Constantine and the Early Church - The Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Explore the pivotal role of Constantine in establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire in this 45-minute lecture from Yale University's course on the Early Middle Ages. Discover how Constantine's conversion after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE transformed both the Empire and the early Church. Learn about the founding of Constantinople, Constantine's intervention in Church doctrine, and compare his reign to that of Diocletian. Gain insights into the political strategy behind Constantine's conversion and its far-reaching consequences for Western civilization.