Constantine I, born on 27 February 272 in Naissus, Moesia Superior, served as Roman emperor from 306 to 337 CE. He was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, significantly influencing its status within the Roman Empire. His reign marked a pivotal moment in the Christianization of the empire, particularly with the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which legalized Christian practice and ended persecution. He founded Constantinople, which became the capital of the empire and remained so for over a thousand years.Constantine was the son of Flavius Constantius, a Roman army officer, and Helena, a woman of low birth. He spent his early years in the court of Diocletian, where he received a formal education. He served in various military campaigns, gaining recognition for his skills. After his father's death in 306 CE, Constantine was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Eboracum (York, England). He eventually triumphed over rivals Maxentius and Licinius, consolidating his power by 324 CE.Upon becoming emperor, Constantine implemented numerous reforms to strengthen the empire. He restructured the government, separating civil and military powers, and introduced the solidus, a gold coin that became a standard currency. He reorganized the army into mobile units and garrison troops, addressing threats from various tribes along the frontiers. His military campaigns included confrontations with the Franks, Alemanni, Goths, and Sarmatians, as he sought to reclaim territories lost during the Crisis of the Third Century.Although initially a pagan, Constantine began to favor Christianity around 312 CE, ultimately being baptized shortly before his death. He played a crucial role in the Edict of Milan, which established religious tolerance, and convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which addressed key theological disputes. He commissioned the construction of significant churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.Constantine's reign represented a transition from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages. He established a new capital in Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople, which symbolized the integration of the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. His legacy included the establishment of dynastic succession, moving away from the Tetrarchy system. He was venerated as a saint in Eastern Christianity, and his reign is often viewed as a turning point in the history of the Roman Empire.Constantine's death occurred on 22 May 337 CE, after which he was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. He was succeeded by his three sons, who continued his legacy. His reign is characterized by military victories, administrative reforms, and the promotion of Christianity, which laid the foundation for its dominance in the Roman world.

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Constantine the Great