Lunchtime Lecture - ‘Constantine the Great: the convert’

Part of our 'Imperial Lives' Lunchtime Lecture series. Hear about the life of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great

The Roman Emperor Constantine the Great is one of the most famous names of the ancient world, mainly because of his connections with Rome's conversion to Christianity.  This lecture will explore the social and political background of Constantine's life, including his proclamation as Emperor in York and the civil war he fought to claim the Empire.  The evidence for his alleged conversion to Christianity at the battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD312 will be investigated, as will its implications for religious activity in the later Roman Empire.

This lecture will be delivered by our Collections Access Officer (archaeology).  The lecture begins at 12.30 and will last approximately 30 minutes, in The Collection's auditorium, and is FREE.  There is no need to book in advance.

This lecture is part of a series of six Lunchtime Lectures entitled 'Imperial Lives: Six Roman Emperors with British connections'.  The other lectures in the series are:

15 August 2014 - 'Claudius: the idiot'

12 September 2014 - 'Domitian: the tyrant'

10 October 2014 - 'Hadrian: the traveller'

14 November 2014 - 'Septimius Severus: the popular dictator'

12 December 2014 - 'Carausius: the usurper'

16 January 2015 - 'Constantine the Great: the convert'