Constantine's major impact on ancient Rome, and his importance in general, is that of popularizing Christianity. Though he was great emperor, he is remembered for advocating Christianity which, because of his influence, became the major religion of modern Europe and much of North America. Constantine credited all of his successes to the Christian God. He also organized and ran the first ecumenical, or universal, counsel of bishops. At this meeting, the Nicene Creed was written, and it continues to be the basic doctrine of many Christian churches.
Especially important is the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, in 312. In the middle of the battle, Constantine is said to have seen the cross, or Chi-Ro (the sign of Christ) in the dark heavens. It was this sighting which began the process of adopting Christianity as the official state religion instead of Paganism. He passed laws which favored Christianity and adopted the celestial divine sign. Ironically, his soldiers said Christian prayers before they went into battle.
His moving of the capital, from Rome to Byzantium (Constantinople), also shows his devotion to Christianity. In this new capital, Paganism was excluded and hundreds of beautiful, new churches were built in the stead of Pagan temples. Constantine claimed, in fact, that Constantinople was founded on orders from God. This city, dedicated on May 11, 330, became his imperial residence, though he often traveled with his troops throughout the empire. Constantine was a ruthless and tyrannical general, fueled by his devotion to God. He says:
I shall advance 'till HE, the invisible guide, who marches before me, thinks proper to stop.
Though Constantine had wished for some time to be baptized, it was not
until he was near death, in 337, that his final wishes were granted.
