CLAS 304 Constantine the Great
One of the three greatest Roman emperors, together with Augustus and Justinian, Constantine is best known for his conversion to Christianity and support for the Church. But he also reshaped the empire in other important ways: in administration and law, finance and the economy, and diplomacy and war. This course surveys his life and career, along with those of his family (especially his mother Helena), his supporters and rivals, and members of the Roman aristocracy, in the context of empire and imperial rule. Lectures (many illustrated) are accompanied by discussion of the abundant primary sources, both written and material. Coins from the University Archives provide students with hands on experience of changing imperial messages during the half century from the accession of Diocletian in 284 to the death of Constantine in 337.