On September 18, we will have arrived at the 1700th anniversary of Constantine’s defeat of Licinius in 324. Not only did this consolidate his rule of the empire, uniting the Roman East and West, the victory was a major contributing factor in the Constantinian interventions in (the predominantly Greek) ecclesiastical affairs. By spring of 325, Constantine had called for a council to deal with theological rumblings coming out of Alexandria.
I have yet to see anyone else remark on it (I’m sure they have), but looking ahead, we shall have watch whether 2025 brings Constantine-themed symposia, conferences, edited volumes, and general scholarly reflection vis-à-vis Nicaea—especially in this particular political climate. After all, I think it’s fair to say that Constantine’s legacy resonates differently now than it did a century or two ago.
Here’s hoping it’s better quality than the usual fare on the first Christian emperor.[1]
