Constantine and the Chi Rho Mosaic
July 25th was the 1,700th anniversary of theproclaimation of Constantine as Emperor. This was an ecumenical religious service at midday led by the Archbishop of York at local Roman ruins followed with a parade exhibits.
See here from the Times On-line.
and here from independent Catholic news:
Centurions in England might like to visit the Yorkshire Museum where there is a display about old Eboracum, as the Roman Army Camp was called, before it became York. Good photos here.
and here from an historical article of Elizabeth Hartley, the curator of the exhibition.
Against this background, it is interesting to consider the extent to which Constantine's proclamation in York might have affected the city. York, legionary fortress, colonia, and capital of Lower Britain for 100 years, had become the capital of one of four provinces which made up the Diocese of the Britains in 296. This province was most likely known as Flavia Caesariensis, and hence named after Constantine's father Flavius Constantius as Caesar. It therefore seems no accident that the larger-than-life-size marble head of Constantine should have been discovered in York in the area of the fortress near the headquarters building.
The hall of the headquarters building was rebuilt under Constantius or Constantine and a statue of Constantine is likely to have been placed there. There are also still standing the monumental remains of the corner-tower of the fortress with its connecting curtain wall, which fronted the river. The magnificence and sheer scale of this frontage when complete suggest that it was built with imperial backing, suitable for the high status of York and its position as a place where emperors resided and major events took place.
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"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 14:19]
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org
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