The Age of Constantine the Great

Rating:
Summary: good if you already know the basics
Review: This is a good treatment of the time from Diocletian to Constantine (actually shortly before and shortly after those landmark reigns). The book will be profitable to all readers, but it will be most valuable to those who already know at least a little of Rome's history. Certain background is presumed, and some important events are merely glossed over rather than treated in depth. This isn't really a drawback -- not every book can be a comprehensive history; some have to look in more detail at certain aspects!

Burckhardt is at his best in describing the state of paganism and of the arts in this age. He really comes alive here.

One drawback is the very "19th century" feel -- e.g., certain events or behaviors are sweepingly and uncritically characterized as due to race or gender. Another is that, in discussing Constantine and the Church, it seems clear that Burckhardt doesn't want Constantine to be a Christian, and this may cloud some of the presentation and interpretation.

But, overall, a good treatment. Don't read it for a biography of Constantine -- you'll be disappointed.