Constantine the Great General: A Military Biography

by Stephen English, Elizabeth James

Overview

Constantine the Great is a titanic figure in Roman, and indeed world history. Most famed for making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire (and thus ensuring its survival and spread), and for moving the seat of imperial rule to 'New Rome' (Constantinople), he is most often studied for his religious and political impact. But it is often forgotten that his power and success was made possible by the use of armed force, in an impressive military career which is well worthy of study in its own right. Constantine won victories over external barbarian armies as well as defeating the Roman armies of his internal rivals in civil war.

Elizabeth James sets the scene with a discussion of the nature of the Roman army as it emerged and evolved from from the Third Century Crisis, describing the make up of the armies, their weapons and tactics, and the impact of Constantine's policies and reforms. She then examines each of Constantine's campaigns and battles, (including the British campaign which led to his proclamation as emperor at York) to show that he deserves to be remembered as a great general as well as a great emperor. This will be a welcome study of a neglected facet of this historical colossus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848841185
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	06/02/2012
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr Stephen English was recently awarded his PhD for his thesis on the military career of Alexander the Great. His first book, The Army of Alexander the Great, was published by Pen & Sword in 2009.

He lives in County Durham.

Elizabeth James studied Ancient History at Oxford and Durham Universities, where a good knowledge of Greek and Latin allowed her to work on the sources in their original form. She has a particular interest in Late Antiquity. After a brief career in teaching, she is now a pursuing a career as a professional author and copy-editor. She has recently completed writing an A-level course on Classical Civilization for Oxford College.

Table of Contents

List of Plates vi

Maps vii

Preface xvi

Acknowledgements xviii

1 Introduction 1

2 The Army: The Social Context 15

3 The Rise of Constantine: Tetrarchy, Army and Frontiers 23

4 Turin and Verona 47

5 The Milvian Bridge 61

6 Campus Ergenus 73

7 War with Licinius: Cibalae and Campus Ardiensis 79

8 Resumption of War: Adrianople, Byzantium and Chrysopolis 89

9 Imperial Reorganisation and the Final Campaigns 106

10 The Future of the Roman Empire 119

11 Constantinople: War and the City 135

12 Conclusion 147

Notes 151

Bibliography 161

Index 167