Constantine I (306 - 337 A.D.)

The Emperor Constantine I was effectively the sole ruler of the Roman world between 324 and 337 A.D.; his reign was perhaps one of the most crucial of all the emperors in determining the future course of western civilization. By beginning the process of making Christianity the religious foundation of his realm, he set the religious course for the future of Europe, which remains in place to this very day. Because he replaced Rome with Constantinople …

…and Helen, born of his union with Fausta, survived him, whereas Crispus, his son by Minervina, was executed ca. 326 along with Fausta for reasons that are not clear. After a bloody purge of members of the Royal family which may have had its roots in the religious strife between the Arian and Orthodox factions at the imperial court, the three sons of the late emperor were raised to the purple by the army on 9 September 337.