What influence Christianity had in the development of the Eastren Roman Empire (Byzantium)?
The Emperor Constantine I was exposed to Christianity by his mother, Helena. There is scholarly controversy; however, as to whether Constantine adopted his mother’s humble Christianity in his youth, or whether he adopted it gradually over the course of his life. Under Constantine, Christianity did not become the exclusive religion of the state, but enjoyed imperial preference, since the Emperor supported it with generous privileges: clerics were exempted from personal services and taxation, Christians were preferred for administrative posts, and bishops were entrusted with judicial responsibilities. Constantine established the principle that emperors should not settle questions of doctrine, but should summon general ecclesiastical councils for that purpose. The Synod of Arles was convened by Constantine, and the First Council of Nicaea showcased his claim to be head of the Church. Orthodox Christian culture reached its golden age during the high point of Byzantine Empire and continued
