Roman emperor who rose from Diocletian's conference of emperors to control the eastern half of the empire, Licinius co-issued the Edict of Milan with Constantine and cemented their alliance through marriage to Constantine's sister Constantia. Though at best a lukewarm supporter of Christianity, he grew suspicious of Christians as a potential fifth column, executing bishops and destroying churches, and also gave welcome to Arius in Nicomedia, where a local synod endorsed Arian teachings. His actions gave Constantine a pretext to invade; defeated by 323, he surrendered on a promise of clemency, was exiled in comfort, and was subsequently hanged.
Also known as: Valerius Licinianus Licinius
What each episode says
Episode 3 (20 mentions)
Picked as the new Augustus of the West by Diocletian at the conference of emperors, Licinius survived and eventually controlled the East. He joined Constantine in issuing the Edict of Milan and sealed their alliance with the marriage of Constantine's sister Constantia. Despite being at best a lukewarm supporter of Christianity, he became increasingly suspicious of Christians as a fifth column, executed bishops, and destroyed churches — giving Constantine the pretext to invade and ultimately defeat him. He surrendered on condition his life be spared, was sent into comfortable exile, and was then hanged months later.
Episode 4 (2 mentions)
The eastern emperor who was defeated and killed by Constantine by 323. He had earlier given warm welcome to Arius in Nicomedia, and a synod called by the local bishop there endorsed Arius's teachings.
“Nicomedia, where he was warmly greeted by the emperor Licinius himself, and a synod”
“And so by 323, with Licinius dead and Constantine in control of the empire, what had started”
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