Lex Fridman · The greatest emperor of the Byzantine Empire | Anthony Kaldellis and Lex Fridman

1. 1. Constantine is ranked as the greatest Byzantine emperor because his decisions—founding Constantinople and converting to Christianity—were world-historical in scale.
2. 2. Constantine was a ruthless and murderous leader who killed family members, including his son Crispus, without justification.
3. 3. Historians of the time erased Crispus from the record after his execution, ceasing to mention him entirely.
4. 4. Kaldellis's criteria for ranking emperors include both the impact of their decisions and their competence in governing for the benefit of subjects.