WI: Donation of Constantine actually made?

The Donation of Constantine was a document, purportedly by the famous Roman Emperor of that name, transferring authority over Rome and the western portion of the Empire to the Pope. IOTL it was unmasked as a forgery in the 15th century, but what would happen if Constantine did actually make such a transfer?
 
The western Legions proclaim a new Emperor, with the full backing of the (still largely pagan) Senate. Probably within days or weeks of hearing the news.
 
The western Legions proclaim a new Emperor, with the full backing of the (still largely pagan) Senate. Probably within days or weeks of hearing the news.

So he will be remembered in a similiar way like Phillipus Arabs and his embracing for Elagabal ?
 
Constantine would have to be an utter lunatic to try this, which is not exactly consistent with what we know of OTL Constantine.

If he does suffer enough brain damage to try such a thing, he will be disposed of quickly enough (his son or a half-brother or any general, really). His pet Pope will follow soon enough, without a public declaration that the devil tried to corrupt the Church in this manner or like (even this might not save him). People in power will try to hush it up if possible, or denounce it if it is too late.
 
As already mentioned, Constantine was way too clever to commit suicide this way. Christianity was just another tool from his point of view. Well, when he was near to death he decided to get baptized. Most propably to hedge one's bets after death.

Constantine was way overrated afterwards by christian historians. Not as much as Theodosius the Little.
 
I highly doubt Constantine would want to divide his empire again during his own rule. He may have been a christian, but he wasn't a zealous one. :p
 
Considering that the fake edict actually is made on the 30th of March 315 (suposed date of the text), Licinius (that was emperor in the east) sees it as a sign that Constantine is a complete idiot and probably mad.

The Senators, after laughing like madmen for a week, go to Licinius and offer him the loyalty of the, vastly pagan, western legions.

Constantine, now emperor of nothing, is imprisoned and executed.

Because the edict favored the Christians, Licinius will think that the cristian "sorcerers poised" Constantine's spirit and declares chrisianity banned and orders more persecutions.

Two thousand years latter Constantine is remembered as a Mad Emperor and Licinius is seen as a great roman Emperor.
 
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