Laws of Constantine the Great, October 18, 315
Concerning Jews, Heaven-worshipers, and Samaritans...
We wish to make it known to the Jews and their elders and
their patriarchs that if, after the enactment of this law,
any one of them dares to attack with stones or some other
manifestation of anger another who has fled their dangerous
sect and attached himself to the worship
of God, he must speedily be given to the flames and
burnt together with all his accomplices.
Moreover, if any one of the population should join their
abominable sect and attend their meetings, he
will bear with them the deserved penalties.
In a subsequent law, Constantine prohibited Jews from owing
Christian slaves and from marrying Christians. His son and
successor, Constantius, was a follower of the Arian sect
of Christianity. He passed laws against Pagan practices,
exiled Catholic Bishops, and extended the laws regulating
Jews
Laws of Constantius, August 13, 339
This pertains to women, who live in our weaving factories
and whom Jews, in their foulness, take in marriage. It is
decreed that these
women are to be restored to the weaving factories.
This prohibition is to be preserved for the future lest
the Jews induce Christian women to share their shameful
lives. If they do this they will subject themselves to a
sentence of death...
If any one among the Jews has purchased a slave of another
sect or nation, that slave shall at once be appropriated
for the imperial treasury.
If, indeed, he shall have circumcised the slave whom he
has purchased, he will not only be fined for the damage
done to that slave but he will also receive capital punishment.
If, indeed, a Jew does not hesitate to purchase slaves --
those who are members of the faith that is worthy of respect
[Christianity] -- then all these slaves who are found in
his possession shall at once be removed. No delay shall
be occasioned, but he is to be deprived of the possession
of those men who are Christians.
