The External Relations of the European Communities: A Manual of Law and Practice (Oxford Eur... Book

Arius of Alexander initiated the belief that Christ is lesser than God and that Christ had not always existed. This belief gained support around Christendom, but opposition remained strong, especially from Alexander and Athanasius of Alexander, and the dispute threatened to disrupt the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine I (r 306 – 337 CE) thought that the entire issue was nothing short of trivia, but was concerned with the bitter division between the two theologies. Accordingly, the emperor convened a conference in Nicaea, in the Roman province of Bythinia. Attended by more than 300 bishops from around Christendom, the conference sided with Alexander and Athanasius and the Arian theology was ruled heresy. Other issues, e.g. the date of Easter, were resolved.

Published in the late 19th century, Dean Dudley’s “History of the First Council of Nice: A World's Christian Convention, A.D. 325; with a Life of Constantine” gives a good general account of the Council of Nicaea, now considered the First Ecumenical Council. Letters from Constantine I to the bishops and from bishops to each other are presented. Obviously, being published in the 19th century, it lacks the benefit of more than a century of research. Nevertheless, this work is an interesting and informative read.