[Sidenote:  U.C. 1084.  A.D. 330.]

17.  The city, therefore, he beautified with the most magnificent edifices; he divided it into fourteen regions; built a capitol, an amphitheatre, many churches, and other public works; and having thus rendered it equal to the magnificence of his first idea, he dedicated it in a very solemn manner to the God of martyrs; and in about two years after repaired thither with his whole court.

18.  This removal produced no immediate alteration in the government of the empire.  The inhabitants of Rome, though with reluctance, submitted to the change; nor was there, for two or three years, any disturbance in the state, until at length the Goths, finding that the Romans had withdrawn all their garrisons along the Danube, renewed their inroads, and ravaged the country with unheard-of cruelty. 19.  Con’stantine, however, soon repressed their incursions, and so straitened them, that nearly a hundred thousand of their number perished by cold and hunger.

20.  Another great error ascribed to him is, the dividing the empire among his sons.  Con’stantine, the emperor’s eldest son, commanded in Gaul and the western provinces; Constan’tius, the second, governed Africa and Illyr’icum; and Con’stans, the youngest, ruled in Italy. 21.  This division of the empire still further contributed to its downfall; for the united strength of the state being no longer brought to repress invasion, the barbarians fought with superior numbers, and conquered at last, though often defeated.  When Con’stantine was above sixty years old, and had reigned about thirty, he found his health decline.

22.  His disorder, which was an ague, increasing, he went to Nicome’dia, where, finding himself without hopes of a recovery, he caused himself to be baptised.  He soon after received the sacrament, and expired.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the state of the empire at this period?

2.  Was this peace lasting, and by whom was it broken?

3.  Was the contest likely to be vigorous?

4.  In what way did the two emperors prepare for the conflict?

5.  What was the result?

6.  Was this truce religiously observed?

7.  Did Constantine fulfil his engagement?

8.  What was Constantine’s resolution on becoming sole monarch, and what steps did he take?

9.  By whom was it attended, and what was the result?

10.  Was he happy in his domestic relations? 11.  Was the removal of the seat of the empire beneficial to the state?

12.  Were his reasons for doing so well grounded?

13.  What was the consequence?

14.  What was his original intention, and what induced him to alter it?

15.  Was it a Convenient spot?

16.  Describe its situation.

17.  What alteration did he make, and to whom was it dedicated?

18.  What was the immediate effect of this transfer?