A Military Life of Constantine the Great by Ian Hughes

Author:Ian Hughes [Hughes, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, Military, Presidents & Heads of State, History, Ancient
ISBN: 9781526724236
Google: ina-zQEACAAJ
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Published: 2021-01-13T01:43:32+00:00

Constantine and Licinius: the Treaty of Milan, 313

From 29 October 312 to at least early January 313 Constantine remained in Rome organizing his new regime and cementing his rule in the capital.37 However, in early February 313 he moved to Milan, where he negotiated a ‘formal’ alliance with Licinius, a treaty cemented by the marriage of his sister to Licinius, who had travelled from Carnuntum for the occasion.38 Possibly included in the treaty was an agreed ‘imperial creed’, as the prayers offered by both Constantine’s and Licinius’ armies ‘correspond closely’ and the ‘visions’ seen by Licinius are similar to those seen by Constantine.39 However, it should be noted that these ‘common prayers’ are reported by Licinius, an avowedly Christian writer, and they may simply be rhetorical devices used to denigrate and heighten the later downfall of Licinius. Nor should it be thought that they were distinctly Christian: the wording recorded simply acknowledges a ‘supreme god’, which could just as easily be a reference to Sol Invictus.

In addition, following the meeting at Milan, Licinius allegedly issued an ‘edict of toleration and restitution’ for Christians.40 For a long time this ‘Edict of Milan’ was seen as an acceptance of Christianity as the state religion; however, recent analysis has shown that this view has flaws:

When I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius Augustus, came under favourable auspices to Milan and took under consideration everything which pertained to the common weal and prosperity, we resolved among other things, or rather first of all, to make such decrees as seemed in many respects for the benefit of every one; namely, such as should preserve reverence and piety toward the deity. We resolved, that is, to grant both to the Christians and to all men freedom to follow the religion which they choose, that whatever heavenly divinity exists may be propitious to us and to all that live under our government.

Eusebius, HE 10.5.4.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.