Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 313 CE ended the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. He donated vast sums to the Christian Church and established Constantinople as the new capital, moving the center of power eastward. The Church provided unity to the diverse Empire, though some Christians embraced it while others withdrew or broke away. Constantine built the first church, Hagia Irene, to commemorate his victory and give thanks to Christ. He called the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to address theological disputes and further unite Christianity under imperial support.

1. Constantine
Imperial Christianity
Edict of Milan 313 CE
©2014 Robert Delgadillo

2. Battle of Milvian Bridge
Constantine victorious and gives thanks to Christian God.
Ends Christian persecution. Makes vast donations to Church.

3. A new era—a new capital.
Moves capital from west to east.

4. The Church provides unity to Empire
Bishops and jurisdiction of diocese. Three reactions:
1. Some Christians receive with open arms.
2. Some withdraw to the desert: Desert Monks
3. Some break with the Church, ally of the Empire: Donatists

5. Constantine’s City:
Constantinople—a jewel on the Bosporus

6. Constantine lays out the walls
to his city

7. First Church: Holy Peace
Saint Irene (Hagia Eirene)
Constantine built it to commemorate his victory and give thanks to
Christ. No more martyrs, but it will be a difficult path.

8. Constantine:
Supreme Pontiff of Christian Church &
High Priest of Roman religions

9. No longer church of the poor

10. Reaction to Imperial
Church
Desert Fathers & Mothers
• Escape to Egyptian desert
• Reject wealth and power
• Reject corruption and worldliness
of Constantinople
• Taxes & privilege oppress poor
• Cultural and spiritual differences
from new Christians

11. Arius & Arianism threaten:
Unity of Empire Unity of Christianity

12. Council of Nicaea 325 CE
First “Ecumenical” Council
 Emperor Constantine calls
the bishops from the entire
empire.
 Ecumenical = Universal
 Provides passage and
lodging. Pays for their
expenses. Free roads.
 Emperor opens council.
 Seeks unity in empire.

13. Roman Empire focuses on East
leaves West exposed to invasion
Constantine’s Empire Mongolian Expansion

14. Inevitable confrontation in the West:
Germanic Tribes & the Huns

15. What lies ahead for Christianity?
Arch of Constantine: Rome