Definition: Eusebius of Caesarea (c. A.D. 260–339), aka
Eusebius Pamphili, is known for his 10-book Ecclesiastical History that covers Church history and the accession of the Roman emperors to A.D. 324. The history includes quotations from earlier writers who are no longer extant. Before the Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius had written an annalistic Chronicle of world history.
After Emperor Constantine I died, Eusebius wrote a panegyric 4-book Life of Constantine. He also wrote an Onomasticon, which is useful for its geography of contemporary Palestine.
Eusebius became bishop in Caesarea, Palestine, in about 313. He was involved in the Arian controversy supporting the Alexandrian priest Arius. He was provisionally excommunicated at a synod at Antioch, in about January 325. Later that year, at the Council of Nicaea, Eusebius was exonerated with the help of Constantine I. In 335, Eusebius attended a council of Tyre to oppose Athanasius and then was present when Arius was readmitted to the Church.
Main source: Averil M. Cameron, "Eusebius" Who's Who in the Classical World. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Tony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 2000.
Occupation: Historian
Also Known As: Eusebius Pamphili
Alternate Spellings: Eusebios
