Constantine the Great

Definition

Constantine the Great was a Roman Emperor from 306 to 337 CE, known for being the first Christian emperor and for transforming the Roman Empire into a Christian state. His reign marked a turning point in the history of Christianity, as he played a crucial role in the establishment of Christianity as a dominant religion within the empire, which significantly influenced the formation and growth of the early Christian church.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Constantine was born around 272 CE and became emperor after defeating his rival Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE.
2. He was baptized shortly before his death, making him one of the first Roman emperors to convert to Christianity officially.
3. Constantine's reign saw the construction of significant churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
4. He moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople, which later became a major center for Christianity.
5. The decisions made by Constantine during his reign laid the groundwork for future Christian doctrine and practices, shaping Western Christianity.

Review Questions

• How did Constantine's conversion to Christianity influence his policies and actions as emperor?
  • Constantine's conversion to Christianity had a profound impact on his policies, as he began to favor Christianity over paganism. He enacted laws that promoted religious tolerance and protection for Christians, leading to the Edict of Milan, which allowed Christians to worship freely. His support for the church also included financial backing for church construction and involvement in ecclesiastical matters, such as convening the Council of Nicaea.
• What role did the Edict of Milan play in shaping early Christian practices and communities within the Roman Empire?
  • The Edict of Milan was crucial in establishing an environment where Christians could openly practice their faith without fear of persecution. This shift allowed for greater organization and community building among Christians, as they could now hold services, build churches, and spread their beliefs more freely. The edict not only validated Christianity but also encouraged its growth, leading to its eventual dominance within the empire.
• Evaluate how Constantine's founding of Constantinople affected the trajectory of Christianity and its relationship with politics in subsequent centuries.
  • Constantine's founding of Constantinople significantly shaped Christianity's future by establishing a new political center that was closely tied to the Christian faith. This move helped transition power from Rome, which was associated with pagan traditions, to an empire that embraced Christian leadership. Over time, this created a strong connection between church and state, influencing how Christianity was practiced and perceived throughout Europe. The Byzantine Empire that arose after his reign continued to protect and promote Christianity, establishing it as a key element of political identity for centuries to come.

Related terms

Edict of Milan: A proclamation issued in 313 CE that granted religious tolerance for Christianity and allowed Christians to practice their faith openly without fear of persecution.

Council of Nicaea: A gathering of Christian bishops convened by Constantine in 325 CE to address divisions within the church, leading to the formulation of the Nicene Creed.

Byzantine Empire: The continuation of the Roman Empire in the eastern provinces after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, heavily influenced by Christianity and founded by Constantine's establishment of Constantinople.