Library Eusebius of Caesarea Life of Constantine

Chapter 27: How Constantine commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and the Soil itself, to be removed at a Distance

Nor did the emperor's zeal stop here; but he gave further orders that the materials of what was thus destroyed, both stone and timber, should be removed and thrown as far from the spot as possible; and this command also was speedily executed. The emperor, however, was not satisfied with having proceeded thus far: once more, fired with holy ardor, he directed that the ground itself should be dug up to a considerable depth, and the soil which had been polluted by the foul impurities of demon worship transported to a far distant place.

English translation by Ernest Cushing Richardson, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Vol. I (eds. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace; Buffalo: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890). Public domain. Digital text via New Advent Church Fathers.