Byzantium the Early Centuries - Essay Example

The establishment of Constantinople would be strategically advantageous for the Romans as it placed them halfway between the ends of their territory. Constantinople was not immediately powerful but it grew in importance as Constantine developed the city around his admiration for Christianity (Norwich, n. p.). Perhaps the most significant and accordingly most famous act of Constantine was to legalize Christianity. Christians faced severe oppression in Rome previous to this occurrence, but this declaration marked the beginning of the Christianization of the Roman Empire.

Christians gradually received benefits as a result of Constantine’s rule, and by the time of his death conversion to Christianity was becoming mandatory in order to obtain new land. These policies continued after Constantine’s death and set the path for future Holy Roman Emperors to endorse Christianity.