Constantine

Constantine was a Roman emperor known for being the first to convert to Christianity and for making Byzantium (later called Constantinople, now Istanbul) the new capital of the Roman Empire. His decision to embrace Christianity and issue the Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted religious tolerance throughout the empire, which was crucial for the spread of Christianity. These actions mattered because they transformed Christianity from a persecuted religion into one that could flourish and eventually dominate European culture. Today, Constantine's legacy is evident in how Christianity remains a major world religion, influencing moral values, holidays, and cultural practices. For example, many people celebrate Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, reflecting Constantine's impact on making Christian traditions central to Western societies.