How Did Christianity Influence The Formation Of The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was an influential civilization that left an important imprint on its era's religious and political dimensions. One significant event in the history of the empire was the division of its territories in AD 364 and its definitive split in AD 395. The empire had grown too large and complex to be governed by a single ruler, and this division was seen as necessary to better manage the empire’s vast territories. This period marked a significant turning point in the relationship between church and state, leading to different governance styles in Rome and Constantinople. The division between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires had many significant causes and consequences leading up to this split, influencing the development of Christianity

Persecution was general under Decius in 250-251 and Valerian’s reign in 257-259, with bishops being particularly targeted to demoralize the community. Then there was a period of complete tolerance from 260-302 before the Great Persecution began under Diocletian 303-313. This was fueled by the fear of the Christian presence in the army and civil service, causing a brutal shock to Christians. This was driven by the need for pagan revival, and it brutally involved the destruction of churches and scriptures, confiscation of property, prohibition of worship, the cancellation of legal and civil rights, arrests of clergy, torture, execution, etc. After the Great Persecution, with unwavering courage, Emperor Constantine, who was a convert to Christianity, issued the Edict of Milan with his co-emperor of the East, Licinius, in 313, which granted Christians and other religions the freedom to worship. From that point on, Christianity gradually gained acceptance in the Roman Empire and became the dominant religion by the end of the fourth century which caused the relationship between the emperor and the church to significantly shift and change. This is when, by the fourth century AD, the empire had grown too large and complicated for one ruler to govern effectively, so its division was necessary to better manage its

He believed in its truth and sought to convert the Roman Empire. As he gained control of the western provinces, he patronized the Church. In 324 AD, Constantine founded Constantinople on the site of ancient Byzantion which brought Christianity into Asia Minor due to the loyal following of the Eastern provinces. From then on, the destinies of the Church and the state became intertwined. Constantine’s summoning of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD which established the Nicene Creed helped strengthen Christianity and establish a standard belief system. The Council was convened to address several theological issues that were causing division and controversy within the early Christian Church and established important rules and canons for the governance of the Church. This increased his prestige and gave the Roman Empire a new religious foundation. An example of this would be to follow Christian teachings as well as the usual rituals to maintain loyalty to God to keep the empire and its people