Constantine the Great

Constantine the Great, reigning from 306 to 337 AD, was a Roman emperor known for reuniting the fragmented Roman Empire and establishing a new capital in Byzantium, later named Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). He is notable for his support of Christianity, including the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire. This pivotal decision helped Christianity grow from a persecuted faith to a dominant religion. Constantine’s reign marked the transition of the Roman Empire from paganism to Christianity, significantly influencing Western civilization and history. He was also the first emperor to be baptized as a Christian.