The Silver Dish Of Constantius II: Depicting Religion In Art

Mary Margaret Hagood

Ms. Katharine Hutson and Ms. Mary Webb

English and Humanities ODP

May 22, 2023

The Silver Dish of Constantius II

Depicting religion in art was common throughout the 4th century CE. Prior to the reign of Constantine, polytheistic gods were portrayed in art as having human attributes and motives. Christian art depicted the godlike features of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit without intertwining them with human flaws. Christians believed that God was unlike previous gods because God valued each person's well-being. This differed from polytheism where citizens felt it was mandatory to honor gods in order to protect themselves. In monotheistic societies, it was not a threat but a choice to praise God.

The Silver Dish of Constantius

Gaul, known as France today, was a part of the Roman Empire prior to the rise of Christianity. While Gaul was still a part of the Roman Empire, they created three tribes including Belgica, Celtica, and Anquitania. Each of these sections of Gaullia was under Roman Empire rule, yet each section had varying language, customs, and laws. Most importantly, each section was polytheistic. As the Roman Empire began to fall, instead three colonies were formed: Nyon, August, and Lyon. Each of these colonies was ruled by an emperor (State, 1-5). Adkins explains, “In the 4th-century emperors began to support Christianity. After the Edict of Milan in 313, the practice of Christianity was no longer an offense.” This references Constantine and the Edict of Milan confirming Constantine’s influence over the acceptance of Christianity. The Edict of Milan shaped the future of Christianity and other religions. Constantine’s perspective allowed others to view opposing religions with open minds. Constantine’s influence in the Edict of Milan inspired others to accept Christianity and eventually convert. Notably, this took place in Gaul when: “[W]orshiping their kings as gods and that readily transferred their worship to Roman rulers”

More specifically, the claim that he was baptized right before he died is the most concerning aspect. Throughout Christianity, getting baptized is known as an introductory ritual to welcome one into the faith. From this perspective, Constantine used Christianity; and subsequently, he also abused his followers for power. Getting baptized so late into his faith cleared his soul of sin; hence, historians suspect he short-circuited the religious process of penance throughout one’s life. He also abused his Christian followers. Others believe, unlike previous emperors, he supported Christianity, yet he manipulated his followers to gain more power and acceptance. Furthermore, Constantine's lack of respect for the Jewish faith portrays him as a hypocrite. Richard Gotteild and Hermamn Volgestein explain in the Jewish Encyclopedia that Licinius and Constantine codified law in 329 AD stating that “[J]ews were forbidden to perform the rite of circumcision on slaves or to own Christian slaves; the death penalty was ordained for those who embraced the Jewish faith, as well as for Jews versed in the Law who aided them.” After sixteen years,