Constantine Dynasty, Religion and Power in the Later Roman Empire [Paperback]

• First study of Constantine to make use of Kevin Wilkinson's re-dating of the poet Palladas to the reign of Constantine, disproving the predominant scholarly belief that Constantine remained tolerant in matters of religion to the end of his reign
• Clearly sets out the problems associated with depictions of Constantine and answers them with great clarity
• Includes Barnes' own research into the marriage of Constantine's parents, Constantine's status as a crown prince and his father's legitimate heir, and his dynastic plans
• Honorable Mention for 2011 Classics & Ancient History PROSE award granted by the Association of American Publishers

Preface x

Abbreviations xii

1 Introduction 1

Official Lies and the 'Constantinian Question' 2

The Progress of Historical Research 6

Contemporary Perspectives on Constantine 8

Coins, Inscriptions and Monuments 16

2 The Soldier and the Stable-Girl 27

The Social Status of Helena 30

The Marriage of Constantine's Parents 33

Constantius' Second Wife 38

The Later Life of Helena 42

3 Constantine, the Ruins of Babylon and the Court of Pharaoh 46

The Diocletianic Tetrarchy (293-305) 46

The Appointment of New Emperors 49

Constantine in the East (293-305) 51

The Dynastic Coup of 305 56

4 The Road to Rome 61

Constantine’s Proclamation and Recognition as ElãB