Edict of Milan
February 313 CE · Classical Antiquity
In February 313 CE, Roman Emperors Constantine I and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, establishing religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. The proclamation granted Christians legal status and freedom of worship after centuries of persecution, ordered the return of confiscated Christian property, and established a policy of religious freedom throughout the empire. The edict did not make Christianity the state religion but began Christianity's transformation from a persecuted sect to an officially accepted religion with imperial support.
Key Figures
Emperor Constantine IEmperor Licinius
Locations
Mediolanum
Topics
religious tolerancepersecutionchristianityroman empire
Connected Events — 2 Connections
Legalized Christianity and ended persecution, creating the stable religious environment that made it possible for bishops to safely assemble and for the emperor to intervene in internal Christian disputes First Council of Nicaea
Diocletian's administrative capital at Mediolanum and his tetrarchic system created the framework that enabled Constantine to issue the Edict of Milan from that same capital, using the bureaucratic infrastructure Diocletian established Diocletian's Reforms
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