Constantine the Great
Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I, was Roman emperor from 306 to 337 CE and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I, was Roman emperor from 306 to 337 CE and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He played a major role in the Christianisation of the Roman Empire, issued the Edict of Milan with Licinius, and founded Constantinople as a new imperial capital.
Early life and rise to power
Constantine was born in Naissus and was the son of Constantius I Chlorus, who later became Roman emperor. He rose to power after being proclaimed emperor in 306 following his father's death.
Religious policy
Constantine's reign marked a major shift in imperial policy toward Christianity. The Edict of Milan in 313 granted tolerance to Christians and helped end systematic persecution.
Founding of Constantinople
In 324, Constantine established Constantinople on the site of Byzantium and made it the capital of the Roman Empire. The city became one of the most important political and religious centres of the medieval world.
Legacy
Constantine's rule reshaped Roman politics, religion, and imperial administration. Historians often describe him as one of the most influential emperors in late antiquity.
Key facts
- He ruled the Roman Empire from 306 to 337 CE.
- He is widely regarded as the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
- He and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which ended official persecution of Christians in the empire.
- He founded Constantinople, renaming the former Byzantium and making it the imperial capital.
- His reign is considered a turning point in the Christianisation of the Roman Empire.
Constantine the Great is studied in Canadian history, classics, religious studies, and Byzantine studies as a key figure in the transition from the pagan Roman Empire to a Christian imperial tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Constantine the Great?
Why is Constantine called “the Great”?
What was the Edict of Milan?
Did Constantine found Constantinople?
Was Constantine the first Christian Roman emperor?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_GreatSupports: Basic chronology, reign dates, conversion to Christianity, Edict of Milan, and founding of Constantinople.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Constantine-I-Roman-emperorSupports: Biography, reign dates, Edict of Milan, Constantinople, and historical significance.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Constantine-I-Roman-emperorSupports: Summary facts on birth, death, conversion, Edict of Milan, and capital relocation.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/constantine-i-great-roman-emperorSupports: Parentage, reign, and Roman imperial background.
- World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_I/Supports: Reign dates and general historical role.