The Conversion of Constantine
Outline:
Date and Place: Constantine was born in AD 275 and in AD 313 in Milan gave a statement that all religions had equal rights. He died in AD 337.
Summary: Constantine was the first emperor of Rome to become a Christian. During his reign, Christians regained freedom of worship, and the Christian church became legal. He rebuilt Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople and made it his capital. He shifted the Roman Empire's strength from Rome to the eastern provinces which then led to the foundations of the Byzantine Empire. In 325, Constantine presided over the first ecumenical (general) council of the Christian Church. The council met in Nicaea to deal with disputes among Christians. The council drew up a statement of beliefs called the Nicene Creed. Constantine was baptized a Christian on his death bed. The empire was then passed onto his sons.
Significant People: Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus is the major person involved in this topic.
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Catherine of Aragon Español: Catalina de Aragón ...He was born in Naissa and the roman army proclaimed him emperor when his father died. The Roman empire was divided and several claimants struggled for power. In 312 Constantine attacked Maxentius and won at a battle at the Milivian Bridge. He is said to have had a vision the he would win if he fought under the cross. After his victory he became a strong supporter of Christianity. Emperor Licinius and Constantine arranged a partnership in 313. After 10 years of dividing the empire the two emperors fought and a victory by Constantine made him the sole ruler.
Significant Ideas: The most significant idea is that of how Christianity suddenly over-throwed the pagan religion that had dominated Romans for centuries. This changed would have influenced all people of the empire and with the decree that made all...