Author Archive

Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates Scholasticus (Socrates of Constantinople, c. 380–440) was a Byzantine church historian who lived in Constantinople. The epithet "Scholasticus" indicates he was well-educated, likely a lawyer; he was a layman rather than a clergyman — making him one of the first laymen to write church history.His only work, the Historia Ecclesiastica (Church History) , continues Eusebius's account from 305 AD to 439, covering roughly 140 years in seven books. Its main themes include the Arian controversy, imperial intervention in church affairs, and the theological conflicts of the period. It is valued for relying on documents and sources, striving for impartiality, and including secular events alongside religious ones.

5 summaries in the archive

Christian Theology Ekklesiastike istoria – Socrates Scholasticus Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates continues Eusebius's church history with a focus on the church as a political body in the Eastern…

58 min read

Ancient History Socrates, Sozomen – Socrates Scholasticus Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates Scholasticus continues Eusebius's church history from Constantine to 439 AD, covering theological conflicts and imperial intervention.

44 min read

Ancient History Kirchengeschichte – Socrates Scholasticus Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates continues Eusebius' church history from Constantine's reign, documenting the Arian controversy and imperial Christianity's rise.

48 min read

Ancient History Ecclesiastical history, comprising a history of the Church, in seven books, from the accession of Constantine, A.D. 305, to the 38th year of Theodosius II, including a period of 140 years – Socrates Scholasticus Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates Scholasticus chronicles 140 years of Church history, from Constantine to Theodosius II, seeking truth beyond partisan accounts.

87 min read

Ancient History Socratis Scholastici et Hermiae Sozomeni Historia ecclesiastica – Socrates Scholasticus Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates continues Eusebius' church history, vowing to faithfully record true events without falsehood.

46 min read