Final answer:
Constantine was a patron of Christianity whose conversion and policies, such as the Edict of Milan, aided in making Christianity the dominant religion in the Roman Empire. His support led to a shift in religious power dynamics known as the Constantinian shift, ultimately shaping Christian governance in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emperor Constantine played a crucial role as a patron of Christianity, significantly influencing its spread throughout the Roman Empire. After attributing his victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 to the Christian God, he converted to Christianity and enacted policies that favored the religion, including the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted religious toleration. Constantine's support changed the perception and influence of Christianity, making it a religion attractive to the Roman elite, ultimately paving the way for Christianity to become the dominant faith in the empire.
Moreover, under Constantine's patronage, Christianity and the state became intertwined, a shift often referred to as the Constantinian shift. This development marked the end of an era of persecution for Christians and allowed the faith to flourish with imperial approval and support. Constantine's formal conversion is acknowledged as a strategic step that fundamentally altered the religious landscape of the empire and established a precedent for future Christian emperors.
Having established a new capital at Constantinople adorned with Christian symbols, and having secured a Christian governance that persisted after his death, Constantine's reign heralds the era of a predominantly Christian Roman Empire. His legacy endured, profoundly shaping the trajectory of European history and the development of Christianity as a world religion.