Constantine the Great and Christianity

• 1. Persecution Under Nero

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  In AD 64, Emperor Nero attempted to blame Christians for the Great Fire of Rome. Roman historian Tacitus reported this event as the first recorded official persecution on behalf of the empire. Church tradition holds that Peter and Paul were martyred during Nero's reign. Modern historians debate whether the government distinguished between Jews and Christians before Nerva modified the Fiscus Judaicus in 96. Practicing Jews paid a specific tax after this modification while Christians did not. Christians suffered sporadic and localized persecutions over two and a half centuries. Their refusal to participate in the imperial cult was considered an act of treason punishable by execution.

• 2. Vision Before Milvian Bridge

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  Eusebius of Caesarea records that Constantine saw a cross-shaped trophy formed from light above the sun at midday. This vision occurred sometime between his father Constantius Chlorus's death in 306 and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on the 28th of October 312. The Greek words translated as in hoc signo vinces meant in this sign you will conquer. Lactantius wrote decades later that Constantine had a dream where the sign was marked on soldiers' shields instead of appearing in the sky. Eusebius described a standard made according to instructions involving the Greek letters rho and chi ligatured as the chi-rho monogram. Coins minted up to eight years after the battle still bore images of Roman gods like Sol Invictus.

• 3. Edict Of Milan Decree

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  In 313, Constantine and Licinius announced that it was proper for all people to follow the mode of religion which appeared best to them. The Edict of Milan went further than the earlier Edict of Serdica by Galerius in 311 by returning confiscated Church property. This edict made the empire officially neutral regarding religious worship without making traditional religions illegal or Christianity the state religion. Most influential people including high military officials had not converted yet still participated in traditional Roman religion. The Arch of Constantine contained no reference to Christianity despite its construction shortly after the battle. Coins continued to bear images of Roman gods for many years following the decree.

• 4. Imperial Patronage And Construction

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  Between 324 and 330, Constantine built New Rome at Byzantium on the Bosporos which would be named Constantinople for him. Unlike old Rome, this new city employed overtly Christian architecture and contained churches within the walls with no pre-existing temples from other religions. Christian chroniclers stated it appeared necessary to teach subjects to give up their rites and accustom them to despise their temples. Temples were closed due to lack of support as their wealth flowed to the imperial treasure. On the 7th of March 321, Sunday became an official day of rest when markets were banned and public offices closed except for freeing slaves. Two-thirds of his top government remained non-Christian even up to the end of his life.

• 5. Councils And Doctrinal Enforcement

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  In 325, Constantine summoned the First Council of Nicaea effectively the first ecumenical council unless the Council of Jerusalem is so classified. The Council dealt primarily with the Arian controversy regarding who and what God was. After the Nicene council, Constantine recalled Arius from exile and banished Athanasius of Alexandria to Trier against its conclusions. Emperors considered themselves responsible to gods for spiritual health of subjects after Constantine had a duty to help Church define orthodoxy. The emperor ensured that God was properly worshiped in empire while doctrine consisted of what Church determined. Coins minted at Thessaloniki in 327 showed Constantine looking skywards with an armoured emperor carrying spear and tropaion with bound captives.

• 6. Deathbed Baptism Controversy

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  Just before his death in May 337, it is claimed that Constantine was baptised into Christianity. He had been a catechumen for most of his adult life believing waiting until deathbed reduced danger of polluting soul with sin. He was baptized by distant relative Arian Bishop Eusebius of Nicomedia or by Pope Sylvester I according to Catholic Church tradition. During Eusebius's time in imperial court Eastern court and major positions held by Arians or Arian sympathizers. His son and successor Constantius II was an Arian as was Emperor Valens. Hans Pohlsander professor emeritus stated conversion was realpolitik meant to serve political interest in keeping empire united under control.