AD 314–335
Silvester I
The medieval 'Donation of Constantine', which claimed he received temporal power, was proved a forgery by Lorenzo Valla in 1440.
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- Years served
- AD 314–335
- Biography
- Silvester's long pontificate covered the years in which Constantine built the Lateran and Saint Peter's basilicas; he sent legates to Nicaea rather than attending in person.
- Historical context
- The Church passed from persecution to imperial favour within a decade.
- Major events
- Construction of the first Roman basilicas
- Roman legates at Nicaea I (325)
- Historical significance
- The medieval 'Donation of Constantine', which claimed he received temporal power, was proved a forgery by Lorenzo Valla in 1440.
Sources and References
- Liber Pontificalis, life of Silvestersourcebooks.fordham.edu