Positioning of Constantine the Great in the Order of 313–324 as the Main Determining Factor for His Religious Policy during the Period

Bulgarian Historical Review, 52 (2024), No. 3-4, pp. 3-28
DOI:

Boyan Deyanov Stoev

University of Groningen, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Chair of Economic Development and Globalization, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: bd.stoev@gmail.com

Abstract: The following paper will examine the religious policy of Constantine the Great, most importantly in the period from his alliance with Licinius to his victory over his fellow Augustus at Chrysopolis, resulting in Constantine becoming the sole Augustus of the Roman Empire. Said religious policy will be examined through the political positioning of Constantine within this order, as well as numismatic evidence and legislative activity throughout the period in question. Consequently, the paper will establish that Constantine the Great’s religious policies primarily followed his position within the religio-political consensus between himself and Licinius during 313–324, rather than pursuing policies based on gradual change of his own personal and distinct beliefs towards solar or Christian monotheism.

Keywords: Constantine the Great, religious policy, 313–324 order, Sol, Jupiter, Mars, Licinius, Claudius II Gothicus.

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