The Legacy Of Constantine The Great - 1471 Words

Introduction Constantine the Great, also known as Saint Constantine, was the Roman Emperor from 306 to 337, right after Diocletian. As the first Roman emperor to call himself a Christian, his actions greatly affected both the history of the Christian Church and the history of the world. However, the question is, were his efforts about benefitting the church or about benefitting himself? It is said that because of his edicts and leadership, he was able to move the church as well as himself into positions of power. In addition, it was his advocacy for the church that put an end to imperial persecutions. This made Constantine not only highly important in world history but in church history as well. Many still argue about the significance of his efforts, but there is enduring gratitude in the collective memory of Christians for the Edict of Milan. Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 during a time when persecution gave way to religious tolerance. By the end of the century, Christianity becam e an official credo and the emperor would enforce its doctrines. This paper will attempt to make a fair and critical study of Constantine in his relation to Christianity. Often called the First Roman Emperor labeled a Christian, Constantine the Great is one of the most important figures in history because of his advocacy for the church, the unification of the Roman Empire and putting an end to imperial persecutions. Weather it was intentional or not, the decisions and edicts ofShow MoreRelatedThe Battle Of Milvian Bridge1600 Words   |  7 Pagesthe throne. Eventually, only two Roman generals, Constantine and Maxentius respectively, were left fighting for the throne at Milvian Bridge. But the day before Constantine was due to fight Maxentius, Constantine claimed that after looking up at the sky and praying for anyone in the heavens to help him, he saw a huge flaming cross in the heavens, with a message inside the cross saying â€Å"In this sign, you will conquer†. And accord ing to Constantine, while he was asleep, Jesus Christ visited him, explainingRead MoreConstantine the Great1359 Words   |  6 PagesConstantine the Great Constantine the Great, first Christian Emperor, originator of Constantinople, creator of the Byzantine Empire, military conqueror, and honored saint, has been labeled by many the most instrumental emperor of the Roman Empire. Constantine played a crucial role in the development of Europe during the Middle Ages, and founded Christianity as the formal religion of the Roman Empire. His dynamic yet effective predominance laid the infrastructure of European development. FromRead MoreAlexander The Great Of The Classical Greek Culture Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesver seen before. Alexander the Great symbolized that same dichotomy in what he believed, how he dressed and spoke, and how he approached life. He had no idea that he would create a new culture. Alexander spoke Greek but did not act Greek in every way of his life. He did not live modestly like the classical Greek culture required. Instead of dressing simply and with austerity, Alexander wore elaborate Asian-styled clothing and he likely enjoyed Epicurean pleasures. Although leading military campaignsRead MoreA Short Note On The Arch Of Constantine887 Words   |  4 PagesArch of Constantine Constantine’s the Great was one of the strongest and most important rulers in late Roman Empire and the founder of the Byzantine Empire. His legacy is known for his bold changes and accomplishments in uniting the empire making it become more powerful once again and his outlawing of paganism, and curbing Christians from persecutions. The Arch of Constantine was erected between 312 and 315 AD., in Rome adjacent to the Coliseum to commemorate Constantine’s triumphRead MoreThe Rule Of The Empire Essay1249 Words   |  5 Pagesdominion to be persecuted in order to keep the status quo of the empire. Walking the line between acceptance and persecution, Emperor Constantine of Rome attempted to use persuasion in order to coax people to convert to Christianity. No matter the efforts used, the conversion methods that those rulers used, the conversion methods that those rulers undertook had a great effect on the populace that they controlled. The effects that this religious indoctrination had, however, is determined entirely byRead MoreThe Great Leaders Of Pericles And Constantine1516 Words   |  7 PagesHe stares in awe at the sign, then begins to think about it. This all happened a long time ago. Today, the two people mentioned are remembered as two great leaders that lived before, in the ancient world. Thr oughout history, they changed the lives of many, and affected many others during their rule. Pericles and Constantine were examples of great leaders in the ancient world. Under their rule, changes were made. Both led armies into battles against others. However, they both had a different styleRead MoreRomes Legacy of Gladiators Essay900 Words   |  4 PagesGladiators Rome had many great things, especially within their love of brutality. Many of the Roman people enjoyed to take a break from their hard, ancient, lives and watch some grown men battle people, lions, tigers, and bears to the death (oh my!). Gladiators were a huge part of the Roman society and a large part of Roman culture. The people of Rome loved gladiator battles. The Roman coliseum was built in order to fit the standards of a bloody, brutal battle while also being able to keep thousandsRead MoreEssay on A Very Brief History of the Papacy1499 Words   |  6 Pagespractical arts within the education system. St. Leo I (The Great) Leo the Great and Pope Gregory were the only two Popes to be called â€Å"the Great†. Leo courageously confronted Attila the Hun and neutralized other barbaric invaders. St. Leo the Great was pope during the middle of the 5th century. This was very troubling times for the Roman Empire. The barbarian armies were trying to destroy the once mighty empire. St. Leo the Great was a very powerful teacher and leader. As a deacon of theRead MoreRome and Its Lasting Impression on the World1538 Words   |  7 Pagesthe other as the empire. However, after its fall in 5oo-a.d. Rome has still remained in existence through its strong culture, architecture, literature, and even religion (Spielvogel 175). Even after its disappearance as a nation Rome left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Its ideals and traditions have been immolated, and adopted for over two thousand years. Whether, it is through its language of Latin, its influence of religion, or its amazing archite ctural ability Rome has influencedRead MoreConstantine the Great Constantine the Great, military victor, glorified saint, equal to the1900 Words   |  8 PagesConstantine the Great Constantine the Great, military victor, glorified saint, equal to the Apostles, first Christian Emperor, builder of Constantinople, and founder of the Byzantine Empire, has been called by many the most influential emperor of Late Antiquity. Constantine played a crucial role in the development of Europe during the Middle Ages, and established Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. His dynamic yet effective predominance laid the foundations of post classical