Edict of Milan

Definition

The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 CE by Emperor Constantine and co-emperor Licinius, granted religious tolerance to Christians within the Roman Empire, effectively legalizing Christianity. This pivotal decree marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity, as it ended the persecution of Christians and allowed for the faith to be practiced openly and publicly, contributing to its rapid growth and establishment as a dominant religion in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Edict of Milan not only legalized Christianity but also restored confiscated properties to Christians that had been taken during previous persecutions.
2. This decree marked the beginning of the transition from Christianity being a persecuted faith to it becoming an influential religion within the Roman Empire.
3. The Edict was part of a broader effort by Constantine to unify the empire under one faith, which he believed would strengthen political cohesion.
4. After the Edict, Christian worship became increasingly public, leading to the construction of churches and other religious structures throughout the empire.
5. The Edict of Milan laid the groundwork for Christianity's eventual status as the official religion of the Roman Empire under Theodosius I in 380 CE.

Review Questions

• How did the Edict of Milan change the status of Christianity within the Roman Empire?
  • The Edict of Milan transformed Christianity from a persecuted religion to one that was legally recognized and tolerated within the Roman Empire. Prior to this decree, Christians faced severe persecution, but with its issuance, they were allowed to practice their faith openly without fear of punishment. This change not only facilitated the growth of Christianity but also encouraged many individuals to convert, leading to a significant increase in its followers throughout the empire.
• Analyze how Constantine's motivations influenced the implementation of the Edict of Milan and its effects on early Christianity.
  • Constantine's motivations for implementing the Edict of Milan were rooted in both political strategy and personal belief. He sought to unify the diverse religious landscape of the Roman Empire and believed that legalizing Christianity would foster stability and loyalty among his subjects. The effects were profound; by granting religious freedom, he not only alleviated tensions between Christians and non-Christians but also encouraged church growth and established a foundation for future Christian governance within the empire.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Edict of Milan on Christianity's development and influence in Western civilization.
  • The long-term implications of the Edict of Milan on Christianity were vast, as it set in motion a series of events that would lead to Christianity becoming a dominant force in Western civilization. It paved the way for Christianity's establishment as a state religion under Theodosius I, influenced cultural and philosophical thought in Europe, and contributed to shaping societal values based on Christian teachings. This shift fundamentally altered not only religious landscapes but also political, social, and cultural frameworks throughout European history.

Related terms

Constantine the Great: The Roman emperor who played a crucial role in the rise of Christianity by legalizing the religion and calling the First Council of Nicaea.

Council of Nicaea: A gathering of Christian bishops convened by Constantine in 325 CE to address issues of church doctrine and establish uniformity in Christian beliefs.

Persecution of Christians: A series of systematic efforts by Roman authorities to suppress Christianity prior to the Edict of Milan, which included imprisonment, torture, and execution.