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 turning point in the history of the Roman Empire as he embraced Christianity, leading to significant religious transformations in the ancient city and beyond. He also founded the city of Constantinople, which became a central hub for Christianity and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Constantine's conversion to Christianity led to the rapid spread of the religion across the Roman Empire, changing its cultural landscape.
2. He moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople, which became a center for Christian thought and governance.
3. The Edict of Milan allowed Christians to practice their faith openly and led to the construction of important churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
4. Constantine played a key role in convening the Council of Nicaea, which produced the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith still used in many Christian denominations today.
5. His reign set the foundation for Christianity to become the state religion of the Roman Empire under his successors, profoundly influencing European history.

Review Questions

• How did Constantine's conversion to Christianity influence the religious landscape of the Roman Empire?
  • Constantine's conversion had a profound effect on the religious landscape of the Roman Empire by legitimizing Christianity as a major religion. His policies, including the Edict of Milan, ended persecution and encouraged the practice of Christianity. This transformation led to increased conversions among both elites and common citizens, reshaping cultural norms and societal values within the empire.
• Evaluate the significance of Constantine founding Constantinople in relation to Christian and imperial authority.
  • The founding of Constantinople marked a strategic move by Constantine to establish a new capital that was not only geographically advantageous but also symbolized a shift towards a Christian empire. This city became a focal point for Christian leadership and administration, allowing for stronger control over eastern provinces. By intertwining imperial authority with Christian faith, Constantine solidified his legacy as both a ruler and a pivotal figure in early Christian history.
• Assess how Constantine's actions set the stage for Christianity's dominance in Europe after his reign.
  • Constantine's actions, particularly through religious tolerance and institutional support for Christianity, laid critical groundwork for its dominance in Europe. His establishment of Constantinople as a Christian capital facilitated the spread of Christian ideology and governance throughout Europe. This period also saw the rise of influential church figures and councils, like the Council of Nicaea, which unified Christian doctrine. Consequently, his reign significantly influenced political structures and cultural developments that would shape Europe for centuries to come.

Related terms

Edict of Milan:

A decree issued in 313 CE by Constantine that granted religious tolerance for Christianity within the Roman Empire, ending years of persecution.

Council of Nicaea:

A council convened by Constantine in 325 CE to address the Arian controversy and establish a unified Christian doctrine.

Byzantine Empire: The continuation of the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, heavily influenced by Christianity and centered around Constantinople.