Appian Way Press

A History of the Church in Seven Books: Historia Ecclesiastica

A History of the Church in Seven Books by Socrates Scholasticus offers a vital fifth-century account of the early Christian church from the reign of Constantine through the early fifth century, covering pivotal theological controversies and ecclesiastical developments. This modern English edition updates the classic Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers translation, making the text more accessible while preserving its original tone and substance. The work integrates the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire with detailed narratives on figures such as Athanasius and John Chrysostom, as well as significant events like the Arian controversy and post-Nicene councils. Socrates is notable for his balanced and moderate perspective, often criticizing extremism regardless of doctrinal alignment, and his history preserves essential texts and decisions that illuminate the period. Combining imperial politics, theological debates, and personal biography, this edition offers students, theologians, and historians an indispensable window into the transformative era of late antiquity’s Christian church. This revision was prepared through an AI-assisted process, combining digital tools with traditional editorial work.