Imperial religious policy from Constantine to Theodosius I

Includes bibliographical references.

In a little over eighty years, from 311 to 394, Christianity is transformed from a marginal and little-known faith-grudgingly or graciously tolerated by the emperors-into the public religion of the state.This book summarizes the history of the bloody persecutions endured by Christianity, and also shows how the Roman administration confronted and sought to contain what, in the early centuries of the new era, was regarded at most as an illicita superstitio.Beginning with the tetrarchic system introduced by Diocletian, it recounts the specific and general legislative measures taken for and against Christians by the fourth-century emperors, according to the territories over which, by virtue of the empire's division, each exercised sovereignty.

Finally, it describes the definitive establishment of Christianity under Theodosius, vividly captured in the iconic image of the emperor himself who, publicly declaring himself a sinner, seeks and receives from Bishop Ambrose of Milan permission to enter the church as a supplicant and penitent [Publishers text].

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