Constantine, Christianity, & Greco-Roman Culture.

Constantine, Christianity, & Greco-Roman Culture

Constantine, Christianity, & Culture

I. Constantine’s “Conversion” and Its Consequences



A. Historical and not-so-Historical Details

Milvian Bridge, Rome

What did he see?

Constantine’s Vision in Later Imagination




B. Legalization of Christianity





C. Creation of Constantinople: “New Rome”






II. Christianity and Culture After Constantine







A. Mutual Influences: How did Christianity & Greco-Roman culture relate?








1. Church government & organization








1. Church government & organization2. Calendar & Holidays








1. Church government & organization2. Calendar & Holidays3. Worship: From private to public

Basilicas: A New use for an old form

Outline of Old St. Peter's

Images of the "Good Shepherd"

Fresco in the catacomb of Marcellinus (left); Peter, an ivory figure (right)

Christ as the Good Shepherd

(Rome, Catacomb of San Callisto,

crypt of Lucina)

From Beardless Shepherd to Majestic Ruler

Bust of Christ (Rome, Catacomb of Comodilla)








1. Church government & organization2. Calendar & Holidays3. Worship: From private to public

B. The Importance of Neoplatonic Philosophy

Documents