Constantine and the Christian Empire (repost)

This detailed biographical narrative reveals how the greatest emperor of Late Antiquity transformed Christianity from a persecuted minority cult into an established majority religion, and changed the pagan state of classical Rome into the Christian empire of the Byzantine era. Assessed within the context of the third century crisis and fourth century revival of the Roman Empire, Constantine emerges as one the most astute political leaders, great field commanders, sincere religious reformers and extensive imperial builders among the long line of Roman Emperors. The author's comprehensive knowledge of the literary sources, and his extensive research into the material remains of Constantine's reign, mean this volume provides a more rounded and accurate portrait of the emperor than ever before. Extensively illustrated and fully documented, Constantine and the Christian Empire is a landmark publication in Roman imperial, early Christian and Byzantine imperial history.