A military life of Constantine the Great / Ian Hughes.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hughes, Ian, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Constantine I, Emperor of Rome--Military leadership.

Constantine.

Constantine I, Emperor of Rome, -337.

Military biography.

Rome--History--Constantine I, the Great, 306-337.

Rome.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (337 pages)

Place of Publication:

Open Road Media 2021

Summary:

A new analysis of the strengths, organization, weapons, and tactics of the Roman army Constantine inherited and his military reforms. Much of Constantine I's claim to lasting fame rests upon his sponsorship of Christianity, and many works have been published assessing whether his apparent conversion was a real religious experience or a cynical political maneuver. However, his path to sole rule of the Roman Empire depended more upon the ruthless application of military might than upon his espousal of Christianity. He fought numerous campaigns, many against Roman rivals for Imperial power, most famously defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. In this new study, Ian Hughes assesses whether Constantine would have deserved the title "the Great" for his military achievements alone, or whether the epithet depends upon the gratitude of Christian historians. All of Constantine's campaigns are narrated and his strategic and tactical decisions analyzed. The organization, strengths, and weaknesses of the Roman army he inherited are described and the effect of both his and his predecessors' reforms discussed. The result is a fresh analysis of this pivotal figure in European history from a military perspective.

Contents:

Title Introduction Abbreviations Chapter 1 Background Chapter 2 Diocletian and His Reforms Chapter 3 Constantius and Son Chapter 4 The Rise of Constantine Chapter 5 The Conquest of Northern Italy Chapter 6 The Battle of the Milvian Bridge Chapter 7 Constantine: Western Emperor Chapter 8 The Bellum Cibalense Chapter 9 Descent to War Chapter 10 The Final Conflict Chapter 11 The Reforms Chapter 12 Crispus and Fausta Chapter 13 Sole Emperor Chapter 14 Constantine's Later Campaigns1 Chapter 15 Aftermath and Conclusion Constantine's Campaigns (Born c.272) Select Bibliography Plate section

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781526724267

152672426X

9781526724243

1526724243