Socrates of Constantinople

Socrates was born in Constantinople around 380 and likely received a classical education, evident from his rhetorical style and familiarity with Greek literature. He was a layman, not a cleric, which was unusual among church historians of his time. He wrote his Ecclesiastical History as a continuation of Eusebius of Caesarea, covering the years 306 to 439. His work was commissioned by a certain Theodorus, about whom little is known. Socrates lived during the reign of Theodosius II, a period of intense theological disputes, including the Nestorian controversy, which he chronicled with notable moderation.

The Ecclesiastical History is divided into seven books, each covering a reign or a period. Socrates aimed to provide a factual, non-partisan account, often criticizing the biases of other historians. He used a variety of sources, including the works of Rufinus, Eusebius, and official documents, as well as oral traditions. His narrative includes not only church affairs but also secular events, such as barbarian invasions and imperial politics, reflecting his belief that church and state were intertwined. The work was later translated into Latin by Epiphanius Scholasticus and continued by Sozomen and Theodoret, forming a trilogy of histories.

Socrates was a Novatianist sympathizer, though he remained within the catholic church. This affiliation influenced his fair treatment of the Novatians and his criticism of clerical ambition. He valued accuracy over rhetoric, often correcting earlier historians and noting discrepancies. He also showed an interest in the spread of Christianity beyond the Roman Empire, mentioning missions to the Iberians, Ethiopians, and even the Huns. His method included consulting primary documents, such as synodal letters and imperial edicts, which he quoted extensively, making his history a valuable repository of otherwise lost texts.

Socrates is one of the few ancient historians to mention the existence of the Codex Theodosianus and its compilation. He also records the discovery of the True Cross by Helena, but with a skeptical tone, noting that the authenticity was uncertain. He provides a rare account of the destruction of the Serapeum in Alexandria, which he attributes to the bishop Theophilus. Socrates also mentions the use of the computus for calculating Easter, and he notes the adoption of the Alexandrian method by the Roman church. His work includes details on the conversion of the Iberians (modern Georgia) and the invention of the Georgian alphabet, a story not found elsewhere. Additionally, he is the earliest source for the legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, which he presents as a recent miracle.

Novatianism

A Christian sect that held that those who had lapsed under persecution could not be readmitted to communion.

Eusebius of Caesarea

Early church historian whose work Socrates continued.

Nestorian controversy

Theological dispute about the nature of Christ, centered on Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople.