Constantine's conversion to Christianity
I can explain why the Romans’ acceptance of Christianity changed during Constantine's rule.
Constantine's conversion to Christianity
I can explain why the Romans’ acceptance of Christianity changed during Constantine's rule.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By 312 CE, Constantine had become the emperor of the Western Roman Empire by defeating his rivals in many battles.
- Before one of these battles he had a vision of a cross; he ordered his soldiers to paint crosses on their shields.
- Constantine converted to Christianity, saying all religions could be practised and Christians should not be persecuted.
- In 324 CE, Constantine became sole emperor of the Roman Empire and in 330 CE created a new eastern capital.
- In 325 CE, Constantine brought together Christian bishops to try to agree the first set of rules about Christianity.
Keywords
Emperor - an emperor is a ruler of an empire
Convert - to convert to a new religion or belief is to change to a different religion or belief
Rival - a rival is a person who competes with someone else to get what only one of them can have
Vision - a vision is a dream or idea in your imagination
Bishop - a bishop is a religious leader in some Christian churches
Common misconception
Constantine forced everyone in the Roman Empire to be Christian during his rule.
Constantine issued a law, the Edict of Milan, that protected all faiths from religious persecution so that everyone in the Roman Empire could practise the religion they wanted.
To help you plan your year 4 history lesson on: Constantine's conversion to Christianity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 history lesson on: Constantine's conversion to Christianity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Romans: what is the story of Christianity's rise? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
something that left a lasting impact on history
belief in a god or gods
to be treated badly because of your religion, race or beliefs
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a ruler of an empire
a person who competes with someone else
a religious leader in some Christian churches