Framing Christian Succession: Eusebius, Constantine’s Sons and the Vita Constantini

Abstract Eusebius’ Vita Constantini , finalised after Constantine’s death, is one of the most important sources for the reign of Constantine I . But Eusebius’ retrospective view of Constantine’s life is not only revealing for Constantine’s rule itself. This article will examine how and in which contexts Eusebius depicts and presents the three sons and successors of Constantine in the VC . It will be shown that Eusebius develops an idea of Christian succession and thereby attempts to master the challenges posed by Constantine’s death, which lay in the uncertainty of how politics will continue, especially concerning religious issues. In particular, some comparison with other panegyrists of the 4th century, such as Libanius and Themistius, will demonstrate that Eusebius legitimised imperial succession on the basis of Christian theology in an original and profound way. He thus emerges as a panegyrist not only of Constantine himself, but also of his sons.