Constantine and Christendom: The Orations of the Saints; The Greek and Latin Accounts of the Discovery of the Cross; The Donation of Constantine to Pope Silvester: Translated Texts for Historians

This volume is a modern translation from the Latin of three texts by Constantine, by reputation the earliest Christian emperor of Rome, making available important sources for the study of early fourth-century history and Christianity. The book includes extensive introductory discussion of the texts, but before approaching them the translator reflects on the usage of the word "Christian" and its application to a man such as Constantine.

In the twenty-six chapters of Oration to the Saints, Constantine first puts the case for monotheism, then extols the voluntary abasement of the Son of God, and finally declares his personal adherence to the Savior. The translator defends the Oration as a genuine work of Constantine, whereas the other two pieces are presented as forgeries that are nonetheless of great interest and value to historians and classicists.

The legend of the discovery (or "invention" in Latin) of the "True Cross" by the empress Helena, mother of Constantine, following her conversion to Christianity is presented in translations of two variant accounts. The third text, known generally as the "Donation of Constantine," concerns Constantine's supposed edict to Pope Silvester transferring lands to the papacy.