Constantine and Christendom: The Orations of the Saints; The Greek and Latin Accounts of the Discovery of the Cross; The Donation of Constantine to Pope Silvester

This volume is a modern translation from Latin of three texts by Constantine, by reputation the earliest Christian Emperor of Rome, making available important sources for the study of early fourth-century history and Christianity. The book includes extensive introductory discussion of the texts, but before approaching them the translator reflects on the usage of the word Christian and its application to such a man as Constantine. In the 26 chapters of Oration to the Saints , Constantine first puts the case for monotheism, then extols the voluntary abasement of the Son of God, and finally declares his personal adherence to the Saviour. The translator defends the Oration as a genuine work of Constantine, whereas the other two pieces are presented as forgeries, which are nevertheless of great interest and value for historians and classicists. The legend of the discovery (or invention in Latin) of the True Cross by the empress Helena, mother of Constantine, following her conversion to Christianity is presented in translations of two variant accounts. The third text, generally also known as the Donation of Constantine , concerns Constantine’s supposed edict to Pope Silvester transferring lands to the papacy.