Constantine I(272 — 337)

Creation of a new imperial capital on the site of Byzantium, endowed with a senate, a hippodrome, forums, and numerous churches. It would remain the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.

Decree of religious tolerance granting freedom of worship to Christians and all religions. It marks the end of persecutions and the beginning of the Christianization of the Empire.

First ecumenical council in Christian history, convened and presided over by Constantine. It established the Nicene Creed and condemned Arianism as heresy.

Constantine ordered the construction of the first St. Peter's Basilica on the Vatican Hill, above the presumed tomb of the Apostle Peter. It was replaced by the current building during the Renaissance.

Built in Jerusalem on the site identified by Helena, Constantine's mother, as the location of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It remains a major pilgrimage site.

Introduction of the gold solidus as the standard currency of the Empire, ensuring remarkable economic stability. This currency remained in use until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Triumphal arch erected by the Senate to commemorate the victory at the Milvian Bridge. Still standing today near the Colosseum, it combines sculpted reliefs from different imperial periods.

Eusebius of Caesarea reports that Constantine saw in the sky, above the sun, a trophy in the shape of a cross made of light, bearing the inscription "By this sign, you shall conquer", and that the entire army witnessed the marvel.

"We have decided to grant to Christians as to all others the freedom to follow the religion of their choice, so that the supreme divinity, whose worship we freely honor, may grant us in all things its favor and benevolence."

Eusebius describes Constantine as the instrument chosen by God to put an end to persecutions and restore peace in the Church, comparing him to Moses liberating the chosen people from tyranny.

Lactantius recounts that Constantine received in a dream the order to trace the heavenly sign of God on his soldiers' shields before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, and that he obeyed at once.

Founded in 330 on the site of ancient Byzantium, this new capital established by Constantine became the center of imperial power and the largest city in the medieval world for centuries.

Site of the decisive battle of 312 where Constantine defeated Maxentius. It is here that, according to tradition, the vision of the cross changed the course of religious history.

City in Asia Minor where Constantine convened the first ecumenical council in 325, which formulated the Nicene Creed, the foundation of Christian doctrine.

Constantine's birthplace in the Roman province of Moesia. It is today the third largest city in Serbia, which preserves significant Roman remains.

Constantine's imperial residence in Gaul between 306 and 316. The Constantine Basilica (Aula Palatina) and the Porta Nigra are still visible there.