Constantine's conversion to Christianity
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why the Romans’ acceptance of Christianity changed during Constantine's rule.
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.
Teacher tip
For learning cycle 3, read the Nicene Creed with the pupils to understand its significance. It addresses key theological issues of the time, particularly the nature of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
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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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Place the historical periods in the correct order.
Q2.What is Christianity?
Q3.Match the word to its meaning.
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
Q4.The Eastern Roman Empire was also known as the Empire.
Q5.Why were early Christians persecuted in the Roman Empire?
Q6.The capital of the Byzantine Empire was...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who was the first Christian Roman emperor?
Q2.Match the keyword to its definition.
a ruler of an empire
a person who competes with someone else
a religious leader in some Christian churches
Q3.Put the events about Constantine's life in the correct order.
Q4.Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, which he renamed...
Q5.What was the Edict of Milan?
Q6.Why was the Council of Nicaea important for Christianity?
To help you plan your 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 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Romans: what is the story of Christianity's rise? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.