The Ancients Rise of Christianity
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Jan 4, 2026 
Peter Heather, a historian specializing in late antiquity, dives into the fascinating rise of Christianity from a persecuted sect to a dominant force within the Roman Empire. He discusses how Christianity thrived amid diversity and doctrinal disputes, the impact of emperors like Constantine, and the controversial Edict of Milan that signaled the end of persecution. Heather also highlights the challenges of integrating various beliefs and the transition from toleration to enforcement under Theodosius, shaping Christianity's legacy in the ancient world.
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Persecution Stemmed From Imperial Politics
- Diocletian's Great Persecution was top-down and arguably driven by inner imperial politics.
- It failed to break Christianity and may have been aimed at undermining Constantius' line.
Constantine Hedged His Religious Identity
- Constantine presented multiple religious faces: pagan, solar monotheist, private Christian, then public Christian.
- His religious posture shifted with political and military victories.
Victory As Proof Of Divine Favor
- Imperial victory served as the chief proof of divine favor in Roman political theology.
- Constantine's military success gave him ideological authority to champion Christianity.
