Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantine (c. 272 - 337), better known as Constantine the Great, was perhaps the most important person in the development of the early Christian Church (after Jesus and Paul, naturally). Constantine's defeat of Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge put him in a powerful position, but not one of supreme power. He controlled Italy, North Africa, and the Western provinces.
Constantine's chief goal was always creating and maintaining unity, be it political, economic or, eventually, religious. For Constantine, one of the greatest threats to Roman domination and peace was disunity. Christianity filled Constantine's need for a basis of religious unity quite well. Just as significant as Constantine’s conversion to and official toleration of Christianity was his unprecedented decision to move the capital of the Roman empire from Rome itself to Constantinople.
- Head from the Colossal Marble Statue of Constantine the GreatHead from the Colossal Marble Statue of Constantine the Great, Located in the Musei Capitolini, Rome
- Statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine, Erected in 1998 at York MinsterConstantine Statue, erected 1998 at York Minster, where Troops Named Constantine Named Emperor, 306
- Constantine Sees a Vision of the Cross in the SkyConstantine Sees a Vision of the Cross in the Sky Before the Battle at Milvian Bridge
- The Cross Banner Used by Constantine as his Vision Instructed HimCross Banner Used by Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, as his Vision Instructed Him
- Bronze Head of Constantine the GreatBronze Bust of Constantine the Great, Located in the Musei Capitolini, Rome
- Statue of Constantine on his Horse before the Battle at Milvian BridgeStatue of Constantine on a Horse, Witnessing the Sign of the Cross Before: Battle at Milvian Bridge
- Roman Emperor Constantine Fights Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian BridgeRoman Emperor Constantine Fights Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge
- Roman Emperor Constantine Fights in the Battle of Milvian BridgeRoman Emperor Constantine Fights in the Battle of Milvian Bridge
- Constantine Presides Over the Council of NicaeaConstantine Presides Over the Council of Nicaea
- Constantine Officially Receives the Work of the Council of NicaeaConstantine Officially Receives the Work of the Council of Nicaea
- Constantine Presents the Work of the Council of Nicaea to Jesus ChristConstantine Presents the Work of the Council of Nicaea to Jesus Christ
- Mosaic of Emperor Constantine from the Hagia SophiaMosaic of Emperor Constantine from Hagia Sophia, c 1000, Scene: Constantine with Model of the City
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