Constantine the Great - Biography.

Constantine the Great - Biography. Roman emperor Birth February 27, c. 274 Death May 22, 337 Place of Massius, Moesia (now Ni?, Yugoslavia) Birth Official Title Augustus Known for Becoming the first Roman ruler to convert to Christianity Extending toleration to all religions in the Roman Empire and establishing Christianity as the favored religion of the Roman state Founding Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) which became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire Milestones 306 Proclaimed emperor at York in Britain after the death of his father, Constantius I 312 Defeated Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge outside Rome to become sole ruler in the western portion of the empire 313 Issued jointly with eastern emperor Licinius the Edict of Milan, which granted civil rights and toleration to all religions including Christianity 324 Defeated Licinius to become sole ruler of the Roman world 325 Presided over the Council of Nicaea to resolve divisive issues within the Christian church 330 Moved the empire's capital to Byzantium, and renamed the city Constantinople Did You Constantine said that he saw a cross and the words 'in hoc signo vinces' (in this sign you will be the victor) in the sky before the battle at Know the Milvian Bridge, and subsequently sent his army into battle with crosses painted on their shields. Constantine's religious affiliation remained ambiguous for much of his life, and he was not baptized until shortly before his death. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.