Vita Constantini

   Eusebios of Caesarea's (q.v.) Life of Constantine, composed between 337-339. It is a panegyric that approaches hagiography (q.v.) whose historical value has been much debated. In it we hear in Constantine's own words the story of his miraculous vision of a cross of light in the sky, accompanied by the words "By this, conquer!" Even Eusebios found the story incredible, and made Constantine swear an oath that it was true. However, there are decrees, including a letter to the king of Persia (q.v.), from Constantine's own hand, that Eusebios seems to quote verbatim. In these the reader may perhaps hear the words of a new convert, even a religious zealot, convinced by the victory-bringing labarum (q.v.).