The Roman Empire initially viewed Christianity with suspicion and considered it a threat to their pagan religion and social order. The empire actively persecuted Christians, culminating in the widespread persecution under Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century. However, following the conversion of Constantine the Great to Christianity in the early 4th century, the empire's view changed, and Christianity became the favored religion. This change was influenced by political expediency, Constantine's personal beliefs, as well as the growing popularity of Christianity among the populace.
