This volume investigates the multifaceted legacy of Constantine the Great by analyzing the tension between his historical actions and the subsequent myth-making that defined his image for centuries. The authors, Dominic Montserrat and Samuel N. C. Lieu, curate a collection of scholarly essays that evaluate the emperor's reign through diverse lenses, including his role as the first Christian ruler and his transformation into a symbolic figurehead for both church and state. By synthesizing primary source analysis with historiographical critique, the text challenges monolithic interpretations of Constantine's life and political impact.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this collection as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of Constantinian studies. The text is noted for its academic rigor and its success in bridging the gap between historical fact and the legendary status the emperor acquired over time.