Eusebius of Caesarea (c. A.D. 260-339), aka Eusebius Pamphili, is known for being bishop of Caesarea Maritima, being involved in the Council of Nicea and the Arian Controversy, and for writing a 10-book Ecclesiastical History that covers Church history and the accession of the Roman emperors to A.D. 324.
Writings of Eusebius
Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History includes quotations from earlier writers who are no longer extant. Before it, 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.
Religious Importance of Eusebius
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.
Reference:
Averil M. Cameron, "Eusebius" Who's Who in the Classical World. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Tony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 2000.
