The significance of Constantine's conversion to Christianity and its historical impact.

• Paul Freedman introduces the topic of Constantine's conversion to Christianity, emphasizing its importance in the Christianization of the Roman Empire.
• Despite Christianity's prior illegal status and its stark contrast to Roman civic polytheism, Constantine's conversion marked a turning point for the religion.
• The lecture aims to discuss the specific events and their long-term significance.

Exploring the stark differences between Christianity and Roman civic polytheism.

• Christianity's focus on individual longing for eternal significance differed from Roman civic polytheism's emphasis on public ceremonies and local patriotism.
• Roman religion allowed for eclecticism and local variations, while Christianity and Judaism were intolerant of polytheism, causing Roman discomfort.
• Christianity's rejection of Roman worldliness and emphasis on the inner soul presented a stark contrast to Roman values.

Understanding Christianity's perception in the Roman Empire and its history of persecution.

• Christianity was often seen as a killjoy religion by Romans, focused on otherworldliness and disengagement from societal ambitions.
• Despite its alien nature to Roman values, Christianity was not constantly persecuted, with notable instances under Nero, Decian, and Diocletian.
• Persecution, while not breaking Christianity, fortified its spirit and contributed to its resilience.

Tracing Constantine's rise to power and the mysterious events leading to his conversion.

• Constantine emerged from the chaos following Diocletian's abdication, overcoming the Tetrarchy's failures and defeating Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
• The circumstances behind Constantine's conversion involve a dream or vision compelling him to adopt Christian symbols, which he did with sincerity despite its surprising nature.
• Constantine's conversion, although genuine, was an unlikely choice given the pacifist nature of Christianity and its potential subversion of Roman military values.

The initial Christian policies enacted by Constantine following his conversion.

• The Edict of Toleration in 313 marked Christianity's legalization and the beginning of imperial favor toward the Church.
• Constantine's policies included returning confiscated properties, tax exemptions for the Church, and use of the imperial post system for church officials.
• While not marginalizing pagan practices, Constantine's reign saw an increase in Christian conversions, with significant portions of the Empire embracing the faith by his death.

Examining Constantine's further religious actions and his imperial administration.

• Constantine's actions included building significant Christian basilicas outside Rome and attempting to mediate church disputes.
• His policies reveal a continued favor toward Christianity but without enforcing a single form of worship across the Empire.
• Constantine's reign saw a growing intertwining of imperial and ecclesiastical matters, setting a precedent for the future church-state relationship.

Delving into Constantine's lasting impact on the Church and the Roman Empire.

• The lecture poses questions about the longer-term effects of Constantine's conversion on the Church's role in the world.
• The Church's adaptation to success and the rapid spread of Christianity are highlighted, with the majority of the Empire converting within decades.
• The lecture also touches on the groups that resisted Christianity, including rural peasants, the military, and the intellectual elite.

The expansion of Constantine's rule and the establishment of Constantinople as a new capital.

• Following his victory over Licinius, Constantine solidified his rule and began planning the city of Constantinople, strategically located for commerce and military purposes.
• The new capital was designed to mirror Rome's grandeur but with a Christian focus, reflecting Constantine's increasing devotion and vision for the Empire.
• The establishment of Constantinople represented a significant ideological statement and marked a shift in the Empire's center of gravity from Rome to the East.

Constantine's deepening religious involvement and the emerging relationship between Church and state.

• Constantine becomes more involved in Christian doctrine, weighing in on disputes such as the Donatist and Arian controversies.
• His role in the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea indicates his unique position as an emperor with significant influence over Church affairs.
• The emperor's increasing legislation on moral issues, influenced by Christian values, demonstrates a more active role in shaping the Empire's religious landscape.

Reflecting on the state of the Empire after Constantine and the perception of Christianity's influence.

• The lecture concludes with a reflection on the optimistic view of the Empire's stability during Constantine's reign.
• The Emperor's policies, though different from Diocletian's, continued many of his administrative strategies, but with a focus on the Christian faith.
• Christianity's role in preserving Roman culture and systems is acknowledged, contrasting with later views that blame the faith for the Empire's decline.