answersLogoWhite

0

Constantine the Great, emperor of Rome, was a murderous tyrant who hastened the end of the Western Empire by his extravagance and some of his policies. However, he also had some achievements that are looked on favourably today.

Constantine did his best to encourage his soldiers, not only by incessant Propaganda in their favour, but by generous treatment which became legendary. This generosity was no doubt partly intended to ensure that the army, although pagan, would continue to support him.

Although Constantine imposed swingeing taxes on the middle and lower classes, Eusebius emphasises his generous almsgiving to widows, orphans and beggars.

His gold coin, solidus, was one of Constantine's most lasting achievements, because it continued to maintain its weight and purity throughout his reign and for seven centuries to come, playing a large part in preventing the reversion of the west to a barter economy.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?