The Conversion of Constantine and End of
Persecution
A major turning point in Christian history occurred when the Roman
Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. Whether this
conversion was sincere or politically motivated, historians can
only speculate. But the result was the end of persecution of
Christians.
In 313 Constantine issued the "Edict of Milan," which commanded
official toleration of Christianity and other religions. He ordered
that Sunday be granted the same legal rights as pagan feasts and
that feasts in memory of Christian martyrs be recognized.
Constantine outlawed the barbaric gladiatorial shows (although they
persisted until the fifth century) and forbade Jews to stone to
death other Jews who chose to become Christians.
Contrary to popular belief, however, Constantine did not make
Christianity the official religion of the empire. This was to be
accomplished by Emperor Theodosius in 380. Constantine's program
was one of toleration only, and he continued to support both
Christianity and paganism. In 314, the cross appeared on
Constantine's coins, but so did the figures of Sol Invictus and
Mars Convervator. He raised his children as Christians and secured
Christian clergy as person advisors, but retained the title
pontifex maximus, the chief priest of the state cult, until his
death.
