Edict of Milan: Legalizing Christianity in 313

In 313, the Edict of Milan was proclaimed by Roman emperors Constantine and Licinius, marking a pivotal shift from the persecution of Christians to their acceptance within the Roman Empire. This decree emerged from a conference in Milan, which solidified their alliance through Licinius’s marriage to Constantine's sister. Building upon Galerius's edict from 311, it recognized Christianity legally, permitting Christians to gather, own property, and seek restitution for previous persecutions. Key historical texts, such as Lactantius's 'De Mortibus Persecutorum,' provide insight into this edict. While both emperors sought to promote peace and acknowledged a supreme deity, their interpretations varied. The edict was particularly aimed at provincial governors in the East, where persecution persisted, and it played a crucial role in the growth of Christianity, despite Licinius later reverting to oppressive measures.