August 30, 2004

Boise State Prof's Book Examines Life of Emperor Constantine

A new book by Boise State University professor Charles Odahl examines the life and reign of the first Christian emperor of the Roman world. “Constantine and the Christian Empire” (424 pages, hardback, 92 photographs and eight maps, $104.95) is part of Routledge Press’s Roman Imperial Biographies series. Under Constantine’s rule, pagan Rome was transformed into the Christian empire of Byzantine times. His conversion to and patronage of Christianity, his political maneuvers and military campaigns are all chronicled through vivid narrative and historical analysis. Assessed within the context of the third century crisis and the fourth century revival of the Roman Empire, Constantine emerges in Odahl’s writing as one of the most astute political leaders, great field commanders, sincere religious reformers and extensive imperial builders among the entire line of Roman emperors. Odahl wrote the book following more than a quarter century spent retracing all the journeys made by Constantine across Europe and around the Mediterranean basin, and studying all literary sources relevant to the period. The result is a fascinating scholarly picture of one of the ancient world’s most powerful leaders. Odahl is a professor of ancient and medieval history and director of classical languages and literatures at Boise State. His main areas of research are the Roman Empire, the early Christian church and Constantine. His previous publications include “Early Christian Latin Literature,” published in 1993. Odahl has traveled extensively through Europe and the Mediterranean region examining extant texts, monuments, artifacts and historical sites of Constantine’s era. A less expensive paperback version will be out in about a year, and the book will also be available online. -30- Contact Charles Odahl Department of History 208 426-3220 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275