Constantine the Great, born Flavius Valerius Constantinus on February 27, 272 AD, was one of the most influential Roman emperors, reigning from 306 to 337 AD. He is best known for his role in the spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire and for the establishment of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Constantine was the son of Constantius Chlorus, one of the four co-emperors in the Tetrarchy system established by Diocletian. Following the death of his father in 306 AD, Constantine was proclaimed emperor by his troops at Eboracum (modern York, England). This event sparked the Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy, where Constantine fought to assert his claim to the throne against other contenders.
Constantine's relationship with Christianity was complex. While he did not become a Christian until near his deathbed, he actively supported the Christian Church, which led to significant changes:
Constantine made significant administrative changes:
Constantine died on May 22, 337 AD, in Nicomedia. He was baptized on his deathbed by Eusebius of Nicomedia, and his body was laid to rest in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. After his death, his sons Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans divided the empire among themselves, leading to further fragmentation and civil war.