Constantine was the first Emperor to allow Christians to worshop freely in the Roman Empire.This is the face of the man who changed the course of religious history in the Western world - Constantine the Great. Constantine was proclaimed the new, pagan Roman Emperor in 306 AD while in York on a military campaign. York was Rome's northern military command headquarters. Around six years later, back in Italy, Constantine converted from paganism to Christianity. His "epiphany" was said to have happened on the eve of battle with a competing Emperor, Maxentius. Constantine was told in a dream to conquer by the Sign of the Cross. Constantine's army won and Constantine championed Christianity - allowing Christian worship to flourish in Western Europe. Back in York, the first Christian Bishop was installed in 314AD. Constantine is said to have converted to Christianity shortly before his death, having instigated the celebration of Christ's birth - Christmas. The head of Constantine was found at Stonegate in York.
Sculpted Head of Emperor Constantine
Contributed by Yorkshire Museum
Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ or the British Museum. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.
About this object
Click a button to explore other objects in the timeline
- Location
- Culture
- Period
-
Declared Roman Emperor in York in AD 306
- Theme
- Size
-
- H:
- 42cm
- W:
- 30cm
- D:
- 30cm
- Colour
- Material
View more objects from people in North Yorkshire.
Find out more
Podcast
Highlights from the collection
´óÏó´«Ã½ iD
´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation
´óÏó´«Ã½ links
´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Share this link: