Since previous rulers had stuck to traditional Roman beliefs since the foundation of the Empire in 27 B.C., Constantine’s adherence to Christianity was unheard of, but also extremely important in establishing the Church into Rome’s culture. By abolishing Paganism, initiating several reforms in the city and openly encouraging conversion, Constantine acted as a catalyst for the growing faith. His influence established a wholly unified Roman Empire dedicated to Jesus Christ and his teachings, subsequently leading him to become one of the most renowned Christian leaders to date.
Before Constantine 's intervention in 306 A.D., Christianity was an object of scorn, and the Roman government subjected the Christian population to harsh trial and punishment. Christians were persecuted long before Constantine’s reign, starting around 64 A.D. under the authority of Emperor Nero. Religion and the Roman government were very much intertwined at this period, so when Christians began to stray from the standard religion, the government regarded it as a serious offense to their society. The rising faith, different as it was to traditional Roman beliefs, angered conservatives because of the rapid development that ensued inside–and eventually outside–the city. Christian beliefs were promptly labeled as “wrong” and a “threat to Rome”, resulting in the instigation …show more content…
Despite issues with unity and superiority, Constantine was, in time, able to overcome the underlying problems with Christianity to build up a powerful and influential religion from something that was violently despised only a decade or two before his reign. Through the emperor’s efforts, Christianity eventually rose up as the official state religion, effectively demonstrating how Constantine truly revolutionized Rome to become a “Christian
Before Constantine 's intervention in 306 A.D., Christianity was an object of scorn, and the Roman government subjected the Christian population to harsh trial and punishment. Christians were persecuted long before Constantine’s reign, starting around 64 A.D. under the authority of Emperor Nero. Religion and the Roman government were very much intertwined at this period, so when Christians began to stray from the standard religion, the government regarded it as a serious offense to their society. The rising faith, different as it was to traditional Roman beliefs, angered conservatives because of the rapid development that ensued inside–and eventually outside–the city. Christian beliefs were promptly labeled as “wrong” and a “threat to Rome”, resulting in the instigation …show more content…
Despite issues with unity and superiority, Constantine was, in time, able to overcome the underlying problems with Christianity to build up a powerful and influential religion from something that was violently despised only a decade or two before his reign. Through the emperor’s efforts, Christianity eventually rose up as the official state religion, effectively demonstrating how Constantine truly revolutionized Rome to become a “Christian