Constantine the Great

Definition

Constantine the Great was a Roman emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 AD and is best known for being the first Christian emperor of Rome. He played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity by legalizing it through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD and establishing Constantinople as a new Christian capital, which significantly shaped the political and cultural landscape during Late Antiquity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Constantine was born in Naissus (modern-day Niš, Serbia) around 272 AD and became emperor after defeating Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.
2. His conversion to Christianity marked a turning point for the religion, leading to its rise from persecution to becoming the dominant faith in the Roman Empire.
3. Constantine is often credited with commissioning significant architectural projects, including the original St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and numerous churches throughout his empire.
4. The establishment of Constantinople not only created a new political center but also facilitated the spread of Christianity, as it was strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
5. Constantine's reign saw an increase in Christian art and imagery, setting the foundation for how religious themes would be represented in Late Antiquity.

Review Questions

• How did Constantine the Great's policies and actions influence the status of Christianity within the Roman Empire?
  • Constantine's policies, particularly through the Edict of Milan, greatly influenced Christianity's status by legalizing it and promoting religious tolerance. This marked a significant shift from previous persecutions, allowing Christians to practice their faith openly and leading to the religion's widespread acceptance across the empire. Additionally, his establishment of Constantinople as a Christian capital further solidified Christianity's prominence within Roman society.
• Discuss the significance of Constantine's founding of Constantinople in relation to Late Antiquity and its impact on Christian art and architecture.
  • The founding of Constantinople by Constantine marked a pivotal moment in Late Antiquity, as it became not only a political center but also a hub for Christian culture. The city's architecture included grand churches that served as focal points for Christian worship and community life. This development fostered a distinctive style of Christian art that emerged during this period, laying groundwork for future artistic expressions that reflected religious themes.
• Evaluate how Constantine's leadership and decisions during his reign contributed to shaping the future of both Christianity and the Roman Empire.
  • Constantine's leadership significantly shaped both Christianity and the Roman Empire through his advocacy for Christian values and reforms. His establishment of the Council of Nicaea aimed at unifying Christian doctrine had lasting effects on church practices. Furthermore, his strategic establishment of Constantinople as a new capital ensured that Christian governance would intertwine with imperial authority, setting a precedent for future rulers and transforming not only religious practice but also political dynamics within Europe for centuries to come.

Related terms

Edict of Milan: A proclamation that established religious tolerance for Christianity within the Roman Empire, issued by Constantine and Licinius in 313 AD.

Constantinople: The city founded by Constantine in 330 AD, which became the new capital of the Roman Empire and an important center for Christianity.

Council of Nicaea: A gathering convened by Constantine in 325 AD to address issues of Christian doctrine and establish a unified faith within the empire.