Arius (AD ca. 250 or 256 - 336) was a Christian priest from Alexanria, Egypt in the early fourth century whose teachings were deemed heretical by the Catholic Christian Church. In about the year 318, he was involved in a dispute with his bishop, Alexander of Alexandria, maintaining against him that the Son of God was not consubstantial or coeternal with God the Father, but that there was once a time, before he was begotten, that he did not exist. Arius, with a following of other priests, was excommunicated, but debate continued throughout the Eastern Roman Empire. Many bishops, particularly those who studied under Lucian of Antioch, agreed with Arius. By the time Constantine took over the East in 324, debate was fierce, with various councils condemning and approving Arius's views on the Son.