Constantine

Constantine the Great, the son of an emperor, reigned as the Roman emperor from 306 to 337 AD. He held the distinction of being the first emperor to convert to and endorse Christianity. His predecessors, such a Nero, were infamous for persecuting Christens, some in spectacles portrayed by covering them in animal skins to then be torn apart by dogs. The pivotal point in Constantine's spiritual journey occurred prior to the battle of Milvian Bridge. According to accounts, he and his army witnessed the vision of a cross in the sun accompanied by the proclamation "in this sign you shall conquer". After winning this battle, Constantine made His Christian Decision, redirecting his worship from Apollo to Jesus. Constantine's conversion not only impacted his personal faith, but also dramatically changed the religious landscape of the Roman Empire. He unified the Empire under Christianity with the "Edict of Milan", where Christians were now free to worship their God and Jesus, and their property previously confiscated was returned. Following the Christian tradition of his time, Constantine was baptized just prior to his death.