| You are here: | About>Education>Medieval History |
 | Medieval History |
|
|
|
Although Constantine lived more than a hundred years before the traditional beginning of the Middle Ages, he is included in this reference because of the significant and far-reaching impact he and his reign had on Christianity and society in Medieval Europe.
Constantine was the first Christian Roman Emperor. He established the new capital of Rome at the old Greek town of Byzantium, which he renamed after himself (Constantinople) and which would be the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. He raised Christianity (which had not long been legal in the empire) to the status of a "permitted religion." He took a direct interest in matters of doctrine, setting a precedent for future emperors, and called the first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church (at Nicaea). Though the sincerity of his conversion has been debated, the impact of his actions on the subsequent history of the Church is undeniable.
Important Dates
Born: Feb. 27, c. 280
Died: May 22, 337
Image
Constantine
This public-domain photo of a bust of the emperor is free for your use. Part of the Medieval and Renaissance History Portrait Gallery here at this site.
On the Web
In Print
Related Resources
Rome
An extensive multilevel index from your About Guide to Ancient/Classical History, N.S. Gill.
|
|
|
Index |
or Role in Society |
Index |
|
Who's Who |
|
in Who's Who |
|
|