The Ancients: Emperor Constantine

Podcast: The Ancients
Host: Tristan Hughes
Guest: Professor David Potter, University of Michigan
Release Date: December 29, 2024

In this engaging episode of The Ancients, host Tristan Hughes revisits an early favorite from the podcast’s archive: "The Rise of Constantine." Featuring an insightful conversation with Professor David Potter, the episode delves deep into the life, reign, and legacy of Emperor Constantine the Great. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, historical insights, and nuanced perspectives shared during the episode.

Introduction to Emperor Constantine

Tristan Hughes begins by highlighting the significance of revisiting this particular episode, noting its early impact on the podcast's listenership and its comprehensive coverage of Constantine’s ascent to power.

Tristan Hughes [01:06]:

"Now this episode was within the first 20 that the Ancients ever released back in mid-2020 more than four years ago. It is a real golden oldie and I've always had a soft spot for this interview."

Constantine’s Early Life and Background

Professor Potter provides a detailed overview of Constantine's upbringing amidst the rapidly changing political landscape of the Roman Empire. Born to Constantius, a senior official, and Helena from western Turkey, Constantine's early life was marked by his father's remarriage to Maximian's daughter, which positioned Constantine within the intricate web of Roman imperial politics.

Professor David Potter [07:09]:

"Constantine is really born into a world of incredibly rapid change... His father was a very, very able general."

Constantine's education and military training under Diocletian and Galerius in Nicomedia equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the volatile power dynamics of the time.

Professor David Potter [10:31]:

"Constantine really knew the imperial system from the bottom up, from the inside out."

Seizing Power in Britain

Upon his father's death in 305, Constantine is swiftly crowned emperor in York, Britain. Professor Potter explains the strategic maneuvers Constantine employed to secure his position, including controlling the Alpine passes to hinder rivals like Severus from challenging his rule.

Professor David Potter [13:22]:

"The immediate challenge he faces is to control the passes over the Alps so that Severus can't get at him."

Constantine's consolidation efforts in the northwest involved relocating the capital to Trier and leading decisive military campaigns across the Rhine, demonstrating his capability as both a leader and a strategist.

Military Prowess and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge

A pivotal moment in Constantine's rise was the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Professor Potter explores the legendary use of the Chi-Rho symbol and its historical authenticity.

Professor David Potter [28:05]:

"So at this battle, one of the most famous things is the chi rho symbols. What do you think is the truth behind the chi rho is being painted on the shields."

Historian/Expert (Prof. Potter) [28:14]:

"The story about the chi rho comes from Lactantius... it must have happened. But the Chi-Rho can also mean luck."

This dual symbolism illustrates Constantine's strategic use of religious imagery to unify and inspire his troops, while also appealing to broader notions of fortune and victory.

Constantine’s Relationship with Christianity

The episode delves into Constantine's complex relationship with Christianity. Initially influenced by Sol Invictus, Constantine's support for Christianity became more pronounced after the Milvian Bridge battle, culminating in the Edict of Milan.

Historian/Expert (Prof. Potter) [18:40]:

"Sol Invictus stays on the coinage into the 320s... Constantine will tell Christian audiences that, 'Oh yes, it's the Christian God.'"

Professor David Potter [32:19]:

"And the Edict of Milan is a document that was composed by Constantine and Licinius... freedom of conscience."

The Edict of Milan, though primarily published by Licinius, marked a significant shift towards religious tolerance, reinforcing Constantine's role in shaping the religious landscape of the empire.

Political Maneuvering and the Fall of Licinius

Constantine's alliance with Licinius initially stabilized the empire but eventually led to rivalry and conflict. Professor Potter analyzes Constantine's exploitation of Licinius's slower strategic responses, leading to Constantine's ultimate victory and the dissolution of the tetrarchy.

Historian/Expert (Prof. Potter) [36:38]:

"He has to build up confidence in the regime... blending his staff and Maxentius staff."

Professor David Potter [37:58]:

"Constantine inflicts the final defeat on Licinius... Licinius is negotiating his surrender."

This section highlights Constantine's ability to adapt and exploit weaknesses in his opponents, solidifying his control over the Roman Empire.

Establishing Constantinople

One of Constantine's most enduring legacies is the founding of Constantinople. Professor Potter explains the strategic and symbolic reasons behind this monumental decision.

Historian/Expert (Prof. Potter) [42:01]:

"Constantine chooses Byzantium because he needs to rule in the east and he can't bear living in Nicomedia."

Professor David Potter [44:27]:

"There are temples in Constantinople... they are open when he dies."

Constantinople became a beacon of imperial power, blending traditional Roman architectural grandeur with emerging Christian influences, thereby symbolizing the unified and transformed empire under Constantine’s rule.

Personal Life and Tragic Downfalls

The discussion also addresses the darker aspects of Constantine's reign, particularly the tragic fate of his son Crispus and his wife Fausta. While ancient sources provide conflicting accounts, Professor Potter suggests that these events reflect the intense political and personal pressures Constantine faced.

Historian/Expert (Prof. Potter) [46:47]:

"In one summer, he murders his wife and his oldest son."

Professor David Potter [51:04]:

"He described himself as the greatest victor in war, God's representative on earth."

These personal tragedies illustrate the complexities of Constantine's character and the often ruthless measures he employed to maintain and consolidate his power.

Constantine’s Legacy and Historical Perception

Concluding the episode, Professor Potter reflects on how Constantine would have wanted to be remembered and his lasting impact on history.

Professor David Potter [51:04]:

"He described himself the greatest victor in war, God's representative on earth."

Constantine's legacy as a unifying emperor who bridged the pagan and Christian worlds remains a subject of fascination and study, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of European history.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Throughout the episode, several key quotes encapsulate the essence of Constantine’s reign and Professor Potter’s interpretations:

• On Constantine's Divinity Hedging:

  "Constantine was a man who knew how to hedge his divine bets, which is not something you'd ever find in Eusebius biography." [02:40]

• On Administrative Control:

  "They are very much in the case of these letters to the senior officials." [05:55]

• On Military Strategy:

  "This is a man who got an army across the Alps at the beginning of the spring in 312." [05:41]

• On Religious Symbolism at Milvian Bridge:

  "It's both, and it's a symbol of Christ for Constantine and anybody who wants to see it that way, and as a symbol of good luck for everybody who doesn't." [28:57]

• On the Edict of Milan:

  "It's a letter from the emperor to all of the governors of the east ordering the restitution of Christian property to the Church and announcing very clearly freedom of conscience." [32:24]

• On Personal Tragedies:

  "In one summer, he murders his wife and his oldest son." [46:47]

• On Constantine's Self-Perception:

  "He described himself the greatest victor in war, God's representative on earth." [51:04]

Conclusion

This episode of The Ancients offers a thorough exploration of Emperor Constantine's rise to power, his strategic acumen, religious policies, and lasting legacy. Through Professor David Potter’s expert analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Constantine as a pivotal figure who not only unified the Roman Empire but also laid the foundations for the widespread adoption of Christianity. This rich and engaging discussion provides valuable insights for both ancient history enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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