Bishop of Caesarea, historian of the early church
Eusebius of Caesarea
c. AD 260–340
Bishop of Caesarea and author of the Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius is often called the "father of church history" for compiling the most important surviving narrative of Christianity's first three centuries.
Life and work
Eusebius was trained in the theological library of Caesarea Maritima, a center of Christian scholarship founded by Origen's student Pamphilus, whose name Eusebius later adopted in gratitude (Eusebius Pamphili). He survived the Diocletianic persecution, which he witnessed and later described in detail.
As Bishop of Caesarea from around 313, Eusebius became a trusted advisor to Constantine, attended the Council of Nicaea, and later wrote a flattering biography of the emperor, the Life of Constantine.
His most enduring work, the Ecclesiastical History, traces Christianity from the apostolic age through his own time, preserving quotations from earlier documents that would otherwise be lost entirely, including fragments of Papias, Hegesippus, and imperial correspondence.
Eusebius held theological views closer to a moderate, semi-Arian position during parts of the fourth-century controversies, a stance that later orthodox writers viewed with some suspicion even while relying heavily on his historical scholarship.
- Occupation
- Bishop, historian
- Places
- Caesarea Maritima
- Dates
- c. AD 260–340 Traditional dating
In their own words
States his purpose as recording "the successions from the holy apostles" and the events of church history "worthy of memory."Ecclesiastical History, Preface
Further reading
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