Of the Disagreement respecting the Celebration of Easter.
Chapter 6 How he ordered a Council to be held at Nicæa.
Chapter 7 Of the General Council, at which Bishops from all Nations were Present.
Chapter 8 That the Assembly was composed, as in the Acts of the Apostles, of Individuals from Various Nations.
Chapter 9 Of the Virtue and Age of the Two Hundred and Fifty Bishops.
Chapter 10 Council in the Palace. Constantine, entering, took his Seat in the Assembly.
Chapter 11 Silence of the Council, after Some Words by the Bishop Eusebius.
Chapter 12 Constantine's Address to the Council concerning Peace.
Chapter 13 How he led the Dissentient Bishops to Harmony of Sentiment.
Chapter 14 Unanimous Declaration of the Council concerning Faith, and the Celebration of Easter.
Chapter 15 How Constantine entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of His Vicennalia.
Chapter 16 Presents to the Bishops, and Letters to the People generally.
Chapter 17 Constantine's Letter to the Churches respecting the Council at Nicæa.
Chapter 18 He speaks of their Unanimity respecting the Feast of Easter, and against the Practice of the Jews.
Chapter 19 Exhortation to follow the Example of the Greater Part of the World.
Chapter 20 Exhortation to obey the Decrees of the Council.
Chapter 21 Recommendation to the Bishops, on their Departure, to Preserve Harmony.
Chapter 22 How he dismissed Some, and wrote Letters to Others; also his Presents.
Chapter 23 How he wrote to the Egyptians, exhorting them to Peace.
Chapter 24 How he wrote Frequent Letters of a Religious Character to the Bishops and People.
Chapter 25 How he ordered the Erection of a Church at Jerusalem, in the Holy Place of our Saviour's Resurrection.
Chapter 26 That the Holy Sepulchre had been covered with Rubbish and with Idols by the Ungodly.
Chapter 27 How Constantine commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and the Soil itself, to be removed at a Distance.
Chapter 28 Discovery of the Most Holy Sepulchre.
Chapter 29 How he wrote concerning the Erection of a Church, both to the Governors of the Provinces, and to the Bishop Macarius.
Chapter 30 Constantine's Letter to Macarius respecting the Building of the Church of our Saviour.
Chapter 31 That the Building should surpass all the Churches in the World in the Beauty of its Walls, its Columns, and Marbles.
Chapter 32 That he instructed the Governors concerning the Beautifying of the Roof; also concerning Workmen, and Materials.
Chapter 33 How the Church of our Saviour, the New Jerusalem prophesied of in Scripture, was built.
Chapter 34 Description of the Structure of the Holy Sepulchre.
Chapter 35 Description of the Atrium and Porticos.
Chapter 36 Description of the Walls, Roof, Decoration, and Gilding of the Body of the Church.
Chapter 37 Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the Three Eastern Gates.
Chapter 38 Description of the Hemisphere, the Twelve Columns, and their Bowls.
Chapter 39 Description of the Inner Court, the Arcades and Porches.
Chapter 40 Of the Number of his Offerings.
Chapter 41 Of the Erection of Churches in Bethlehem, and on the Mount of Olives.
Chapter 42 That the Empress Helena, Constantine's Mother, having visited this Locality for Devotional Purposes, built these Churches.
Chapter 43 A Farther Notice of the Churches at Bethlehem.
Chapter 44 Of Helena's Generosity and Beneficent Acts.
Chapter 45 Helena's Pious Conduct in the Churches.
Chapter 46 How she made her Will, and died at the Age of Eighty Years.
Chapter 47 How Constantine buried his Mother, and how he honored her during her Life.
Chapter 48 How he built Churches in Honor of Martyrs, and abolished Idolatry at Constantinople.
Chapter 49 Representation of the Cross in the Palace, and of Daniel at the Public Fountains.
Chapter 50 That he erected Churches in Nicomedia, and in Other Cities.
Chapter 51 That he ordered a Church to be built at Mambre.
Chapter 52 Constantine's Letter to Eusebius concerning Mambre.
Chapter 53 That the Saviour appeared in this Place to Abraham.
Chapter 54 Destruction of Idol Temples and Images everywhere.
Chapter 55 Overthrow of an Idol Temple, and Abolition of Licentious Practices, at Aphaca in Phœnicia.
Chapter 56 Destruction of the Temple of Æsculapius at Ægæ.
Chapter 57 How the Gentiles abandoned Idol Worship, and turned to the Knowledge of God.
Chapter 58 How he destroyed the Temple of Venus at Heliopolis, and built the First Church in that City.
Chapter 59 Of the Disturbance at Antioch by Eustathius.
Chapter 60 Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, directing them not to withdraw Eusebius from Cæsarea, but to seek some one else.
Chapter 61 The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius praising him for refusing the Bishopric of Antioch.
Chapter 62 Constantine's Letter to the Council, depreciating the Removal of Eusebius from Cæsarea.
Chapter 63 How he displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies.
Chapter 64 Constantine's Edict against the Heretics.
Chapter 65 The Heretics are deprived of their Meeting Places.
Chapter 66 How on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics, Many of them return to the Catholic Church.
Book IV c.1–75
Chapter 1 How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions.
Chapter 2 Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes.
Chapter 3 Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes.
Chapter 4 His Liberality, from His Private Resources, to the Losers in Suits of a Pecuniary Nature.
Chapter 5 Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the Sign of Our Saviour.
Chapter 6 Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the Rebellion of their Slaves.
Chapter 7 Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the Emperor.
Chapter 8 That he wrote also to the King of Persia, who had sent him an Embassy, on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm.
Chapter 9 Letter of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King of the Persians, containing a truly Pious Confession of God and Christ.
Chapter 10 The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God.
Chapter 11 Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on the Captivity of Valerian.
Chapter 12 He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.
Chapter 13 He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for the Christians in his Country.
Chapter 14 How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine procured Peace to the Christians.
Chapter 15 He causes himself to be represented on his Coins, and in his Portraits, in the Attitude of Prayer.
Chapter 16 He forbids by Law the Placing his Likeness in Idol Temples.
Chapter 17 Of his Prayers in the Palace, and his Reading the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter 18 He enjoins the General Observance of the Lord's Day, and the Day of Preparation.
Chapter 19 That he directed even his Pagan Soldiers to pray on the Lord's Day.
Chapter 20 The Form of Prayer given by Constantine to his Soldiers.
Chapter 21 He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be engraven on his Soldiers' Shields.
Chapter 22 Of his Zeal in Prayer, and the Honor he paid to the Feast of Easter.
Chapter 23 How he forbade Idolatrous Worship, but honored Martyrs and the Church Festivals.
Chapter 24 That he described himself to be a Bishop, in Charge of Affairs External to the Church.
Chapter 25 Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators, also the Licentious Worship of the Nile.
Chapter 26 Amendment of the Law in Force respecting Childless Persons, and of the Law of Wills.
Chapter 27 Among Other Enactments, he decrees that no Christian shall slave to a Jew, and affirms the Validity of the Decisions of Councils.
Chapter 28 His Gifts to the Churches, and Bounties to Virgins and to the Poor.
Chapter 29 Of Constantine's Discourses and Declamations.
Chapter 30 That he marked out before a Covetous Man the Measure of a Grave, and so put him to Shame.
Chapter 31 That he was derided because of his Excessive Clemency.
Chapter 32 Of Constantine's Oration which he wrote to the Assembly of the Saints.
Chapter 33 How he listened standing to Eusebius' Declamation in Honor of our Saviour's Sepulchre.
Chapter 34 That he wrote to Eusebius respecting Easter, and respecting Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter 35 Constantine's Letter to Eusebius, in praise of his Discourse concerning Easter.
Chapter 36 Constantine's Letter to Eusebius on the Preparation of Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter 37 How the Copies were provided.
Chapter 38 How the Market-Town of Gaza was made a City for its Profession of Christianity, and received the Name of Constantia.
Chapter 39 That a Place in Phœnicia also was made a City, and in Other Cities Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built.
Chapter 40 That having conferred the Dignity of Cæsars on his Three Sons at the Three Decennial Periods of his Reign, he dedicated the Church at Jerusalem.
Chapter 41 That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened at Tyre, because of Controversies raised in Egypt.
Chapter 42 Constantine's Letter to the Council at Tyre.
Chapter 43 Bishops from all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem.
Chapter 44 Of their Reception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of Money to the Poor; and Offerings to the Church.
Chapter 45 Various Discourses by the Assembled Bishops; also by Eusebius, the Writer of this History.
Chapter 46 That Eusebius afterwards delivered his Description of the Church of the Saviour, and a Tricennial Oration before Constantine himself.
Chapter 47 That the Council at Nicæa was held in the Twentieth, the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem in the Thirtieth, Year of Constantine's Reign.
Chapter 48 That Constantine was displeased with one who praised him excessively.
Chapter 49 Marriage of his Son Constantius Cæsar.
Chapter 50 Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
Chapter 51 That Constantine divided the Empire between his Three Sons, whom he had instructed in Politics and Religion.
Chapter 52 That after they had reached Man's Estate he was their Guide in Piety.
Chapter 53 Having reigned about Thirty-Two Years, and lived above Sixty, he still had a Sound Body.
Chapter 54 Of those who abused His Extreme Benevolence for Avarice and Hypocrisy.
Chapter 55 Constantine employed himself in Composition of Various Kinds to the Close of his Life.
Chapter 56 How he took Bishops with him on an Expedition against the Persians, and took with him a Tent in the Form of a Church.
Chapter 57 How he received an Embassy from the Persians and kept the Night Vigil with others at the Feast of Easter.
Chapter 58 Concerning the Building of a Church in Honor of the Apostles at Constantinople.
Chapter 59 Farther Description of the same Church.
Chapter 60 He also erected his own Sepulchral Monument in this Church.
Chapter 61 His Sickness at Helenopolis, and Prayers respecting his Baptism.
Chapter 62 Constantine's Appeal to the Bishops, requesting them to confer upon him the Rite of Baptism.
Chapter 63 How after his Baptism he rendered Thanks to God.
Chapter 64 Constantine's Death at Noon on the Feast of Pentecost.
Chapter 65 Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers.
Chapter 66 Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the Palace at Constantinople.
Chapter 67 He received the same Honors from the Counts and other Officers as before his Death.
Chapter 68 Resolution of the Army to confer thence-forward the Title of Augustus on his Sons.
Chapter 69 Mourning for Constantine at Rome; and the Honor paid him there through Paintings after his Death.
Chapter 70 His Burial by his Son Constantius at Constantinople.
Chapter 71 Sacred Service in the Church of the Apostles on the Occasion of Constantine's Funeral.
Chapter 72 Of the Phœnix.
Chapter 73 How Constantine is represented on Coins in the Act of ascending to Heaven.
Chapter 74 The God whom he had honored deservedly honored him in Return.
Chapter 75 He surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devotion to God.