Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Imperial Religious Policy from Constantine to Theodosius I by Ferdinando Emilio Abbate offers a concise account of one of the most consequential transformations in Western history. Covering the period from 311 to 394, the book traces Christianity’s evolution from a marginal and often suspect faith to the publicly endorsed religion of the Roman state. Abbate begins with the late tetrarchic system under Diocletian, outlining the political and administrative logic behind imperial attitudes toward Christianity, which had long been treated as an illicit superstition rather than an organized religion. The narrative revisits the persecutions endured by Christians, situating them within broader concerns about order, loyalty, and religious conformity. As the empire fractured administratively, Abbate carefully distinguishes how different emperors approached Christian communities, depending on region and circumstance.

Ferdinando Emilio Abbate’s writing is clear, disciplined, and suited to readers seeking a structured overview rather than an exhaustive chronicle. The pacing is steady, moving logically through decades of legal reforms, administrative decisions, and political transitions. Abbate balances narrative history with analysis, making complex institutional shifts accessible without oversimplification. Readers interested in Roman history, early Christianity, or the mechanics of state formation will appreciate the emphasis on governance and law. The prose favors clarity, which suits the subject matter and supports close reading. Scholars, students, and general readers will find value in the linking of individual rulers to broader structural change. By focusing on policy rather than theology, Abbate offers insight into how belief systems become embedded in political power, providing a thoughtful account of how empire and religion reshaped one another during a pivotal historical moment.