Introduction; 1. A change of image; 2. Emperors and divine protectors; 3. The saving ruler and the Logos-Nomos; 4. The hippodrome procession; 5. The symbol from the sun, the standard, and the sarcophagus; 6. The Roman Colossus; 7. Constantine and Christianity; 8. Sol and Christianity; 9. Constantine as Christ; Epilogue.
Constantine, Divine Emperor of the Christian Golden Age offers a radical reassessment of Constantine as an emperor, a pagan and a Christian.
Jonathan Bardill has held fellowships at the University of Oxford, Dumbarton Oaks, Newcastle University and Koç University's Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations, Istanbul. He has contributed articles to numerous archaeological and historical journals, including the American Journal of Archaeology, the Journal of Roman Archaeology and Dumbarton Oaks Papers, as well as several edited volumes, including Social and Political Life in Late Antiquity and The Oxford Handbook of Byzantine Studies. He is the author of the reference work Brickstamps of Constantinople.
'Bardill's monograph is a major contribution to Constantine
studies. His overarching argument, that the emperor's monuments
offered an open-ended set of associations that may have resonated
differently for different viewers, but which cohered into a
consistent vision of divinely sanctioned solar monotheism, is a
welcome response to more one-dimensional interpretations of the
reign. The volume is well written, thoroughly researched and
handsomely produced. Its abundant illustrations include
illuminating reconstructions of several key monuments in their
ancient environments.' Elizabeth Marlowe, The Journal of Roman
Studies
'This lavishly designed volume … furnished with numerous black and
white illustrations, undoubtedly belongs among the most important
books published in 2012, a year overabundant with publications on
Constantine … It deserves great recognition, both because of its
synthetic achievement and because of the formulation of arguments
that are perfectly more plausible or at least worthy of
discussion.' Bruno Bleckmann, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'This book portrays a provocative and fresh insight into a period
of Christianity's development that is widely considered second only
to the conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus. We are left
with an analysis that is extremely well crafted, providing valuable
possibilities, but limited certainties. Everyone interested in the
history of Christianity will find this work a valuable resource.
The combination of archaeological detail and textual reference
provides a rich and rewarding reading experience.' Reviews in
Religion and Theology
'This excellent book represents a successful attempt to integrate
historically and visually what is known about Constantine … This
book is clearly written, and the images are on the whole excellent.
Because of the book's interdisciplinary focus, it will appeal to a
wide audience of scholars and students, as well as an educated
general readership. Summing up: highly recommended.' Choice
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