Who was at the Council of Nicea, and where had Christianity reached by 325?

The First Council of Nicea in 325 affirmed the fully deity of God the Son. According to deacon and later bishop Athanasius, the Council was attended by 318 bishops. This figure may be symbolic, reflecting a Biblical reference in Genesis, but is considered to be more or less correct.

Most of the bishops who attended the Council were from the eastern half of the Empire - places such as Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt and Libya.

Meanwhile, the Latin-speaking western half of the Empire was represented by 6 or 7 bishoprics (also known as episcopal "sees").

The see of Rome, held by the elderly bishop Sylvester I of Rome, was represented by two Roman presbyters, Vitus and Vincentius.

The see of Cordoba (Hispania) was represented by Hosius, who played a leading role at the Council.

The see of Milan (Italy) was represented by Eustorgius; the see of Calabria (also Italy) was represented by Marcus.

Carthage (Africa) was represented by Caecilianus.

Sirmium (Pannonia) was represented by Domnus.

Die (Gaul?) was represented by Nicasius.

Besides these, there were 2-3 bishops from outside the Empire, namely Theophilus of Gothia, Cadmus of Bosphorus, and John of Persis.

All these bishops tell us something something of the geographical spread and concentration of the Christian church by 325.

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