Constantin et Théodose, deux empereurs favorables à la cause du christianisme : entre volonté religieuse et soubassement politique

Abstract. In the history of the Roman Empire, Constantine and Theodosius were the emperors who distinguished themselves the most for the cause of Christianity. This is fully proved, on the one hand, by their religious policy, whose actions were aimed at restoring Christianity to its dignity, and on the other hand, by their intervention in the affairs of the Church, at a time when unity within Christianity was weakened by clerical tensions. However, the interference of these two emperors in ecclesiastical affairs seems to have been based on political opportunism. For, this interference certainly worked in favour of a religious unity of the Empire around Christianity, but in return allowed them not only to gain credibility, but also to increase their supremacy. Let us say, in short, that the temporal uses the spiritual to better establish its power.