Historians remain uncertain about Constantine's reasons for favoring Christianity, and theologians and historians have argued about which form of Early Christianity he subscribed to. Contrary to popular belief, however, Constantine did not make Christianity the official religion of the empire. On October 28, 312, Constantine marched on Rome and met Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge. Most people consider Constantine a Christian from the Milvian Bridge in 312, but he wasn't baptized until a quarter century later. This video covers the life and reign of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire. 420-438.] Answer: Constantine the Great (AD 280—337) was one of Rome’s most powerful and successful emperors and the first to self-identify as a Christian. Constantine the Great. Constantine The Great was not an Arian at all. And by establishing a capital at Byzantium, which became Constantinople and then Istanbul, he set into motion events that would break the empire, split the Christian church, and influence European history for a millennium. This was accomplished by Emperor Theodosius in 380. He ended the persecutions of Christians and legalised Christianity. First Christian emperor of Rome. In many areas of the state, being a Christian was not only beneficial, but also essential to the membership. 41, No. The short answer is, "Yes, Constantine was Christian," or seems to have said he was, but it belies the complexity of the issue. (Constantine actually resisted baptism until he was on his deathbed.) [27] N.S. Who Was Constantine the Great? He was a Roman Pagan. How much Christianity Constantine adopted at this point is difficult to discern, but his accession was a turning point for the Christian Church. Why Did Constantine Wait Until He Was Dying to Be Baptized? When Rome fell, Constantinople became the de facto seat of the empire. Constantine was also the first emperor to adhere to Christianity. Gives insight into why, following in his father Constantius' footsteps, Constantine not only granted tolerance for Christianity but also brought Church and Empire together in a union that would last a thousand years. Constantine's program was one of toleration only, and he continued to support both Christianity and paganism. By 336, Constantine the Great had reclaimed most of the province of Dacia, lost to Rome in 271. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Unable to complete his dream of being baptized in the Jordan River, as was Jesus, he was baptized by Eusebius of Nicomedia on his deathbed. Much controversy exists over the relationship between Constantine and Christianity. Ancient Historians on the Conversion of Constantine. He enlarged the city, adding fortifications, a vast hippodrome for chariot racing, and a number of temples. Please add your opinion to the forum thread. 1 (Jan. 1975), pp. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was built on his orders and became the holiest site in Christendom. To celebrate his victory, Constantine created Constantinople on the site of Byzantium, which had been Licinius' stronghold. Their argument is that after his vision that Constantine became totally committed to Christianity. He had ruled for 31 years, longer than any emperor since Augustus. Constantine wouldn't stand for this and marched against Licinius. Learn more about emperor worship in … He issued an edict that protected Christians in the empire and converted to Christianity on his deathbed in 337. by T. G. Elliott; Phoenix, Vol. Death of Constantine. Here are some responses from the Ancient / Classical History forum. 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