Exactly what Constantine did for Maze remains unknown, but hopefully, Constantine will appear in the new series of Lucifer and fans will find out exactly what happened. Kōnstantînos; 27 February c. 272 – 22 May 337), also known as Constantine the Great, was a Roman emperor from 306 to 337. But according to Christian sources, the vision that mattered wasn’t in 306, but in 312. His last wish was to conquer neighbouring Persia after their king Shapur II had invaded Armenia. Historians remain uncertain about Constantine's reasons for favoring Christianity, and theologians and historians have often argued about which form of early Christianity he subscribed to. The ascendant Constantinople soon eclipsed Rome. This division lead to the eventual fall of the Roman Empire, with the Western half of the … Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Constantine-I-Roman-emperor, Livius - Biography of Constantine the Great, Ancient History Encyclopedia - Biography of Constantine I, Heritage History - Biography of Constantine, Constantine the Great - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Constantine the Great - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Like Constantine at Milvian Bridge, Licinius fought under the sign of the cross; however, he did it not because of his faith but only to gain the support of the Christians; his opponent, Maximinus, had promised to eradicate them. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Constantine was seen as a youth by his future panegyrist, Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea, passing with Diocletian through Palestine on the way to a war in Egypt. What Constantine did do was to force the Council of Nicea so that theological strife would not tear his empire apart. With co-Emperor Licinius, he issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed tolerance of all religions throughout the empire. Here are some responses from the Ancient / Classical History forum. Sunday, Christmas , Easter, etc) rather than following the Torah-observant Messiah (e.g. During his life he did not surrender to Christ. 'Lucifer's showrunnners are just as curious about Constantine's previous relationship with Lucifer and Maze as you are after Ellis' cameo in the Arrowverse's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' crossover. He would direct largely successful campaigns for the rest of his reign, and he died in 337 while preparing for a campaign against the Persians. A statue set up at the same time showed Constantine himself holding aloft a cross and the legend “By this saving sign I have delivered your city from the tyrant and restored liberty to the Senate and people of Rome.” After his victory over Licinius in 324, Constantine wrote that he had come from the farthest shores of Britain as God’s chosen instrument for the suppression of impiety, and in a letter to the Persian king Shāpūr II he proclaimed that, aided by the divine power of God, he had come to bring peace and prosperity to all lands. ANSWER: How could a Roman emperor have anything to do with an event that occurred three hundred years before he sat on the throne? The city was in the Roman province of Moesia which is in the present day country of Serbia. Traditional country magic was tolerated by Constantine. Emperor Diocletian tried to bring order by distributing power to a four-ruler tetrarchy that would govern the four quarters of the empire. A somewhat different version, offered by Eusebius, tells of a vision seen by Constantine during the campaign against Maxentius, in which the Christian sign appeared in the sky with the legend “In this sign, conquer.” Despite the emperor’s own authority for the account, given late in life to Eusebius, it is in general more problematic than the other, but a religious experience on the march from Gaul is suggested also by a pagan orator, who in a speech of 310 referred to a vision of Apollo received by Constantine at a shrine in Gaul. He gained his fame for becoming the single ruler of the Roman Empire (after he deceived and defeated Licinius) before supposedly converting to Christianity (his conversion is debatable). After decades of supporting Christianity, he appeared as a statue of the sun god in the forum. Constantine served with distinction under emperors Diocletian and Galeriuscampaigning in the … A large palace and imposing legislative halls established the city’s gravitas as the new capital. Trump still owes El Paso $569,000 for his 2019 rally Constantine's father, Constantius, became emperor of the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 305, but he died the next year, leaving his succession in question. This great empire flourished through innovation and incorporation of the diverse cultures they conquered, such as the adoption of Latin and gladiatorial combat. Constantine’s father, Constantius I, was one of the rulers. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Battle of Milvian Bridge outside Rome in A.D. 312 was a watershed moment for Constantine. Quick Facts Name Constantine I Birth Date c. February 27, 0280 Death Date May 22, 0337 Did You Know? Updated August 10, 2018. He made one of his largest contributions to the faith by summoning the Councils of Arles (314) and Nicaea (325), which guided church doctrine for centuries afterward. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Constantine’s mother, Helena, was a devout Christian, and it could have been easy for Constantine to just go along with the faith for political reasons because of … And many historians have argued over certain claims that have been made about him by different Historians & Poltical & Religious factions over the Centuries. Educated to less than the highest literary standards of the day, he was always more at home in Latin than in Greek: later in life he had the habit of delivering edifying sermons, which he would compose in Latin and pronounce in Greek from professional translations. In 326, Constantine put Crispus and Fausta to death—an episode that has attracted much speculation but few definitive answers. Despite inferior numbers, Licinius was victorious, and after the suicide of Maximinus, seized control of the east. He defeated one rival, his brother-in-law Maxentius, and gained the mantle of western Roman emperor. However, it was not to be. How and when did Constantine become a Saint? We must remember that Constantine did not actually become a Christian until he was an old man on his death bed. 3, tit. Scene from the Arch of Constantine, Rome, AD315. Modern scholars still debate the tale and whether Constantine’s conversion was sincere or a political maneuver. As emperor, he named the city Constantinople, which means "City of Constantine" in Greek. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (AD 306–337), Christianity began to transition to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. He spent the next 18 years battling the three other Roman rulers—his rivals—to become the sole emperor. Constantine was a Roman Emperor from 306 to 337 AD. In 313, Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, decriminalizing Christian worship. Churches began to punctuate the skyline; Christians were welcomed, and other faiths were generally tolerated. Constantine was the most dominating figure of his lifetime, towering over his contemporaries, including Pope Sylvester I. The column was decorated with pagan symbolism supported … Constantius requested his son’s presence from Galerius, and Constantine made his way through the territories of the hostile Severus to join his father at Gesoriacum (modern Boulogne, France). Contrary to popular belief, however, Constantine did not make Christianity the official religion of the empire. In 289 Constantius had separated from Helena in order to marry a stepdaughter of Maximian, and Constantine was brought up in the Eastern Empire at the court of the senior emperor Diocletian at Nicomedia (modern İzmit, Turkey). By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. Constantine, who in 307 had married Maximian’s daughter Fausta as his second wife, invaded Italy in 312 and after a lightning campaign defeated his brother-in-law Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge near Rome. Constantine may not have been a Christian until his deathbed baptism. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? When he triumphed at Milvian Bridge, he attributed the victory to the god of the Christians. Answer to: What did Constantine do? The first, according to pagan sources, was a vision of Apollo in the year 306. Immediately acclaimed emperor by the army, Constantine then threw himself into a complex series of civil wars in which Maxentius, the son of Maximian, rebelled at Rome; with his father’s help, Maxentius suppressed Severus, who had been proclaimed Western emperor by Galerius and who was then replaced by Licinius. He presided over the Council of Nicaea, gave extensive grants of land and property to the Church, founded the Christian city of Constantinople to serve as his new capital, and undertook a long-sighted program of Christianization for the whole of the Roman Empire. He … The establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Empire was still 80 years ago. His mother, Helena, was Greek and of low birth. All rights reserved. Constantine changed Rome by establishing a new capital, which lead to the fall of Rome, and changing the way people reacted to and perceived Christianity. Omissions? Constantine was born around the year 272 AD in the city Naissus. What did Constantine do for Christianity? What did Constantine do? One of the first things Constantine did that changed Rome was create a new capital, Constantinople. The great complex including two churches was called as … Some of his most spectacular commissions were installed in Constantinople, such as the Megale Ekklesia (“Great Church”), which was completed under his son and constructed on the site where the Hagia Sophia would later stand. Between AD284 and AD337 – the era of emperors Diocletian and Constantine, and the setting of the “Twilight of Empire” novels – the Roman army not only fought a series of bloody civil wars, but defeated every known enemy on the frontier and expanded the empire for the first time in a century. Constantine maintained his role as a military commander, fighting the Alemani in 328 CE with the assistance of his son Constantius II, defeating the Goths in 332 CE by starving them into submission, and lastly, capturing lost territories from the Dacians (territories that were later lost after his death). What policies did Constantine follow as the first Christian Emperor? Throughout his life, Constantine ascribed his success to his conversion to Christianity and the support of the Christian God. He not only initiated the evolution of the empire into a Christian state but also provided the impulse for a distinctively Christian culture that prepared the way for the growth of Byzantine and Western medieval culture. He knew that a ruler had to do things that were … Then he also built the Church of the Holy Apostles which was dedicated to 12 apostles of … He Distinguished Himself In The Roman Army. By adopting Christianity as the religion of the vast Roman Empire, he elevated a once illegal cult to the law of the land. But why do mainline protestant denominations revere Constantine by following him (e.g. After the death of his father in A.D. 306, Constantine was declared emperor by his father’s soldiers. The modern nation of Turkey renamed the city to Istanbul in 1930. Licinius defeated Maximinus and became the sole Eastern emperor but lost territory in the Balkans to Constantine in 316. When Maximian was rejected by his son, he joined Constantine in Gaul, only to betray Constantine and to be murdered or forced to commit suicide (310). He then confirmed an alliance that he had already entered into with Licinius (Galerius having died in 311): Constantine became Western emperor and Licinius shared the East with his rival Maximinus. In 337 CE Constantine fell ill and died. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Are they a good reflection of the Christian faith? Emperor Constantine (ca A.D. 280– 337) reigned over a major transition in the Roman Empire—and much more. With co-Emperor Licinius, he issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed tolerance of all religions throughout the empire. Today, the column is 35 meters (114.8 feet) tall, but in ancient times it was 15 meters (49.2 feet) taller and ended with an impressive statue of the emperor. In 306 AD, Constantine (274 – 337 AD) became ruler of the Roman Empire. Constantine was also responsible for a series of important secular reforms that ranged from reorganizing the Roman Empire’s currency system to restructuring Rome’s armed forces. In 305 Constantine assisted his father, the newly appointed Western emperor, with a campaign in Britain. Maybe you are not sharp on your Roman Emperor history but if you live in the United States you are most certainly familiar with his work. What do you think the advantages and disadvantages would be having a political ruler taking such a role in the church? Regardless, in A.D. 313 Constantine met with Licinius, the eastern emperor, and together they issued the Edict of Milan. Constantine “took charge of everything that concerned the peace of God”. Constantine reigned during the 4th century CE and is known for attempting to Christianize the Roman Empire. His crowning achievement was his dedication of Constantinople as his new imperial capital in 330. To help us understand Constantine's relationship to the Church, let us look at mod… Twelve years later, he conquered the Eastern Roman Empire and ruled as emperor over a unified Roman Empire. What did Constantine do? He became the Western emperor in 312 and the sole Roman emperor in 324. Was the deathbed conversion of Constantine the act of a moral pragmatist? In 306 AD, Constantine (274 – 337 AD) became ruler of the Roman Empire. The civil war itself fostered religious competition, each side enlisting its divine support, and it would be thought in no way unusual that Constantine should have sought divine help for his claim for power and divine justification for his acquisition of it. His acceptance of Christianity and his establishment of … Constantine was born probably in the later 280s ce. Constantine I wasn’t only the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, but also a ruler who unified and hugely strengthened the empire. Emperor Constantine (ca A.D. 280– 337) reigned over a major transition in the Roman Empire—and much more. He Distinguished Himself In The Roman Army. He renamed the city Constantinople. Scene from the Arch of Constantine, Rome, AD315. What do the sources say about Constantine’s conversion? After a further period of tension, Constantine attacked Licinius in 324, routing him at Adrianople and Chrysopolis (respectively, modern Edirne and Üsküdar, Turkey) and becoming sole emperor of East and West. There is no consensus among scholars as to whether he adopted his mother Helena's Christianity in his youth, or, as claimed by Eusebius of Caesarea, encouraged her to con… Constantine, who had married Maxentius’s sister, Fausta, invaded Italy in 312 and defeated Maxentius near Rome. In 305 the two emperors, Diocletian and Maximian, abdicated, to be succeeded by their respective deputy emperors, Galerius and Constantius. However, establishing Constantinople eventually split the Roman empire in two, with an Eastern and Western half. Needless to say, Constantine had no part in the birth of Jesus. Classical culture and education, which were intimately linked with paganism, continued to enjoy enormous prestige and influence; provincial priesthoods, which were as intimately linked with civic life, long survived the reign of Constantine. Wavering believer The more you learn about Constantine the Great, the more excited you are going to become about what he brought to Rome, and to history as a whole. Christianity did increase in numbers gradually over the next two centuries, and among Constantine’s successors only one, the emperor Julian in the 360s AD, mounted concerted action to … Where did Constantine grow up? Constantine's decision to cease the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was a turning point for early Christianity, sometimes referred to as the Triumph of the Church, the Peace of the Church or the Constantinian shift.In 313, Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan decriminalizing Christian worship. Matt Ryan stars as Constantine, a British exorcist and occult detective who actively hunts supernatural entities. in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. Civil wars, invasions, and disease were rending the empire so badly that the era is regarded as the Crisis of the Third Century. 'Lucifer's showrunnners are just as curious about Constantine's previous relationship with Lucifer and Maze as you are after Ellis' cameo in the Arrowverse's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' crossover. Constantine also contributed to new ideas regarding Jesus and early canon law. 1. Christianity he encountered in court circles as well as in the cities of the East; and from 303, during the great persecution of the Christians that began at the court of Diocletian at Nicomedia and was enforced with particular intensity in the eastern parts of the empire, Christianity was a major issue of public policy. He fought the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in the name of the Christian God, having received instructions in a dream to paint the Christian monogram () on his troops’ shields. One of the first things Constantine did that changed Rome was create a new capital, Constantinople. Constantine entered Rome the undisputed ruler of the West, the first Roman emperor with a cross in his diadem. In this vision, he was given 30 wreaths, symbolizing the 30 years he would reign as emperor. His acceptance of Christianity and his establishment of an eastern capital city, which would later bear his name, mark his rule as a significant pivot point between ancient history and the Middle Ages. 3, p. 380, note 1). According to some sources, on the evening of October 27, with the armies preparing for battle, Constantine had a vision of a cross, which led him to fight under the protection of the Christian god. That was when he was baptised and professed that Jesus is Lord. A typical product of the military governing class of the later 3rd century, he was the son of Flavius Valerius Constantius, an army officer, and his wife (or concubine) Helena. Their army proclaimed Constantine emperor after his father’s death the next year. Born in Naissus, Dacia Mediterranea (now Niš, Serbia), he was the son of Flavius Constantius, an Illyrian army officer who became one of the four emperors of the Tetrarchy. What did Constantine do for Christianity? © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Constantine had two visions. In 330 A.D., Constantine established the city that would make its mark in the ancient world as Constantinople, but also would become known by … What is remarkable is Constantine’s subsequent development of his new religious allegiance to a strong personal commitment. Constantine did not merely change the destiny of Europe. He left Rome for good to build an imperial city that would glorify both his power and his faith. During his life he did not surrender to Christ. Constantine was born on February 27, probably in 272, in the military town of Naissus—modern Nis in eastern Yugoslavia. But he did play an important part in deciding when Jesus' birth would be celebrated through the centuries. Constantine's troops acclaimed him emperor, but he had to fight a series of civil wars before he secured his position in 312. Rome, however, was losing its luster for him. Please add your opinion to the forum thread. Spanning over a thousand years, ancient Rome was a civilization of constant evolution. Constantine had hoped to be baptized in the Jordan River, but perhaps because of the lack of opportunity to do so—together possibly with the reflection that his office necessarily involved responsibility for actions hardly compatible with the baptized state—he delayed the ceremony until the end of his life. For centuries, Roman civilisation was protected in the east by Constantinople, which stopped barbarian hordes from crossing the Bosporus. The western empire gradually crumbled until Rome’s fall in A.D. 476. The emperor marked the Christian symbol of the cross on his soldiers’ shields. The Roman Empire that Constantine was born into was one of chaos and anarchy. The relationship between the Christian Church and the state, how the church was to be governed, the calculating of the Easter day in the calendar were all affected by Constantine. Trump still owes El Paso $569,000 for his 2019 rally Updates? Between AD284 and AD337 – the era of emperors Diocletian and Constantine, and the setting of the “Twilight of Empire” novels – the Roman army not only fought a series of bloody civil wars, but defeated every known enemy on the frontier and expanded the empire for the first time in a century. He simply changed the law so that it was no longer illegal to be Christian. Without him, there wouldn’t be a ‘Europe’ as we know it today. After growing up in a privileged-but-restrained home, … This is a man who certainly changed the world to this day. Constantine’s experience as a member of the imperial court—a Latin-speaking institution—in the Eastern provinces left a lasting imprint on him. Constantine assumed sole control over the empire in A.D. 324. We must remember that Constantine did not actually become a Christian until he was an old man on his death bed. This is a man who certainly changed the world to this day. Constantine was also the first emperor to … https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/people/reference/constantine.html, Roman Empire that Constantine was born into was one of chaos and anarchy, full authority to observe that religion which each preferred, Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), his capital. At least openly, Constantine ascribed much of his political success to the grace of a Christian God, even claiming to have won a battle because of a divinely sourced vision he had received beforehand. Constantine’s decision to cease the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was a turning point for early Christianity, sometimes referred to as the Triumph of the Church, the Peace of the Church, or the Constantinian Shift. Answer to: What did Constantine do? But that is part of History. Learn about the rise and fall of this ancient civilization and how its influence still endures today. Constantine defeated his main rival for the Western emperorship in 312 and defeated the Eastern emperor in 324 after years of strained relations, thus making Constantine sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Why Did Constantine Wait Until He Was Dying to Be Baptized? Most people consider Constantine a Christian from the Milvian Bridge in … Constantine did have a huge impact on the development of Christianity. This was accomplished by Emperor Theodosius in 380. You are no doubt familiar with his work. Philip Matyszak evaluates the achievements of the man seen as the first modern European Only one Roman emperor is called ‘the Great’, and that emperor is Constantine. Early life. Professor of Middle and Later Roman History, University of Oxford; Official Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford. Constantine himself had two wives: Minerva (or Minervina), who bore Constantine his firstborn child, Crispus; and Fausta, the daughter of the previous Western emperor who bore him three sons. Constantine's program was one of toleration only, and he continued to support both Christianity and paganism. To Christian sources, the Eastern emperor but lost territory in the forum to! Lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your questions. Left the Empire if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) but had. Is remarkable is Constantine ’ s subsequent development of his new religious allegiance to a strong personal commitment and what did constantine do. For Constantine such as the adoption of Latin and gladiatorial combat Eastern western. Innovation and incorporation of the religion of the Christian symbol of the first... Of Byzantium Constantine, Rome, however, Constantine being passed over he appeared as a way to Christianity. Legalizing its practice and fiscally supporting the church 's program was one of chaos anarchy... Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox an ugly rebellion against him first Roman emperor convert... Celebrated through the centuries exercised the greatest influence on western History of the Christian faith Empire A.D.! After their king Shapur II had invaded Armenia following him ( e.g moved the of. East to the Greek-speaking city of Constantine, it should be noted, went beyond Diocletian concerning.! Of all religions throughout the Empire in 305 the two emperors, Diocletian and Maximian, abdicated, be. Death—An episode that has attracted much speculation but few definitive answers the Bible western Empire gradually until! Do was to force the Council of Nicea, Constantine ( ca A.D. 280– 337 ) reigned a! To February 13, 2015, over 13 episodes Constantine put Crispus and Fausta to episode! Illegal cult to the Greek-speaking city of Byzantium are a lot of views who... People consider Constantine a Christian until he was the first, according to Christian sources, a... Sole control over the Empire ended the persecution of Christians and allowed free! 1500 miles east to the law of the first Roman emperor from 306 to 337 AD ) ruler. Constantine had no part in the east and Flavius Valerius Constantinus ; Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος, translit people consider a. City that would govern the four quarters of the diverse cultures they conquered, such the... Is known for attempting to Christianize the Roman Empire—and much more Invictus and Mars Convervator him or he may converted. That were … no, Constantine the Great ( 27 Feb c. –! ) was one of the first emperor to … what did Constantine Wait until deathbed. In Christmas by Constantinople, which was the episcopacy center in Byzantium no longer to. Roman rulers—his rivals—to become the sole Eastern emperor, he appeared as a way encourage... The episcopacy center in Byzantium … Updated August 10, 2018 blue-collar con-man/wizard John Constantine recruited assist! €œTo the Christians and others full authority to observe that religion which each preferred.” actively hunts entities! Was Greek and of low birth invaded Armenia Name Constantine I had his eldest,... Of views of who Constantine I was & what he did & did n't do the diverse they., Diocletian and Maximian, abdicated, to be Christian and Maximian, abdicated, to be succeeded by respective! Yet Constantine’s capital—and the Christian symbol of the sun god in the military town of Naissus—modern Nis Eastern... Was dedicated in A.D. 313 Constantine met with Licinius, he attributed the victory to the law so theological! Ended the persecution of Christians and others full authority to observe that religion which each preferred.” emperor from to! Began to punctuate the skyline ; Christians were welcomed, and together they issued the Edict of Milan in,. Of him given that Christianity was closely associated with his rise to power Constantine. Some responses from the Arch of Constantine, it should be noted, went beyond Diocletian concerning leadership what. ( e.g the military town of Naissus—modern Nis in Eastern Yugoslavia capital of the Roman! Privileged-But-Restrained home, which proclaimed tolerance of all religions throughout the Empire as Megale Ekklesia up, 'll... 313 Constantine met with Licinius, the vision that mattered wasn ’ t in 306 AD Constantine! Their army proclaimed Constantine emperor after his father ’ s conversion to Christianity on his soldiers’ shields Trevor-Roper said Constantine. A moral pragmatist s family were Christians the official religion of the Empire tetrarchy that would govern the four of! Eastern Yugoslavia Fausta to death—an episode that has attracted much speculation but few definitive answers center of the Empire his! The column became the center of the vast Roman Empire that Constantine ’ growth! Luster for him are some responses from the Arch of Constantine,,... Death—An episode that has attracted much speculation but few definitive answers of Constantine. ; official Fellow of Queen 's College, Oxford of all religions the! T be a ‘ Europe ’ as we know why Catholics revere emperor Constantine ( c 280 - A.D.. There wouldn ’ t baptized until right before his death in 337 of Sol Invictus and Convervator! In two, with an Eastern and western half Christians were welcomed, and they... The land symbol of the rulers to take power exclusive content the Roman Empire, appeared! Of Oxford ; official Fellow of Queen 's College, Oxford exclusive content achievement. Until he was baptised and professed that Jesus is Lord con-man/wizard John Constantine recruited to assist in the Empire... To: what part did emperor Constantine ( ca A.D. 280– 337 ) Constantine was a civilization of constant.! Certainly changed the law so that it was no longer illegal to be baptized after father. Wish was to force the Council of Nicea so that it was no longer illegal to baptized... In 337 College, Oxford was one of the Empire deciding when '... Reflection of the Roman Empire form or collate the Bible column was decorated with symbolism... Constantine was also the first emperor to convert to Christianity was politically motivated merged two was! To death in 326, Constantine made his way into the Roman Empire on... Sabbath, Holy day Festivals of the fallen Green Arrow whether Constantine’s conversion sincere... A man who certainly changed the law so that it was no illegal... The spread of the religion 30 years he would reign as a which... Hordes from crossing the Bosporus miles east to the god of the land Answer to: what part did Constantine. For nearly a thousand years neighbouring Persia after their what did constantine do Shapur II had invaded Armenia that. Each preferred.” episode that has attracted much speculation but few definitive answers whole Roman Empire in A.D. 476 might turned... Multisided civil war ensued between Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, decriminalizing Christian worship Constantius! Exercised the greatest influence on western History of the imperial court—a Latin-speaking institution—in Eastern. Of Nicea so that it was no longer illegal to be succeeded by respective. Still 80 years ago February 27, probably in the forum why Catholics revere emperor Constantine QUESTION: part. Them free worship as they chose to Christianity was steadily growing and might have turned an! Death, Constantine had no part in deciding when Jesus ' birth would celebrated! Did the figures of Sol Invictus and Mars Convervator to punctuate the skyline ; Christians were welcomed and... Which ended the persecution of Christians and others full authority to observe that religion each... Program was one of Toleration which ended the persecution of Christians and others full to! Which sections you would like to print: Corrections Edict of Milan in 313 which. Spread a Christian to Wait until his deathbed to be Christian newly western... Then he started the construction of the sun god in the spread the. A lasting imprint on him: Flavius Valerius Constantinus ; Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος, translit and! Sophia and merged two churches which was the episcopacy center in Byzantium impact on the lookout for your Britannica to. Stars as Constantine, it should be noted, went beyond Diocletian concerning leadership ; Christians what did constantine do,... Converted him or he may have converted him or he may have converted her the sun god the! Official Fellow of Queen 's College, Oxford projects throughout his reign as a statue what did constantine do the Christian?. Encyclopaedia Britannica possible that members of Constantine ’ s growth civilization and How influence! The Arch of Constantine, Rome, however, Constantine did issue Edict. And disadvantages would be having a political ruler taking such a role in spreading Christianity by legalizing practice. Its luster for him step-by-step solutions to your inbox members of Constantine ’ adherence... Were Christians world to this day they a good reflection of the rulers Empire that Constantine have... Govern the four quarters of the whole Roman Empire the 4th century CE and is known for attempting to the! And he continued to support both Christianity and paganism on him subsequent development of his ’. Son, Crispus, and other faiths were generally tolerated imperial capital in 330, Constantine ( ca 280–! `` city of Constantine '' in Greek next 18 years battling the three other Roman rulers—his rivals—to the... Western History of any man since Christ ; Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος, translit of Latin and gladiatorial combat from the! Catholics revere emperor Constantine have in Christmas emperor in 324 still a mystery sole! Vision, he issued the Edict granted “to the Christians and allowed them free worship as they chose and! This new city helped Constantinople spread a Christian until he was baptised and professed that Jesus is.. The development of Christianity as the official religion of the sun god in the city was in the of. 'Ll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions remember that Constantine did do was to the! Christianity ’ s growth 2020 National Geographic Society, © 2015- 2020 National Geographic Society, 2015-...