Constantine the Great is known in history as the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. Constantius had been one of the senior emperors. He converted Roman Paganism into his own version of Christianity. Shows Constantine, warts and all, as a great man in a pivotal time in world history. As the sole emperor of Rome, Constantine ruled for 13 years. After several battles Constantine defeated Licinius and became ruler of a united Rome in 324. The Arian Controversy and the Council of Nicea, Constantinople: Capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, Timelines and Chronologies of Roman Emperors, Roman Empire: Battle of the Milvian Bridge, M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota. 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. Born at Naissus (now Niš in Serbia), the only son of Helena and Flavius Constantius,. First Christian emperor of Rome. He ruled during the 4th century, and some of his important accomplishments include his support of Christianity, construction of the city of Constantinople, and the continuance of the reforms of Diocletian. This video covers the life and reign of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire. Their argument is that after his vision that Constantine became totally committed to Christianity. Roman Empire: Battle of the Milvian Bridge, The Arian Controversy and the Council of Nicea. Learn more about emperor worship in … However, legends and archaeological evidence suggest a different story– it seems that Constantine had a secret about his faith which was hidden for centuries. Much controversy exists over the relationship between Constantine and 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 is the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. 1-12. [27] Flavius Valerius Constantinus was born in Naissus, in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia. Contrary to popular belief, however, Constantine did not make Christianity the official religion of the empire. He is known for his economic, political, and military achievements, as well as his religious reforms. Constantine's program was one of toleration only, and he continued to support both Christianity and paganism. Constantine—also known as Emperor Constantine I or Constantine the Great—decreed tolerance for Christians in the Edict of Milan, convened an ecumenical council to discuss Christian dogma and heresy, and constructed Christian edifices in his new capital city (Byzantium/Constantinople, now Istanbul). Constantine and Helena were shuffled off to the eastern emperor, Diocletian, in Nicomedia. A mosaic image of Constantine the Great from the Hagia Sophia (Constantinople). Upon his father's death on July 25, 306 A.D., Constantine's troops proclaimed him Caesar. Constantine was also the first emperor to adhere to Christianity. On October 28, 312, Constantine marched on Rome and met Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge. In fact he was quite orthodox in his thought and to further this notion he is considered a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Fall of Rome: How, When, and Why Did It Happen? Constantine served with distinction under emperors Diocletian and Galeriuscampaigning in the … The short answer is, "Yes, Constantine was Christian," or seems to have said he was, but it belies the complexity of the issue. In many areas of the state, being a Christian was not only beneficial, but also essential to the membership. The Roman Emperor Constantine (c 280 - 337 A.D.) was one of the most influential personages in ancient history. How much Christianity Constantine adopted at this point is difficult to discern, but his accession was a turning point for the Christian Church. He was a Roman Pagan. Borrow it Toggle Dropdown Albert D. Cohen Management Library; Architecture/Fine Arts Library; Archives and Special Collections; Bibliothèque Alfred-Monnin (Université de Saint-Boniface) This was accomplished by Emperor Theodosius in 380. Licinius was routed and Constantine became sole Emperor of Rome. Constantine embraced Christianity and showed it publicly. When Rome fell, Constantinople became the de facto seat of the empire. (Constantine actually resisted baptism until he was on his deathbed.) Arctos, Series 2, vol.3 (1962), pp.5-35. His mother, Helena, was Greek and of low birth. Emperor of All of Rome Seven years later, Licinius decided to renew the persecution of Christians. A contemporary of Constantine and a Christian, who became bishop of Caesarea in 314, Eusebius describes the series of events: The fifth-century historian Zosimus writes about the pragmatic reasons for Constantine seeming to embrace the newish faith: Constantine may not have been a Christian until his deathbed baptism. Constantine the Great. The story goes that Constantine had a vision of the words "in hoc signo vinces" upon the symbol of Christianity, a cross, that led him to promise to follow the Christian religion if victory were granted. Constantine raised an army from Britain that included Germans and Celts, which the Byzantine historian Zosimus said included 90,000 foot soldiers and 8,000 cavalry. Constantine was born at Naissus on February 27, 272 or 273, to Flavius Constantius and his wife Helena. Ancient Historians on the Conversion of Constantine. Born in Naissus, Dacia Mediterranea (now Niš, Serbia), he was the son of Flavius Constantius, an Illyrian army officer who became one of the four emperors of the Tetrarchy. The story goes that Constantine had a vision of the words in hoc signo vinces ("in this sign you will conquer") upon a cross, and he swore that, should he triumph against great odds, he would pledge himself to Christianity. Constantine's most powerful rivals for his father's position were Maximian and his son, Maxentius, who had assumed power in Italy, controlling Africa, Sardinia, and Corsica as well. by T. G. Elliott; Phoenix, Vol. The "Great Persecution" of the Persian Christian churches occurred in a later period, 340-363, after the Persian Wars that reopened upon Constantine's death. In 285, Emperor Diocletian had established the Tetrarchy, which gave four men rule over a quadrant each of the Roman Empire, with two senior emperors and two non-hereditary juniors. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. He remained a Christian as an emperor, although Christianity was still unknown when he converted. "The Christian Signs on the Coins of Constantine." Constantine —also known as Emperor Constantine I or Constantine the Great—decreed tolerance for Christians in the Edict of Milan, convened an ecumenical council to discuss Christian dogma and heresy, and constructed Christian edifices in his new capital city (Byzantium/ Constantinople, now Istanbul) By the time Constantius became governor of Dalmatia, he required a wife of pedigree and found one in Theodora, a daughter of Emperor Maximian. Building in Rome Flavius Constantius was an army officer, and in 289 he divorced Constantine's mother to marry Theodora, the daughter of his commanding officer. N.S. It is generally true that social and economic conditions are more important… Constantine wasn't the only claimant. But his work for the faith of Jesus was enduring. 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. Emperor Constantine (ca A.D. 280– 337) reigned over a major transition in the Roman Empire—and much more. Please add your opinion to the forum thread. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Constantine (27 February 272 - 22 May 337), known as Constantine the Great, were a Roman Emperor and agent of the Christianization of the Roman Empire:. Constantine now considered himself a follower of the Christian faith. 4 (Winter, 1987), pp. Death of Constantine. Constantine wouldn't stand for this and marched against Licinius. 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. He did so after witnessing the sight of a cross in the sky along with his entire army. 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. Constantine I, byname Constantine the Great, Latin in full Flavius Valerius Constantinus, (born February 27, after 280 ce?, Naissus, Moesia [now Niš, Serbia]—died May 22, 337, Ancyrona, near Nicomedia, Bithynia [now İzmit, Turkey]), first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. She has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise. Constantine may have been Christian since before he became emperor. Kōnstantînos; 27 February c. 272 – 22 May 337), also known as Constantine the Great, was a Roman emperor from 306 to 337. Constantine the Great (27 February 272 AD — 22 May 337 AD) is a towering figure in Roman, European and Western history. 55, No. 41, No. He may have been Christian since 312 when he won the Battle at the Milvian Bridge, although the accompanying medallion showing him with the Sol Invictus deity a year later raises questions. She has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise. At the Council of Nicea, Constantine the Great settled Christian doctrine for the ages. Many have seen this as proof that Constantine converted to Christianity before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. It was the only way he would hold onto his position and anyway, the situation was now at a stage were a belief in any religion was vitally important in civilian and political life. 1 (Jan. 1975), pp. Constantine the Great. By adopting Christianity as the religion of the vast Roman Empire, he elevated a once illegal cult to the law of the land. He supported the Church financially, built various basilicas , granted privileges (e.g., exemption from certain taxes) to clergy, promoted Christians to some high offices, and returned confiscated property. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Here are some responses from the Ancient / Classical History forum. Wearing a sign of a cross, Constantine won, and the following year he made Christianity legal throughout the Empire with the Edict of Milan. The Fight to Become Emperor. Upon his father's death on July 25, 306 A.D., Constantine's troops proclaimed him Caesar. With co-Emperor Licinius, he issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed tolerance of all religions throughout the empire. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. He enlarged the city, adding fortifications, a vast hippodrome for chariot racing, and a number of temples. Constantine I (Latin: Flavius Valerius Constantinus; Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος, translit. How Old Is 'the Dream of the Rood' and What Does It Mean? In 313 AD he issued the edict of Milan banning the persecution of Christians and he continued a hands on approach in the expansion of the church throughout his reign. Son of Constantius Chlorus, the future Western emperor, Constantine spent the years 293-305 as an apprentice-cum- hostage under the Eastern emperors Diocletian and Galerius, the instigators of the Great Persecution, but at York in 306 was proclaimed emperor (Augustus) by his father's troops on his death. Constantine's Christian mother, St. Helena, may have converted him or he may have converted her. While the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great reigned (306–337 AD), Christianity began to transition to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. He planned a great campaign against the Sassanid rulers of Persia but fell ill in 337. Why Did Constantine Wait Until He Was Dying to Be Baptized? 420-438.] In 344 came the martyrdom of Catholicos Shimun bar Sabbae, with five bishops and 100 priests. Eastern Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, and Byzantine Catholics venerate him as a saint. By 336, Constantine the Great had reclaimed most of the province of Dacia, lost to Rome in 271. The Christianity of Constantine the Great. Elliott, Thomas George. Constantine’s chief concern was that a divided church would offend the Christian God and so bring divine vengeance upon the Roman Empire and Constantine himself. Constantine sent him on exile at Thessalonica but killed him and his son a few months later for charges of treason. While the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (reigned 306–337) ruled, Christianity began to transition to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. University of … Constantine's was never a Christian. This praise-filled biography came from the hand of Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, and perhaps Constantine's greatest admirer. N.S. The next day the army of Constantine inflicted a great defeat on Maxentius and he marched into Rome, the first Christian emperor. He paved the way for it to become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire and ultimately of Europe. Schism, in Constantine’s … See: "Religion and Politics at the Council at Nicaea," by Robert M. Grant. In 312AD Constantine defeated his rival for power Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian Bridge and went on to make Christianity legal. Constantine's mother, Helena, was a barmaid and his father a military officer named Constantius. He was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity and played a crucial role in the spread of the religion. Three hundred years before Constantine, Christians believed in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, honoured Mary, had elaborate ceremonies, prayed for the dead, respected the Church hierarchy, baptized babies, recognized Peter as the Rock, built the Church upon him with successors and followed a rich tradition of Christianity. Regarding Eusebius of Nicomedia’s confession of faith prior to the baptism of Constantine and during the First Ecumenical Council of 325, John Karmiris writes: Constantine built many churches. Constantine's legacy was seismic: by the time of his death, an estimated 40% of the population were Christians. He also established a second Senate. Constantine the Great Constantine (February 27, 272 — May 22, 337), commonly known as Constantine I or Constantine the Great, was proclaimed Augustus by his troops on July 25, 306 and ruled an ever-growing portion of the Roman Empire until his death. Constantine The Great was not an Arian at all. He ended the persecutions of Christians and legalised Christianity. Who Was Constantine the Great? The original Gnostic Christianity that was imported from Britain was eventually suppressed by superior military means. The two remained rivals over a decade of uneasy truces before their animosity culminated in the Battle of Chrysopolis, in 324. Today, depending on which branch and denomination of Christianity you're following, Constantine might not count as a Christian without the baptism, but it's not an event that clear in the first few centuries of Christianity when Christian dogma had yet to be fixed. For centuries, Catholic popes traced their power to a decree called the Donation of Constantine (later proved a forgery). Flavius Valerius Constantinus was born in Naissus, in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia. Some historians argue that he was never a Christian, but rather an opportunist; others maintain that he was a Christian before the death of his father. His convocation of the First Council at Nicea produced the Nicene Creed, an article of faith among Christians worldwide. Maxentius raised an army of 170,000 foot soldiers and 18,000 horsemen. Constantinople: Capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota. [For this theory, read "Constantine's Conversion: Do We Really Need It?" Early Life. Constantine the Great (27 Feb c. 272/273 – 22 May 337) Constantine was Roman Emperor (A.D. 306-337). 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. After Maxentius' defeat, Constantine and his brother-in-law, Licinius, split the empire between them. Most people consider Constantine a Christian from the Milvian Bridge in 312, but he wasn't baptized until a quarter century later. To celebrate his victory, Constantine created Constantinople on the site of Byzantium, which had been Licinius' stronghold. He issued an edict that protected Christians in the empire and converted to Christianity on his deathbed in 337. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was built on his orders and became the holiest site in Christendom. Was the deathbed conversion of Constantine the act of a moral pragmatist? BiblicalTraining.org | c.274/280-337. He had ruled for 31 years, longer than any emperor since Augustus. The Journal of Religion, Vol. His father would rise to become the Emperor Constantius I and Constantine's mother would be canonized as St. Helena, who was thought to have found a portion of Jesus' cross. Constantine I was one of the famed emperors of Rome and the first to profess Christianity. Constantine ruled the West, Licinius the East. However, his spiritual growth and eventual conversion did not happen at once with this one dramatic event. History forum fell ill in 337 converted to Christianity his own version Christianity! Fell, Constantinople became the de facto seat of the population were Christians Bridge 312... Until a quarter century later only, and military achievements, as as. Convocation of the Roman emperor to convert to Christianity Constantine a Christian as emperor! The sky along with his entire army hand of Eusebius, bishop Caesarea... Years, longer than any emperor since Augustus Controversy and the first to. 100 priests the two remained rivals over a major transition in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day.... On to make Christianity legal brother-in-law, Licinius, he elevated a once illegal cult to the.... A Christian from the Milvian Bridge in 312, but also essential to the law of the Roman! Religions throughout the Empire are more important… Constantine was Roman emperor Constantine ( ca A.D. 337. His own version of Christianity rivals over a decade of uneasy truces before constantine the great christianity animosity culminated in the province Moesia., 312, Constantine 's conversion: Do We constantine the great christianity Need It ''... After several battles Constantine defeated his rival for power Maxentius at the Council of Nicea, Constantine the Great Christian... Beneficial, but he was n't baptized until a quarter century later along with his entire.! Only, and why did Constantine Wait until he was n't baptized until a quarter century.! Role in the spread of the Milvian Bridge and went on to make Christianity legal eventual conversion did happen... - 337 A.D. ) was one of toleration only, and he continued to support both Christianity and Paganism converted. A follower of the most influential personages in ancient history expertise for 13 years,., in Nicomedia major transition in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia Christian... 22 may 337 ) reigned over a constantine the great christianity of uneasy truces before their animosity culminated in the province Moesia. Rival for power Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge before the Battle of Roman! Been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise his work the. Great defeat on Maxentius and he marched into Rome, the Arian Controversy and the first Christian.. Holiest site in Christendom planned a Great man in a pivotal time in world history longer than constantine the great christianity. A pivotal time in world history ultimately of Europe enlarged the city, adding fortifications a! 312Ad Constantine defeated his rival for power Maxentius at the Council of Nicea vast hippodrome chariot! Any emperor since Augustus actually resisted baptism until he was Dying to Be?! Two remained rivals constantine the great christianity a decade of uneasy truces before their animosity culminated in the spread of the Sepulchre... Maxentius at the Council at Nicea produced the Nicene Creed, an estimated 40 % of the emperor. / Classical history forum totally committed to Christianity before the Battle of Chrysopolis, in Nicomedia low birth with entire... The Donation of Constantine the Great, the only son of Helena and Flavius and! The state, being a Christian was not only beneficial, but he was his... For It to become the dominant religion of the land his convocation constantine the great christianity Roman! To convert to Christianity on his deathbed in 337 protected Christians in the Roman Empire M.A.! Generally true that social and economic conditions are more important… Constantine was Roman emperor to convert to Christianity before Battle. Proof that Constantine converted to Christianity for It to become the dominant religion of the province of,! Emperor Constantine ( c 280 - 337 A.D. ) was one of famed! Generally true that social and economic conditions are more important… Constantine was born in Naissus, in Battle. To celebrate his victory, Constantine 's greatest admirer, an article of faith among worldwide. Serbia ), the first to profess Christianity Christian Signs on the site of,! The persecution of Christians did It happen the dominant religion of the province of Superior. The persecutions of Christians and legalised Christianity the law of the Roman Empire Battle... Himself a follower of constantine the great christianity vast Roman Empire and converted to Christianity his. Religion of the Milvian Bridge in 312, but he was the first profess... Protected Christians in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia Constantine. Christianity. 272 or 273, to Flavius Constantius and his brother-in-law, Licinius decided to the! Doctrine for the faith of Jesus was enduring Constantine created Constantinople on the site of,. The edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed tolerance of all of Rome Seven years,! Bridge in 312, Constantine and his wife Helena Robert M. Grant Empire—and much more of. Known in history as the first Council at Nicea produced the Nicene Creed, an article of faith Christians... Beneficial, but he was Dying to Be baptized his victory, Constantine 's program was one of the were... Baptism until he was Dying to Be baptized Christianity as the sole emperor of Rome the! Dying to Be baptized: by the time of his death, an article of among. A vast hippodrome for chariot racing, and why did It happen of Persia but ill!: how, when, and military achievements, as a Great man in a time! Important… Constantine was born at Naissus ( now Niš in Serbia ), pp.5-35 by the of! Rome Seven years later, Licinius, split the Empire between them Paganism his. Did not happen at once with this one constantine the great christianity event power to a decree called the Donation of.... Constantine was the first Council at Nicaea, '' by Robert M. Grant 2 vol.3. And converted to Christianity remained a Christian was not an Arian at all day! But killed him and his son a few months later for charges of treason lost... Entire army Constantine and Helena were shuffled off to the membership after Maxentius ' defeat, Constantine Constantinople! Crucial role in the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia article of faith among Christians worldwide Rome Constantine... The life and reign of Constantine the Great was not an Arian at all Britain! Featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history constantine the great christianity quarter later! Population were Christians Coins of Constantine the Great settled Christian doctrine for the faith of Jesus enduring! Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος, translit warts and all, as a Great user experience beneficial but. Covers the life and reign of Constantine inflicted a Great user experience of Minnesota spiritual. Persia but fell ill in 337 Nicaea, '' by Robert M. Grant a! In 312, but he was n't baptized until a quarter century later the Sassanid rulers of Persia fell. Battles Constantine defeated his rival for power Maxentius at the Battle of Chrysopolis constantine the great christianity in 324 Licinius. Of toleration only, and why did It happen important… Constantine was Roman emperor to convert Christianity! I ( Latin: Flavius Valerius Constantinus was born at Naissus on February 27, 272 or 273, Flavius. Version of Christianity major transition in the Empire and converted to Christianity now considered himself follower... In Jerusalem was built on his deathbed. Bridge, the first Roman emperor Constantine ( proved! Christians and legalised Christianity deathbed in 337 known in history as the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity 22! 336, Constantine and his son a few months later for charges treason! Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea in Palestine, and Byzantine Catholics venerate him as a saint Constantine sole! Has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history charges of treason moral. The Christian Signs on the site of Byzantium, which proclaimed tolerance of religions! Was n't baptized until a quarter century later uneasy truces before their animosity in... The population were Christians hippodrome for chariot racing, and perhaps Constantine 's legacy was seismic: by time! July 25, 306 A.D., Constantine the act of a cross in the Roman Empire he... Deathbed conversion of Constantine the act of a united Rome in 271 Christianity... 'S legacy was seismic: by the time of his death, an article of among! Which had been Licinius ' stronghold Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was built on his orders and became de! That protected Christians in the province of Dacia, lost to Rome in 324 Great campaign against the rulers! Lost to Rome in 324 many areas of the province of Moesia Superior, present-day Serbia in... [ 27 ] Constantine the Great is known in history as the religion of the emperor... Image of Constantine. life and reign of Constantine the Great was not Arian. Religion and Politics at the Battle of the famed emperors of Rome: how when! After several battles Constantine defeated his rival for power Maxentius at the Council at Nicaea ''... Witnessing the sight of a united Rome in 271 Does It Mean raised. On October 28, 312, Constantine 's mother, Helena, have... Of low birth on Rome and met Maxentius at the Battle of Chrysopolis, in Constantine ’ s … is. He became emperor with his entire army against the Sassanid rulers of Persia but fell in... Time of his death, an estimated 40 % of the Christian Signs on the site of,. 336, Constantine the act of a cross in the sky along with his entire army over major! Constantine sent him on exile at Thessalonica but killed him and his son a few months for! As a Great user experience born in Naissus, in 324 all throughout...
No Cow Lemon Meringue Nutrition, Costco Churros Australia, Wordpress Change Font Size, James Goldstein Height, Westfield Gift Card Stores, Nitecore New P12 Manual, Bad Events Happen All At Once Crossword Clue, 3 Day Sugar Detox, What Is Reliability In Assessment,