Constantine the Great or Constantine I was the first Roman emperor to be Christian and began the evolution for the empire to become a Christian state. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Constantine (Flavius ​​Valerius Constantinus) was bored on February 27 about 280 in Naissus, Moesia (now called Nis, Serbia). Descendant of Constantius I Cloro and Elena. His father was an officer in the Roman army, but in 283 AD he was raised to the rank of vice emperor. In which he served under an emperor named Augustus Maximinus. Constantine's father separated from his mother and went to marry Theodora (stepdaughter of Maximinus) in 289 AD. Under those circumstances, Constantine was sent to the court of Diocletian where he studied in Latin and Greek. Maximian resigned as emperor leading Constantine's father to become Emperor Constantius I. As a result, Constantine joined his father in a military campaign and fought alongside him in Britain. However, his father died the following year, and Constantine was declared emperor by his troops. However, to make it official he had to fight for power. When it comes to Constantine's reasoning for converting to Christianity, no one has a complete idea of ​​why he did so. Research has found that during his battle with Maxentius, he had a vision that God had given him. He also had a dream that confirmed that it was God himself. Whatever the reason, it completely affected him and his life. It goes without saying that Constantine's conversion is the most important decision he ever made. Christianity was not acceptable in his day. Christianity was banned and Christians were treated badly and executed. Indeed, another important verdict issued by Constantine was the establishment of a new imperial capital. The previous capital, Rome, had its disadvantages, such as being too far from the borders and too distant to be adequate. Balkans was Constantine's first choice, but with careful consideration he decided to make Constantinople his new capital. Constantinople had wonderful benefits. The city had a natural harbor, easy access to Egypt and is strategically located on the Bosphorus. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay One of the greatest challenges Constantine encountered when facing his enemy, Maxentius. Both wanted to control the empire, but only one could. Constantine knew he needed more power than military force. Praying was his only choice, but he didn't know how to do it. The pagan gods had failed him before, so he went to his father's God. He prayed to God to tell him who he was and to help him. This led Constantine to have a vision in which he witnessed the sign of a cross painted in the sky and the words "In this sign you will overcome." His entire army and he himself were amazed. Once he fell asleep, it was confirmed. It had to do with the Christ of God. Constantine longed for the mark in the armor of his soldiers. By accepting the vision and following the sign, he prevailed.