Constantine the Great

First Christian Roman Emperor

Ancient influential 47 sayings

Sayings by Constantine the Great

Apprehended slaves trying to run back to barbarian lands should either have their feet cut off or be sent into the mine.

c. 313-321 CE — Legal decree concerning runaway slaves, from the Theodosian Code
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Apprehended slaves trying to run back to barbarian lands should either have their feet cut off or be sent into the mine.

c. 313-321 CE — Legal decree concerning runaway slaves, from the Theodosian Code
Strange & Unusual Disputed

People condemned to the games or the mines should be branded in the hands or calves, not the face, which is formed in the image of the heavenly Son.

c. 314 CE — Legal decree concerning punishment for criminals, from the Theodosian Code
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

People condemned to the games or the mines should be branded in the hands or calves, not the face, which is formed in the image of the heavenly Son.

c. 314 CE — Legal decree concerning punishment for criminals, from the Theodosian Code
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I have seen the cross in the sky, and in it I have conquered.

312 — Attributed to his vision before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let all men who are Christians, and those who are not, enjoy the full liberty of following that religion which they choose.

313 — From the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

By this sign, you will conquer.

312 — The famous phrase (In hoc signo vinces) associated with his vision of the Chi-Rho symbol.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Christian God is the true God.

c. 312 — Reflecting his personal conversion and endorsement of Christianity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I desire that all the peoples of the Roman world should become Christians.

c. 320 — While promoting tolerance, he also clearly expressed a desire for universal conversion.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us build a new Rome, a Christian Rome.

330 — Referring to the founding of Constantinople.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The unity of the Church is paramount for the stability of the Empire.

325 — Reflecting his motivation for calling the Council of Nicaea.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My purpose was to lead all the nations of the world to the worship of God.

c. 320 — From a letter or official statement, expressing his evangelical zeal.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let no one disturb another, but let everyone hold fast to that which he desires.

313 — From the Edict of Milan, emphasizing individual religious freedom.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sun itself I have seen in the heavens, shining with the sign of the cross.

312 — A more dramatic description of his vision before the Milvian Bridge.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God has chosen me to be the instrument of His will.

c. 320 — Reflecting his strong belief in his divine mandate.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us abolish all pagan sacrifices.

c. 324 — A later policy, showing a shift from tolerance to active suppression of paganism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been guided by God in all my actions.

c. 320 — From a letter or official statement, emphasizing divine guidance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The welfare of the state depends on the favor of the divine power.

c. 313 — Reflecting his belief in the connection between state and religion.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us celebrate Sunday as a day of rest and worship.

321 — From a decree, establishing Sunday as a public holiday.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a bishop of those outside the Church.

c. 325 — A striking statement, indicating his view of his own role in guiding the broader populace towards Ch…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable