Constantine the Great

Definition

Constantine the Great was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 306 to 337 CE and is best known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. His reign marked a significant turning point for Christianity, as he not only legalized the religion with the Edict of Milan in 313 CE but also played a crucial role in its spread throughout the Roman Empire, establishing it as a favored religion within the empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople, in 330 CE, making it a center of trade and culture.
2. He was baptized on his deathbed, reflecting his conversion to Christianity and highlighting the personal significance of faith in his life.
3. Under his reign, Christianity transitioned from a persecuted faith to one that enjoyed imperial favor and patronage, fundamentally changing its status in society.
4. Constantine initiated various reforms that strengthened the empire's economy and military, promoting stability during a time of turmoil.
5. His legacy includes not only the promotion of Christianity but also significant administrative and military changes that influenced the future of Europe.

Review Questions

• How did Constantine's conversion to Christianity influence his policies and decisions during his reign?
  • Constantine's conversion to Christianity led him to enact policies that favored Christians and promoted religious tolerance. This included issuing the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity and allowed for open practice of faith without fear of persecution. His support for Christianity influenced many aspects of governance, including funding church construction and convening councils like the Council of Nicaea to unify Christian doctrine.
• Discuss the significance of Constantine's establishment of Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire.
  • By establishing Constantinople as the new capital, Constantine created a strategic political and economic center that shifted focus from Rome to the eastern provinces. This move helped secure trade routes and resources while allowing for better defense against external threats. The city would eventually become a cultural and religious hub for Christianity, profoundly impacting European history and serving as a bridge between East and West.
• Evaluate how Constantine's reign laid the groundwork for the rise of medieval Europe following the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
  • Constantine's reign set important precedents that shaped medieval Europe, particularly through his support for Christianity as a unifying force. By legitimizing Christianity, he helped establish it as an integral part of European identity. Additionally, his establishment of Constantinople preserved Roman governance and culture even after the Western Empire's fall, influencing political structures, religious institutions, and cultural developments that characterized medieval Europe.

Related terms

Edict of Milan: A proclamation that established religious tolerance for Christianity within the Roman Empire, allowing Christians to practice their faith openly without fear of persecution.

Council of Nicaea: An assembly convened by Constantine in 325 CE to address issues within the Christian community, resulting in the Nicene Creed which established foundational Christian beliefs.

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