Emperor Constantine, unlike Alexius was not born a Christian, he became a Christian during his life. Eusebius’s description of Constantine’s moment of conversion is a very memorable part of the book: “Knowing well that he would need more powerful aid than an army can supply, he [Contantine] sought a God to aid him…This God he began to invoke in prayer, beseeching and imploring him to show who he was, and to stretch out his right hand to assist him in his plans…About the time of the Midday sun, when day was just turning, he said he saw with his own eyes, up in the sky and resting over his sun, a cross-shaped trophy formed from light, and a text attached to it which said, ‘By this conquer’.” Here, we can see the similarity and parallel analogy
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However, there was an important similarity between Eusebius and Anna’s works. Both respective emperors whom they talk about share a common trait – they are both merciful noble, and very religious in the ways that they behave towards their enemies, even when they capture them right after victories of gruesome battles. Such is the case with Constantine’s treatment of his enemies after capturing the imperial city from Maxentius. He first, of course, consulted with the Christian ministers: “The emperor personally called together the ministers of God, regarding them honorably and cherishing them with highest consideration.” Then in the re-occupied imperial city, he “supplied rich help form his own resources to the churches of God, enlarging and elevating the places of worship…he made all sorts of contributions to the poor…those unfortunate enough to be orphaned he cared for in the father’s stead, and repaired the vulnerability of widowhood for women by personal concern, so far as to find them husbands from his acquaintance.”(87) Thus, we can see from the previous quote that Constantine was depicted almost like some type of saint, whom never makes mistakes and is truly the archetype of perfect Christian behavior – a slightly different approach from that of Anna Comnena in the Alexiad, where although the princess is clearly biased and depicts her father as a grandiose man, she also depicts his flaws and weak moments during battle and …show more content…
I would say that the arch nemesis of the Roman empire during Constantine’s reign were the Persians. The emperor Constantine had previously negotiated peace with the Persian emperor, mainly due to the fact that the number of Christians had greatly increased in Persia as stated in his letter to the Persian emperor “I mean of course the Christians, my concern being for them – how pleasing it is for me to hear that the most important parts of Persia too are richly adorned! May the very best come to you therefore, and at the same time the best for them, since they also are yours.” (157-158) This peace was not long lasting as preparation for war against Persia begun soon, however, due to illness, the emperor died before any battle developed.
However, there was an important similarity between Eusebius and Anna’s works. Both respective emperors whom they talk about share a common trait – they are both merciful noble, and very religious in the ways that they behave towards their enemies, even when they capture them right after victories of gruesome battles. Such is the case with Constantine’s treatment of his enemies after capturing the imperial city from Maxentius. He first, of course, consulted with the Christian ministers: “The emperor personally called together the ministers of God, regarding them honorably and cherishing them with highest consideration.” Then in the re-occupied imperial city, he “supplied rich help form his own resources to the churches of God, enlarging and elevating the places of worship…he made all sorts of contributions to the poor…those unfortunate enough to be orphaned he cared for in the father’s stead, and repaired the vulnerability of widowhood for women by personal concern, so far as to find them husbands from his acquaintance.”(87) Thus, we can see from the previous quote that Constantine was depicted almost like some type of saint, whom never makes mistakes and is truly the archetype of perfect Christian behavior – a slightly different approach from that of Anna Comnena in the Alexiad, where although the princess is clearly biased and depicts her father as a grandiose man, she also depicts his flaws and weak moments during battle and …show more content…
I would say that the arch nemesis of the Roman empire during Constantine’s reign were the Persians. The emperor Constantine had previously negotiated peace with the Persian emperor, mainly due to the fact that the number of Christians had greatly increased in Persia as stated in his letter to the Persian emperor “I mean of course the Christians, my concern being for them – how pleasing it is for me to hear that the most important parts of Persia too are richly adorned! May the very best come to you therefore, and at the same time the best for them, since they also are yours.” (157-158) This peace was not long lasting as preparation for war against Persia begun soon, however, due to illness, the emperor died before any battle developed.