A Military Life of Constantine the Great
"Ian Hughes chronicles all of these events in his book, but with special attention given to the revolution in military affairs which took place under the two Emperors." -Consolation of Antiquity

Much of Constantine I’s claim to lasting fame rests upon his sponsorship of Christianity, and many works have been published assessing whether his apparent conversion was a real religious experience or a cynical political maneuver. However his path to sole rule of the Roman Empire depended more upon the ruthless application of military might than upon his espousal of Christianity. He fought numerous campaigns, many of them against Roman rivals for Imperial power, most famously defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. In this new study, Ian Hughes assesses whether Constantine would have deserved the title ‘the Great’ for his military achievements alone, or whether the epithet depends upon the gratitude of Christian historians.

All of Constantine’s campaigns are narrated and his strategic and tactical decisions analyzed. The organization, strengths and weaknesses of the Roman army he inherited are described and the effect of both his and his predecessors’ reforms discussed. The result is a fresh analysis of this pivotal figure in European history from a military perspective.
1137594026
A Military Life of Constantine the Great
"Ian Hughes chronicles all of these events in his book, but with special attention given to the revolution in military affairs which took place under the two Emperors." -Consolation of Antiquity

Much of Constantine I’s claim to lasting fame rests upon his sponsorship of Christianity, and many works have been published assessing whether his apparent conversion was a real religious experience or a cynical political maneuver. However his path to sole rule of the Roman Empire depended more upon the ruthless application of military might than upon his espousal of Christianity. He fought numerous campaigns, many of them against Roman rivals for Imperial power, most famously defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. In this new study, Ian Hughes assesses whether Constantine would have deserved the title ‘the Great’ for his military achievements alone, or whether the epithet depends upon the gratitude of Christian historians.

All of Constantine’s campaigns are narrated and his strategic and tactical decisions analyzed. The organization, strengths and weaknesses of the Roman army he inherited are described and the effect of both his and his predecessors’ reforms discussed. The result is a fresh analysis of this pivotal figure in European history from a military perspective.
42.95 In Stock
A Military Life of Constantine the Great

A Military Life of Constantine the Great

by Ian Hughes
A Military Life of Constantine the Great

A Military Life of Constantine the Great

by Ian Hughes

Hardcover

$42.95 
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Overview

"Ian Hughes chronicles all of these events in his book, but with special attention given to the revolution in military affairs which took place under the two Emperors." -Consolation of Antiquity

Much of Constantine I’s claim to lasting fame rests upon his sponsorship of Christianity, and many works have been published assessing whether his apparent conversion was a real religious experience or a cynical political maneuver. However his path to sole rule of the Roman Empire depended more upon the ruthless application of military might than upon his espousal of Christianity. He fought numerous campaigns, many of them against Roman rivals for Imperial power, most famously defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. In this new study, Ian Hughes assesses whether Constantine would have deserved the title ‘the Great’ for his military achievements alone, or whether the epithet depends upon the gratitude of Christian historians.

All of Constantine’s campaigns are narrated and his strategic and tactical decisions analyzed. The organization, strengths and weaknesses of the Roman army he inherited are described and the effect of both his and his predecessors’ reforms discussed. The result is a fresh analysis of this pivotal figure in European history from a military perspective.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781526724236
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 01/13/2021
Pages: 288
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ian Hughes specializes in Late Roman history and is the author of Belisarius, the Last Roman General (2009); Stilicho, the Vandal who Saved Rome (2010); Aetius: Attila’s Nemesis (2012); Imperial Brothers: Valentinian, Valens and the Disaster at Adrianople (2013); Patricians and Emperors (2015); and Gaiseric, the Vandal Who Destroyed Rome (2017). A former teacher whose hobbies include football, wargaming, and restoring electric guitars, Ian lives near Barnsley in South Yorkshire.

Table of Contents

Introduction vi

Abbreviations xx

Chapter 1 Background 1

Chapter 2 Diocletian and His Reforms 11

Chapter 3 Constantius and Son 40

Chapter 4 The Rise of Constantine 58

Chapter 5 The Conquest of Northern Italy 86

Chapter 6 The Battle of the Milvian Bridge 103

Chapter 7 Constantine: Western Emperor 132

Chapter 8 The Bellum Cibalense 150

Chapter 9 Descent to War 173

Chapter 10 The Final Conflict 186

Chapter 11 The Reforms 200

Chapter 12 Crispus and Fausta 213

Chapter 13 Sole Emperor 225

Chapter 14 Constantine's Later Campaigns1 237

Chapter 15 Aftermath and Conclusion 254

Constantine's Campaigns (Born c.272) 265

Notes 266

Select Bibliography 288

Index 297

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