Final answer:
The Edict of Milan in 313 legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire and ended state-sanctioned persecution of Christians, marking a turning point in the history of Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Edict of Milan proclaimed religious tolerance for Christianity. Issued in 313 by Emperor Constantine, it allowed for freedom of worship throughout the Roman Empire, specifically legalizing Christianity. The edict effectively put an end to the state-sanctioned persecution of Christians and returned previously confiscated property and legal rights to them. Christianity was not made the official state religion at that time; however, the edict facilitated the growth of Christian institutions and their relationship with the imperial government. It also allowed for the construction of churches, signaling a shift in Constantine's patronage towards Christianity. This transformation set the stage for Christianity's eventual dominance within the Roman Empire, highlighting the political and cultural changes that would follow.