21. What was the Roman empire's views on Christianity at various points in its history? What caused them to change over time?
The views of the Roman Empire on Christianity varied at different points in its history. Initially, Christians were persecuted by the Roman authorities, as their beliefs conflicted with the polytheistic nature of Roman religion and they were seen as a threat to the established social order.
However, the situation began to change in the 4th century AD. Emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted Christians the freedom to practice their religion without fear of persecution. Constantine himself converted to Christianity and played a significant role in the legalization and eventual adoption of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire.
Over time, Christianity grew in prominence and influence, leading to the eventual fall of the Roman Empire in the West in 476 AD. The change in the views of the Roman Empire on Christianity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the conversion of key emperors, the growing popularity of Christianity among the Roman populace, and the decline of traditional Roman religion.