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Primary sourceLetter

Second Letter of Constantine to Macarius

Constantine the Great

A letter from Constantine to bishops in Palestine about correcting impious practices at a holy site.

This letter, written by Constantine, shows him acting to protect a Christian holy site influenced by his family.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This letter was written by Constantine the Great to Macarius and other bishops in Palestine. It discusses a report made by his mother-in-law about improper practices occurring at a holy site, and his intention to correct them. The letter is preserved within Eusebius's Life of Constantine.

Why it matters

The letter shows Constantine acting to protect what he considered sacred Christian sites, and reveals the influence of his family, including his mother-in-law, on his religious policy. It highlights how closely personal and political life intertwined with his role as a Christian emperor.

Look closer

  • What does this letter suggest about who influenced Constantine's religious decisions?
  • Why might protecting a 'holy place' matter to an emperor?
  • What is left unclear about what exactly happened at this site?

This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Constantine the Great on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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