1. Constantine
Imperial Christianity
Edict of Milan 313 CE
©2014 Robert Delgadillo

2. Battle of Milvian Bridge
Constantine victorious and gives thanks to Christian God.
Ends Christian persecution. Makes vast donations to Church.

3. A new era—a new capital.
Moves capital from west to east.

4. The Church provides unity to Empire
Bishops and jurisdiction of diocese. Three reactions:
1. Some Christians receive with open arms.
2. Some withdraw to the desert: Desert Monks
3. Some break with the Church, ally of the Empire: Donatists

5. Constantine’s City:
Constantinople—a jewel on the Bosporus

6. Constantine lays out the walls
to his city

7. First Church: Holy Peace
Saint Irene (Hagia Eirene)
Constantine built it to commemorate his victory and give thanks to
Christ. No more martyrs, but it will be a difficult path.

8. Constantine:
Supreme Pontiff of Christian Church &
High Priest of Roman religions

9. No longer church of the poor

10. Reaction to Imperial
Church
Desert Fathers & Mothers
• Escape to Egyptian desert
• Reject wealth and power
• Reject corruption and worldliness
of Constantinople
• Taxes & privilege oppress poor
• Cultural and spiritual differences
from new Christians

11. Arius & Arianism threaten:
Unity of Empire Unity of Christianity

12. Council of Nicaea 325 CE
First “Ecumenical” Council
 Emperor Constantine calls
the bishops from the entire
empire.
 Ecumenical = Universal
 Provides passage and
lodging. Pays for their
expenses. Free roads.
 Emperor opens council.
 Seeks unity in empire.

13. Roman Empire focuses on East
leaves West exposed to invasion
Constantine’s Empire Mongolian Expansion

14. Inevitable confrontation in the West:
Germanic Tribes & the Huns

15. What lies ahead for Christianity?
Arch of Constantine: Rome