In 312 AD Emperor Constantine Saw a Vision of the Christian Cross in the Sky with the Words “In This Sign You Shall Conquer,” Defeated the Pagan Leader Maxentius, Legalized Christianity and Founded Constantinople (New Rome). Here’s Some of the Evil Things Constantine Did:
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Constantine the Great (272–337 AD) is a complex historical figure. While he is often praised for legalizing Christianity and founding Constantinople, his reign also had darker aspects. Some of the more controversial and ruthless actions attributed to him include:
- Murdering His Own Family – Constantine had several close family members executed, likely for political reasons:
- Crispus (his eldest son) – In 326 AD, Constantine ordered the execution of his son, possibly due to false accusations of an affair with his stepmother, Fausta.
- Fausta (his wife) – Soon after Crispus’ death, Fausta was executed, possibly as punishment for her role in accusing Crispus.
- Lycinius (his brother-in-law and former co-emperor) – After defeating and deposing Licinius, Constantine initially spared him but later had him executed along with his son, Constantine’s nephew.
- Religious Persecution (Against Pagans and Heretics) – While he is known for legalizing Christianity, Constantine also suppressed non-Christian religions and sects:
- He ordered the destruction of some pagan temples.
- He enacted laws restricting pagan practices.
- Though he promoted religious tolerance, he later persecuted certain Christian sects like the Donatists and Arians.
- Power Consolidation Through War and Betrayal – Constantine used ruthless military and political tactics to secure his power:
- He betrayed and waged war against Licinius, despite initially making peace.
- He used harsh tactics to eliminate rivals and secure his position as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.
- Imposing Harsh Laws and Executions – Constantine’s legal reforms included strict punishments, sometimes excessively brutal. For example, he passed laws that:
- Allowed branding criminals on the face.
- Made some crimes punishable by burning alive.
- Strengthened slavery laws.
While these actions reflect the brutality of the time, they also show that Constantine was not just a saintly Christian emperor but a shrewd and often ruthless ruler.
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If God Could Use a Broken Instrument Like Constantine…