Constantine, a famous roman emperor, singularly reunited the Roman Empire and converted Rome to a nation focused on Christianity. He reigned as emperor for thirty-one years. Constantine converted to Christianity under mysterious circumstances. Many historians debate over Constantine’s faith. There is a possibility that Constantine never converted from Mithraism, the religion of his childhood, to Christianity (Klimczak). Historical evidence implies that Constantine never actually converted to Christianity, because he continued to use pagan symbolism throughout his reign.
Constantine’s reign began when his father died in 306AD. Six years later, Constantine marched south and invaded Italy (“Constantine”). According to “Constantine’s Vision,”
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He viewed the decisive victory in the Battle of Milvian Bridge as divine intervention. Constantine restored confiscated church property, and gave funds to churches in need. He also moved the capital of Rome east and renamed it Constantinople (“Constantine”). Constantine gave ministers special honors, and he donated vast quantities of his own wealth to the poor (“Constantine’s Vision”).
Constantine became involved in many religious conflicts. He summoned the Council of Nicaea when a conflict emerged regarding the divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians argued that Jesus could not be fully God, while the followers of Ignatius believed in his divinity. The council agreed with Ignatius, and Constantine gave the council his support. This led to the creation of the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian orthodoxy.
Constantine’s baptism occurred only a few days before he died (“Constantine”). His delayed baptism led many historians to question his faith. Constantine influenced the spread of Christianity more than any other roman emperor. He built many churches including Saint Peter’s, the Hagia Sophia, and the Church of the Nativity (Klimczak). Even with all of these accomplishments, Constantine’s true religion remained a