Christianity's adoption by the Roman state

Christianity's adoption by the Roman state began in the early 4th century, culminating with Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. Over time, Christianity gained popularity and influence, and in 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I declared it the official religion of the Roman Empire through the Edict of Thessalonica, also known as the Cunctos populos. This official endorsement transformed Christianity from a persecuted minority faith into the dominant religion, integrating its doctrines into imperial policy and state affairs, thus shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of the empire.