Constantine the Great, born in Naissus, Upper Moesia, around 27 February AD 272 or 273, was a Roman emperor. He was the son of Helena, who was an innkeeper’s daughter, and Constantius Chlorus. The exact details of his parents’ marital status are uncertain, leading to the possibility that Constantine might have been an illegitimate child.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Constantine’s early life was shaped by his unique familial background and the changing dynamics of the Roman Empire. His upbringing was a blend of modest beginnings and proximity to military and political affairs.
As a young boy, Constantine likely witnessed his father’s gradual progression within the Roman military ranks, a journey that would have exposed him to various aspects of military life and the Roman administrative system. This exposure played a crucial role in developing his understanding of military strategies and governance.
READ MORE: The Roman Army
During those times, the Roman Empire was undergoing significant changes, including administrative reforms and power struggles. These events would have been part of Constantine’s environment, influencing his worldview and shaping his early perceptions of leadership and empire management.
Constantine’s education during this time, although not documented in detail, would have included typical Roman subjects such as rhetoric, Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, and possibly some military training. This education, combined with his experiences in a politically active family, prepared him for future challenges and opportunities.
As Constantine grew older, his father’s military campaigns and political alliances would have further influenced his development. Constantine’s experiences during these formative years laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to power, equipping him with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership in the complex and often turbulent world of Roman politics.
Rise to Power
Before reaching the year of AD 293, Constantius Chlorus, known for his military prowess and loyalty, caught the attention of Emperor Diocletian. Recognizing his abilities, Diocletian chose Constantius as one of his Caesars under the Tetrarchy system, which was designed to stabilize and manage the vast Roman Empire more effectively. This appointment in AD 293 marked a turning point, elevating Constantius to the rank of Caesar, a title signifying a subordinate co-emperor.
As such, Constantine became a member of the court of Diocletian. Constantine proved an officer of much promise when serving under Diocletian’s Caesar Galerius against the Persians. He was still with Galerius when Diocletian and Maximian abdicated in AD 305, finding himself in the precarious situation of a virtual hostage to Galerius.
In AD 306 though Galerius, now sure of his position as dominant Augustus (despite Constantius being senior by rank) let Constantine return to his father to accompany him on a campaign to Britain. Constantine however was suspicious of this sudden change of heart by Galerius, that he took extensive precautions on his journey to Britain. When Constantius Chlorus in AD 306 died of illness at Ebucarum (York), the troops hailed Constantine as the new Augustus.
Galerius refused to accept this proclamation but, faced with strong support for Constantius’ son, he saw himself forced to grant Constantine the rank of Caesar. When Constantine married Fausta, her father Maximian, now returned to power in Rome, acknowledged him as Augustus. Hence, when Maximian and Maxentius later became enemies, Maximian was granted shelter at Constantine’s court.
At the Conference of Carnuntum in AD 308, where all the Caesars and Augusti met, it was demanded that Constantine give up his title of Augustus and return to being a Caesar. However, he refused. Not long after the famous conference, Constantine was successfully campaigning against marauding Germans when news reached him that Maximian, still residing at his court, had turned against him.
Maximian, having been previously forced to abdicate at the Conference of Carnuntum, made another attempt to regain power by aiming to usurp Constantine’s throne. In response, Constantine, not allowing Maximian any time to organize a defense, promptly led his legions into Gaul. With limited options, Maximian fled to Massilia. However, Constantine pursued him relentlessly and laid siege to the city. The siege concluded with the surrender of the garrison at Massilia. In the aftermath, in AD 310, Maximian either committed suicide or was executed, marking the end of his bid for power.
READ MORE: Gallic Empire
With Galerius dead in AD 311 the main authority amongst the emperors had been removed, leaving them to struggle for dominance. In the east Licinius and Maximinus Daia fought for supremacy and in the west Constantine began a war with Maxentius. In AD 312 Constantine invaded Italy. Maxentius is believed to have had up to four times as many troops, though they were inexperienced and undisciplined.
Brushing aside the opposition in battles at Augusta Taurinorum (Turin) and Verona, Constantine marched on Rome. Constantine later claimed to have had a vision on the way to Rome, during the night before battle. In this dream he supposedly saw the ‘Chi-Ro’, the symbol of Christ, shining above the sun.
Seeing this as a divine sign, it is said that Constantine had his soldiers paint the symbol on their shields. Following this Constantine went on to defeat the numerically stronger army of Maxentius at the Battle at the Milvian Bridge (Oct AD 312). Constantine’s opponent Maxentius, together with thousands of his soldiers, drowned as the bridge of boats his force was retreating over collapsed.
Constantine saw this victory as directly related to the vision he had had the night before. Henceforth Constantine saw himself as an ’emperor of the Christian people’. Whether this made him a Christian is the subject of some debate. But Constantine, who only had himself baptized on his deathbed, is generally understood as the first Christian emperor of the Roman world.
Constantine Becomes Emperor
With his victory over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge, Constantine became the dominant figure in the empire. The senate warmly welcomed him to Rome and the two remaining emperors, Licinius and Maximinus II Daia could do little else but agree to his demand that he henceforth should be the senior Augustus. It was in this senior position that Constantine ordered Maximinus II Daia to cease his repression of the Christians.
Despite this turn toward Christianity, Constantine remained for some years still very tolerant of the old pagan religions. Particularly the worship of the sun god was still closely related with him for some time to come. A fact that can be seen on the carvings of his triumphal Arch in Rome and on coins minted during his reign.
READ MORE: Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods
Constantine and Licinius, The Two Emperors
Then in AD 313, Licinius defeated Maximinus II Daia. This left only two Roman emperors. At first, both tried to live peacefully beside each other, Constantine in the west, and Licinius in the east. In AD 313 they met at Mediolanum (Milan), where Licinius even married Constantine’s sister Constantia and restated that Constantine was the senior Augustus. Yet it was made clear that Licinius would make his own laws in the east, without the need to consult Constantine. Further, it was agreed that Licinius would return property to the Christian church which had been confiscated in the eastern provinces.
Problems with Licinius arose when Constantine appointed his brother-in-law Bassianus as Caesar for Italy and the Danubian provinces. If the principle of the Tetrarchy, established by Diocletian, still in theory defined government, then Constantine as senior Augustus had the right to do this. And yet, Diocletian’s principles would have demanded that he appointed an independent man on merit.
But Licinius saw in Bassianus little else than a puppet of Constantine. If the Italian territories were Constantine’s, then the important Danubian military provinces were under the control of Licinius. If Bassianus was indeed Constantine’s puppet it would have meant a serious gain of power by Constantine. And so, to prevent his opponent from yet further increasing his power, Licinius managed to persuade Bassianus to revolt against Constantine in AD 314 or AD 315.
The rebellion was easily put down, but the involvement of Licinius, too, was discovered. And this discovery made war inevitable. But considering the situation, responsibility for the war must lie with Constantine. It appears that he was simply unwilling to share power and hence sought to find means by which to bring about a fight.
For a while, neither side acted, instead both camps preferred to prepare for the contest ahead. Then in AD 316, Constantine attacked with his forces. In July or August at Cibalae in Pannonia he defeated Licinius’ larger army, forcing his opponent to retreat.
READ MORE: Roman Wars
The next step was taken by Licinius, when he announced Aurelius Valerius Valens, to be the new emperor of the west. It was an attempt to undermine Constantine, but it clearly failed to work. Soon after, another battle followed, at Campus Ardiensis in Thrace. This time, however, neither side gained victory, as the battle proved indecisive.
Once more the two sides reached a treaty (1 March AD 317). Licinius surrendered all Danubian and Balkan provinces, with the exception of Thrace, to Constantine. In effect, this was little else but confirmation of the actual balance of power, as Constantine had indeed conquered these territories and controlled them. Despite his weaker position, Licinius still retained complete sovereignty over his remaining eastern dominions. Also as part of the treaty, Licinius’ alternative western Augustus was put to death.
The final part of this agreement reached at Serdica was the creation of three new Caesars. Crispus and Constantine II were both sons of Constantine and Licinius the Younger was the infant son of the eastern emperor and his wife Constantia.
For a short while the empire would enjoy peace. But soon the situation began to deteriorate again. If Constantine acted more and more in favor of the Christians, then Licinius began to disagree. From AD 320 onwards Licinius began to suppress the Christian church in his eastern provinces and also began ejecting any Christians from government posts. Another problem arose regarding the consulships.
These were by now widely understood as positions in which emperors would groom their sons as future rulers. Their treaty at Serdica had hence proposed that appointments should be made by mutual agreement. Licinius though believed Constantine favored his own sons when granting these positions.
And so, in clear defiance of their agreements, Licinius appointed himself and his two sons consuls for the eastern provinces for the year AD 322. With this declaration, it was clear that hostilities between the two sides would soon begin afresh. Both sides began to prepare for the struggle ahead.
In AD 323 Constantine created yet another Caesar by elevating his third son Constantius II to this rank. If the eastern and western halves of the empire were hostile towards one another, then in AD 323 a reason was soon found to start a new civil war. Constantine, while campaigning against Gothic invaders, strayed into Licinius’ Thracian territory.
It is well possible he did so on purposely in order to provoke a war. Be that as it may, Licinius took this as the reason to declare war in the spring of AD 324. But it was once again Constantine who moved to attack first in AD 324 with 120’000 infantry and 10’000 cavalry against Licinius’ 150’000 infantry and 15’000 cavalry based at Hadrianopolis. On 3 July AD 324, he severely defeated Licinius’ forces at Hadrianopolis, and shortly after his fleet won victories at sea.
READ MORE: The Roman Cavalry
Licinius fled across the Bosporus to Asia Minor (Turkey), but Constantine having brought with him a fleet of two thousand transport vessels ferried his army across the water and forced the decisive battle of Chrysopolis where he utterly defeated Licinius (18 September AD 324). Licinius was imprisoned and later executed. Alas, Constantine was the sole emperor of the entire Roman world.
Constantine’s Sole Rule
Soon after his victory in AD 324, he outlawed pagan sacrifices, now feeling far more at liberty to enforce his new religious policy. The treasures of pagan temples were confiscated and used to pay for the construction of new Christian churches. Gladiatorial contests were outlawed and harsh new laws were issued prohibiting sexual immorality. Jews in particular were forbidden from owning Christian slaves.
READ MORE: The Roman Gladiators: Soldiers and Superheroes
Constantine continued the reorganization of the army, begun by Diocletian, reaffirming the difference between frontier garrisons and mobile forces. The mobile forces consisted largely of heavy cavalry which could quickly move to trouble spots. The presence of Germans continued to increase during his reign.
The praetorian guard who’d held such influence over the empire for so long, was finally disbanded. Their place was taken by the mounted guard, largely consisting of Germans, which had been introduced under Diocletian.
As a lawmaker, Constantine was terribly severe. Edicts were passed by which the sons were forced to take up the professions of their fathers. Not only was this terribly harsh on such sons who sought a different career. But by making the recruitment of veterans’ sons compulsory, and enforcing it ruthlessly with harsh penalties, widespread fear and hatred were caused. Also, his taxation reforms created extreme hardship.
City dwellers were obliged to pay a tax in gold or silver, the chrysargyron. This tax was levied every four years, beating and torture being the consequences for those too poor to pay. Parents are said to have sold their daughters into prostitution in order to pay the chrysargyron. Under Constantine, any girl who ran away with her lover was burned alive.
READ MORE: Roman Women: Mothers, Daughters, Priestesses, and Augustas
Any chaperone who should assist in such a matter had molten lead poured into her mouth. Rapists were burned at the stake. But also their women victims were punished, if they had been raped away from home, as they, according to Constantine, should have no business outside the safety of their own homes.
Constantine and Christianity
Emperor Constantine’s relationship with Christianity is one of the most significant aspects of his reign and legacy. This connection not only transformed his life but also had a profound impact on the history of Christianity and the Roman Empire.
READ MORE: How Did Christianity Spread: Origins, Expansion, and Impact
Constantine’s conversion to Christianity was a gradual process rather than a single event. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312 is often cited as a turning point in his religious orientation. According to historical accounts, Constantine had a vision or dream in which he was instructed to mark his soldiers’ shields with the Christian Chi-Rho symbol. This symbol, representing the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek, was said to be accompanied by the words “In this sign, conquer.” Constantine’s subsequent victory in the battle was seen by him as divine intervention and marked the beginning of his shift towards Christianity.
Constantine’s ascent to power significantly altered the Roman Empire’s stance towards Christianity. Once a persecuted faith, Christianity gradually transitioned to becoming not just a favored religion but, eventually, the official creed of the Empire. This monumental shift was catalyzed by the Edict of Milan in AD 313, a landmark proclamation co-authored by Constantine and Licinius. This edict was revolutionary in its grant of religious freedom throughout the empire, allowing Christians the liberty to practice their faith openly and without fear of persecution. Such a decree marked a radical departure from previous imperial policies, signaling a new era of religious tolerance and diversity.
The transformative impact of Constantine’s policies on Christianity extended beyond mere tolerance. In AD 314, in response to the divisive Donatist schism that had fragmented the church in Africa, Constantine took an active role in church affairs. He summoned the bishops of the western provinces to Arelate (Arles), demonstrating his commitment to resolving theological disputes through peaceful debate and council deliberations. This council aimed to address and heal the rifts caused by the Donatist controversy, which had arisen in the aftermath of the Diocletian persecution, over issues related to the sanctity and legitimacy of the clergy and sacraments.
However, the aftermath of the Council of Arelate revealed a more complex and, at times, contradictory aspect of Constantine’s approach to religious matters. While he sought to maintain unity within the Christian Church, his methods were not always benign. The enforcement of the council’s decisions led to the confiscation of Donatist churches and the harsh repression of their followers. This action illustrated that, under Constantine, while Christianity was no longer persecuted, internal doctrinal conformity was strictly enforced. Those who diverged from the established norms, even within Christianity, faced the possibility of persecution. In this way, Constantine’s reign, pivotal in elevating Christianity’s status within the empire, also sowed the seeds for future internal conflicts within the church.
These actions by Constantine, promoting unity but also enforcing conformity, highlight the dual nature of his religious policy. On one hand, he was a ruler who ended the persecution of Christians and established freedom of worship, fundamentally changing the religious landscape of the empire. On the other hand, he was an emperor who did not hesitate to use his power to enforce religious uniformity, setting a precedent for state involvement in religious affairs and the use of secular power to resolve theological disputes. This dual approach had far-reaching consequences, shaping the nature of Christian orthodoxy and the church-state relationship for centuries to come.
All in all, Constantine provided substantial support to the Christian Church. He offered various forms of patronage including financial support, returning confiscated property, and building churches. Notable among these constructions was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built on what was believed to be the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
Constantine took an active role in Church affairs, viewing himself as God’s representative in the temporal realm. He sought to maintain unity within the Church, which he saw as essential for the stability of his empire. This involvement was evident in his convening of the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, which aimed to address the Arian controversy and other theological disputes. The council produced the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that remains a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.
Constantine’s involvement in Christian affairs went beyond political support; he influenced doctrinal and ecclesiastical matters. His reign saw the first major gathering of Christian leaders to discuss and standardize Christian doctrine and practice, setting a precedent for future ecumenical councils.
Constantine’s reign marked the beginning of a Christian state. He integrated Christian values into Roman law and administration, promoting a moral and ethical code based on Christian principles. This integration was not immediate or complete, as Constantine initially maintained a degree of religious pluralism and incorporated some pagan rituals and symbols into his rule.
Constantine delayed his baptism until the end of his life, a common practice at the time, partly due to the belief that baptism washed away sins and should thus be performed as late as possible. He was baptized on his deathbed in AD 337, dying as a Christian and marking the end of his journey from a pagan upbringing to becoming the first Christian Roman Emperor.
Constantine’s conversion and policies were important in the spread and institutionalization of Christianity. He transformed the Roman Empire from a pagan state into a Christian one, laying the groundwork for the religious and cultural landscape of Medieval Europe. His founding of Constantinople as a new Christian capital further signified the shift of the empire’s center from the pagan traditions of Rome to a Christian-oriented East.
Constantinople: The New Imperial Capital
Constantine is perhaps most famous for the great city which came to bear his name – Constantinople. He came to the conclusion that Rome had ceased to be a practical capital for the empire from which the emperor could exact effective control over its frontiers.
For a while he set up courts in different places; Treviri (Trier), Arelate (Arles), Mediolanum (Milan), Ticinum, Sirmium, and Serdica (Sofia). Then he decided on the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. On 8 November AD 324, Constantine created his new capital there, renaming it Constantinopolis (City of Constantine).
READ MORE: Ancient Cities: Pompeii, Rome, Teotihuacan, Palmyra, and More!
He was careful to maintain Rome’s ancient privileges, and the new senate founded in Constantinople was of a lower rank, but he clearly intended it to be the new center of the Roman world. Measures to encourage its growth were introduced, most importantly the diversion of the Egyptian grain supplies, which had traditionally gone to Rome, to Constantinople. A Roman-style corn-dole was introduced, granting every citizen a guaranteed ration of grain.
The urban planning of Constantinople reflected Constantine’s ambition to create a city that was not only the new center of the Roman world but also a marvel of urban design. The city was laid out with a systematic and well-planned grid of streets, echoing the Roman tradition of city planning. The main thoroughfare, the Mese, stretched across the city and was lined with grandiose buildings and bustling marketplaces. Public squares, baths, and aqueducts were constructed, showcasing advanced engineering and enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
Constantinople quickly became renowned for its architectural innovations. Constantine commissioned the construction of grand palaces, churches, and public buildings. One of the most significant architectural contributions was the Great Palace of Constantinople, which served as the imperial residence and the administrative center of the empire. The city’s walls, especially the Theodosian Walls, constructed later, were formidable structures that protected the city for centuries.
Constantinople’s religious landscape was dominated by magnificent churches. The Church of the Holy Apostles, built by Constantine, was one of the city’s most important religious sites and later became the model for the Church of Hagia Sophia. These churches were not only places of worship but also symbols of the city’s religious and cultural authority.
The city’s location at the crossroads of trade routes between Asia and Europe made it a vibrant economic center. The markets of Constantinople were filled with goods from all over the world, making it a bustling hub of commerce and trade. Cultural activities flourished, with influences from both the east and west converging in the city. Theatres, libraries, and artistic workshops contributed to a rich cultural life.
Constantine’s vision included making Constantinople a city that catered to the welfare of its inhabitants. Public amenities such as baths, hospitals, and orphanages were established. The Hippodrome of Constantinople became a social and cultural center where citizens from all walks of life gathered to enjoy chariot races, performances, and socialize.
Over the centuries, Constantinople expanded beyond its original boundaries. New districts were added, each with its own administrative center and public buildings. The city’s harbors were expanded and fortified, enhancing its role as a maritime power.
The legacy of Constantinople as the new imperial capital was immense. It stood as a symbol of the Roman Empire’s adaptability and resilience. The city’s strategic, economic, and cultural significance continued to grow long after Constantine’s reign, securing its place as one of the most important cities in the ancient world.
The Council of Nicea and Constantine’s Reign
In AD 325 Constantine once again held a religious council, summoning the bishops of the east and west to Nicaea. At this council, the branch of the Christian faith known as Arianism was condemned as a heresy, and the only admissible Christian creed of the day (the Nicene Creed) was precisely defined.
Constantine’s reign was that of a hard, utterly determined, and ruthless man. Nowhere did this show more than when in AD 326, on suspicion of adultery or treason, he had his own eldest son Crispus executed.
One account of the events tells of Constantine’s wife Fausta falling in love with Crispus, who was her stepson, and made an accusation of him committing adultery only once she had been rejected by him, or because she simply wanted Crispus out of the way, in order to let her sons accede to the throne unhindered.
Then again, Constantine had only a month ago passed a strict law against adultery and might have felt obliged to act. And so Crispus was executed at Pola in Istria. Though after this execution Constantine’s mother Helena convinced the emperor of Crispus’ innocence and that Fausta’s accusation had been false. Escaping the vengeance of her husband, Fausta killed herself at Treviri.
A brilliant general, Constantine was a man of boundless energy and determination, yet vain, receptive to flattery, and suffering from a choleric temper.
Constantine defeated all contenders to the Roman throne, but the need to defend the borders against the northern barbarians still remained. In the autumn of AD 328, accompanied by Constantine II, he campaigned against the Alemanni on the Rhine. This was followed in late AD 332 by a large campaign against the Goths along the Danube until in AD 336 he had re-conquered much of Dacia, once annexed by Trajan and abandoned by Aurelian.
In AD 333 Constantine’s fourth son Constans was raised to the rank of Caesar, with the clear intent to groom him, alongside his brothers, to jointly inherit the empire. Also, Constantine’s nephews Flavius Dalmatius (who may have been raised to Caesar by Constantine in AD 335) and Hannibalianus were raised as future emperors. Evidently, they also were intended to be granted their shares of power at Constantine’s death.
How, after his own experience of the tetrarchy, Constantine saw it possible that all five of these heirs should rule peaceably alongside each other, is hard to understand.
Death
Constantine the Great, known for his crucial role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire, entered the twilight years of his reign with grand ambitions. His plan for a last great campaign to conquer Persia signified not just a strategic military endeavor but also a spiritual journey. This campaign was to be intertwined with his deepening Christian faith, as he intended to be baptized in the Jordan River, emulating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. This act was symbolic, reflecting his transformation from a pagan ruler to a Christian emperor.
Constantine’s vision extended beyond mere territorial expansion. He sought to establish a Christian dynasty that would reign over these new lands. In a significant move, he placed his nephew Hannibalianus on the throne of Armenia, bestowing upon him the title of ‘King of Kings’ – a title traditionally associated with the Persian monarchy. This appointment was not just a political maneuver but also a symbolic assertion of the Christian faith over a region steeped in pagan traditions.
However, Constantine’s ambitious plans were cut short by his sudden illness in the spring of AD 337. As his health deteriorated, he realized the end was near and expressed his desire to be baptized – a rite he had postponed, possibly to coincide with his planned campaign. The baptism was performed by Eusebius, the bishop of Nicomedia, marking a significant moment in Christian history: the baptism of the first Christian emperor. This event was a culmination of Constantine’s journey of faith, solidifying his legacy as a Christian ruler.
Constantine passed away on May 22, AD 337, at the imperial villa at Ankyrona. His death marked the end of an era for the Roman Empire. His body was carried to the Church of the Holy Apostles, his chosen mausoleum, in a procession befitting an emperor of his stature. Constantine’s wish to be buried in Constantinople, the city he founded and a symbol of the Christianized empire, was a testament to his vision for a Christian Rome. However, this decision stirred controversy in Rome, where the traditional pagan practices still held sway in many quarters.
In a move that reflected the complexities of Constantine’s legacy, the Roman Senate decided on his deification, elevating him to the status of a pagan deity. This decision was paradoxical, considering Constantine’s role in the Christianization of the empire. His deification by the Senate was perhaps a nod to the traditional Roman practice of honoring great emperors, but it also underscored the ongoing tension between the old pagan traditions and the new Christian ethos that Constantine had championed.
In retrospect, Constantine’s death not only marked the passing of a significant ruler but also the end of a transformative period in the history of the Roman Empire. His reign saw the consolidation of Christian power, significant administrative and military reforms, and the establishment of Constantinople as a new center of the Roman world. Constantine’s legacy continued to shape the empire and the Christian Church for centuries, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in Western history.
Constantine the Great: An Architect of a Christian Empire
Emperor Constantine the Great’s reign marked a turning point in history, transitioning from pagan rule to the first Christian emperor. His political and military skills, along with his critical role in the Edict of Milan and in shaping Christian doctrine, transformed the Roman Empire and laid the groundwork for Christian Europe. Constantine’s enduring legacy is as a central figure who reshaped the course of Western civilization.
FAQ:
What is Emperor Constantine Best Known For?
Emperor Constantine the Great is renowned for Christianizing the Roman Empire, notably through the Edict of Milan in AD 313, which granted religious freedom to Christians. He convened the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, shaping foundational Christian doctrines, and founded Constantinople, establishing it as a new, influential capital for the Roman Empire and a hub for Christian activity.
How Long Did Constantine Rule?
Constantine the Great ruled for about 31 years. He became the Western Roman Emperor in AD 306 and continued to gain power over the entire Roman Empire by AD 324. His reign continued until his death in AD 337. During his rule, Constantine significantly influenced both the political and religious landscapes of the empire, laying the groundwork for the Byzantine Empire and the widespread adoption of Christianity in Europe.
What Happened to Emperor Constantine?
In his final years, Emperor Constantine planned to conquer Persia and undergo Christian baptism, but he fell ill in AD 337. He was baptized on his deathbed by Bishop Eusebius and died on May 22, AD 337. His body was laid to rest in Constantinople’s Church of the Holy Apostles, and despite his Christian legacy, the Roman Senate deified him, blending traditional Roman honors with the emerging Christian influence in the empire. His death signified the end of a transformative era in Roman history.