Theodosius I (the Great)

Theodosius I, often referred to as Theodosius the Great, was Roman Emperor from 379 to 395 AD. He is notable for making Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire and for his efforts to unite the empire under this faith. Theodosius enacted laws against pagan practices and heretical sects, significantly shaping the early Christian church's influence. His reign also marked the last time the Roman Empire was effectively unified before it eventually split. Theodosius died in 395, after which the empire divided into Eastern and Western halves, influencing the course of European history.