Christianity.

318. Beginning of the Arian controversy.

321. Constantine makes an edict ordering the Aruspices to be consulted
in certain cases, according to the ancient form. Two others prescribe
the observance of Sunday.

323. Licinius is overcome by Constantine, who becomes sole master of the
Roman Empire. See "CONVERSION OF CONSTANTINE," iii, 289.

324. Constantine, who had promised his sister not to injure Licinius,
orders Licinius to be strangled.

325. Council of Nice, the first general council of the Church; the
followers of Athanasius pronounce the condemnation of the Arians. See
"FIRST NICENE COUNCIL," iii, 299.

326. Helena, saint and Empress, visits Palestine and founds churches
there.

329. Frumentius preaches Christianity to the Abyssinians.

330. Removal of the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium.
See "FOUNDATION OF CONSTANTINOPLE," iii, 320.

331. Birth of Hieronymus (St. Jerome).

333. The title of caesar given by Constantine to his youngest son,
Constans.

An edict of Constantine's exempts medical men and professors of
literature from military service. This confirmed the procedure of
certain former emperors.

337. Death of Constantine, soon after his baptism by Eusebius, an Arian
bishop. Partition of the Roman Empire between his sons, Constantine,
Constans, and Constantius.

340. Constantine II makes war upon Constans; the former is slain, and
Constans becomes ruler of the greater part of the Roman Empire.
Constantius rules in the East.

341. Gaul is invaded by the Franks, who resist Constans.

Ulfilas becomes bishop of the Goths.*

Violent earthquakes in Syria. The Synod of Antioch assents to an Arian
creed, deposes Athanasius, and appoints Gregory bishop of Alexandria.

347. A general council is held at Sardica. The majority approves the
Nicene faith; the deposition of Arian bishops voted, and the restoration
of Athanasius and Marcellus to episcopal honors. The minority secede to
Philippopolis and annul their acts; the two bodies mutually
excommunicate each other.

348. Sapor, at the head of the Persians, defeats the Romans at Singara.

350. Magentius proclaims himself emperor; Constans flees into Spain,
where he is assassinated.

351. Constantius defeats Magentius at the battle of Mursa.

352. Italy declares against Magentius, who gains a useless victory at
Pavia.

353. Constantius sole emperor, Magentius being overthrown by him.

Constantius convokes t