The Emperor and the Divine Between Diocletian and Constantine

September 15, 2025 at 7:45 pm

The Emperor and the Divine Between Diocletian and Constantine

Samuel Collins – George Mason University

When Emperor Constantine (reg. 306-337 CE) embraced the new religion of Christianity in 312 CE, at first glance his choice of novel religious allegiance stands out as a direct repudiation of the choices and policies of his very successful (and anti-Christian) predecessor, Diocletian (reg. 284-305 CE).

On closer inspection, however, the reign of Constantine shows the persistent influence of lessons in governance the new emperor had learned at the knee of the old. And while at the level of fiscal and military affairs the story of these two reigns is one much more of continuity than it is one of ruptures and departures, scholars have come over the past few decades to appreciate how far continuity is also represented in the religious outlook, understanding of the heavens, and religious policies of Diocletian and Constantine.

In this lecture we will explore the shifting ground of religious change between the old gods and Christianity in the reigns of these two emperors and ask again the very old question of exactly what Constantine intended for the state when he turned his back on the traditional pantheon and embraced the new Christian God.

For questions or to request accommodations contact:

Donald O Kane