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Populations on the Move

Introduction

  • Date: 3 March 2026

  • Context: Focus on the interactions and movements of populations in historical contexts.

Major Themes

  • Consequences of a Christian Rome

  • Travel & Migration

    • Pilgrimage

    • Climate change & Germanic Migration

  • Empires & Imperialism

    • Question of Christian imperialism.

  • Interactions & Identity

    • Defining self against an "other".

Romans as Christians

  • Introduction to the Roman population transitioning to Christianity.

  • Constantine's Innovations:

    • Defined new geographical and political topography within the empire.

    • Rise of new societal elites with influence.

    • Transformation in attitudes toward religious practices.

Key Historical Figures

  • Diocletian (286-312 CE):

    • Implemented anti-Christian legislation in 303 CE.

    • Retired in 305 CE.

    • Political Context:

    • Replaced by Galerius.

    • Civilian leaders included Constantine, Maxentius, and Licinius.

  • Key Event: Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE

    • Constantine v. Maxentius

    • Notable for the marking of Christ on soldiers' shields (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ).

The Edict of Milan (313 CE)

  • Issued by Constantine & Licinius.

    • Promoted true freedom of worship rather than mere toleration.

    • General Principle: True religion cannot be imposed (cf. Lactantius Inst. 5.20).

    • Gallienus: recognized Christians legally as a corporation (ca. 260 CE).

    • Galerius (d. 311 CE): encouraged Christians to pray for the empire.

    • Lactantius, "On the Deaths of the Persecutors"

    • Discussed the importance of religious freedom for all, regardless of faith.

    • Emphasis on divine favor being vital for state welfare.

Constantinople

  • Historical Context:

    • Originally named Byzantium, renaming to Constantinople by Constantine.

    • Serves as the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire.

  • Significant Architectural Contributions:

    • Development of a new city structure focused on Christian tenets.

Role of Bishops

  • Relationship between Constantine and bishops:

    • Christ viewed as the source of divine law.

    • Bishops help the emperor create a state reflecting the divine.

    • Sarcophagus of Bishop Liberius depicted Christ delivering the law to St. Paul (378 CE).

Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

  • Key Debates:

    • Arius of Alexandria proposed Christ was of “similar” substance to the Father (homoiousion).

    • Orthodoxy affirmed Christ of the “same” substance as the Father (homoousion).

  • Resulted in the definition of consubstantiality in the Nicene Creed.

The Significance of Emperor Constantine

  • Claims military success attributed to his piety (Oration to the Saints).

  • Burial in Constantinople flanked by cenotaphs of Jesus’ 12 disciples.

  • Questions raised about the consequences for Christianity when emperors fought under the “sign of Christ.”

  • Continuity of Christian emperors following Constantine, except for Julian (361-363 CE).

Transformation of Urban Landscapes

  • Description of notable constructions in Constantinople related to religious significance.

    • Includes basilicas and temples corresponding to the divine hierarchy (Capitoline Triad, temple to Cybele).

Monasticism

  • Emergence of monks as holy individuals.

  • Establishment of monasteries attributed to figures like Anthony (ca. 251-356 CE).

    • Coenobitic (koinos bios) monasticism attributed to Pachomius (3rd Century).

    • Increased prominence of monastic communities influenced by John Cassian (4-5C).

Migration Patterns

  • Map visual representation of Christianized areas circa A.D. 325 and A.D. 600.

  • Illustration of prominent churches and monasteries emerging during late antiquity.

Social Conflicts and State Actions

  • Increased tensions against “pagans.”

    • Key points:

    • Ambrose’s advocacy for religious pluralism.

    • Theodosius I’s 391 edict prohibiting pagan sacrifices.

  • Historical Response from Theodosius:

    • Maintained policies of religious liberty for Jews.

    • Conflicted stances against heretics, officializing Nicene Christianity as the sole legal form (Theodosian Code 16.1.2).

Consequences of a Christianized Rome

  • Exploration of unforeseen outcomes from Constantine’s policies involving bishops in governance.

  • Inquiry into how socio-political factors contributed to evolving attitudes during this period.

Drought and the Germanic Migration

  • Evidence of severe drought affecting pastoral communities during 4th Century.

    • Documented drought from 338 – 378 CE; noted as one of the worst in 2000 years (Michael McCormick et al.).

Roman Defense against Migration

  • Description of invasions and the dynamics of Roman and German relations.

    • Key events included the battle against Visigoths leading to the death of Emperor Valens at Adrianople in 378 CE.

Responses to Migration Events

  • Aftermath of invasions and the governance restructuring under Theodosius I.

    • Recruitment of Goths into the military as foederati.

    • Division of the empire between Arcadius and Honorius.

Conclusion of Migration Period

  • Descriptions of various tribes’ migration (Anglo-Saxons, Franks, Vandals).

    • Visigoths’ sack of Rome in 410 CE marks a pivotal moment.

  • Reflections on the societal impact and expectations from the fall of Rome.

  • Discourse on the perceived loss of divine favor (pax deorum) through Augustine’s writings in "City of God."

Reflection on the City of God

  • Exploration of Augustine's significant theological work amidst crises, redefining the relationship between divine providence and earthly power.

  • His assertion that earthly setbacks do not equate to a failure in one’s spiritual life.

  • Differentiation between the two cities stemming from self-love versus love of God (Augustine, City of God 14.28).