Constantine the Great: The Roman Emperor Who Made Christianity the Main Religion

Following the death of his father in 306 AD, Constantine’s soldiers declared him emperor at Eboracum (modern York, England). Over the next two decades, he would overcome rival emperors, such as Maxentius and Licinius, in a series of civil wars, eventually becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire by 324 AD. His reign marked a period of significant transformation, both militarily and administratively.

To strengthen the empire, Constantine initiated a series of reforms. He reorganized the imperial administration, separating civil and military powers to create a more efficient system of governance. Acknowledging the need for economic stability, he introduced the solidus, a new gold coin that helped curb inflation. This currency would become the standard for Byzantine and European economies for nearly a millennium. He also restructured the Roman army, creating specialized units that could respond swiftly to internal threats and barbarian invasions. His campaigns were successful, pushing back groups like the Franks, Alamanni, Goths, and Sarmatians, while resettling areas abandoned during the Third Century Crisis with Roman citizens, thus ensuring the empire’s stability and continuity.