[[File: Constantine multiple CdM Beistegui 233.jpgFile.png|200px|thumb|left|A gold coin of Constantine]]
==Constantine and Conversion==
To understand if Constantine did have a conversion experience at the time of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge there needs to be an understanding of what conversion meant at the time <ref> Rapp, p. 65</ref>. Constantine was not technically a Christian after 312 AD, or for many years afterward, because he had not been baptized and was therefore not a full member of the Church. However, the conversion process could be gradual <ref> Elliot, Thomas G., 'Constantine's Conversion; do we really need it?' Phoenix 41 (1987), 420-438 </ref> . Constantine only seems to have slowly accepted Christian doctrine. Before this, he probably still had some lingering faith in some of the pagan deities, especially the sun-god, whose worship was very popular <ref> Elliot, p. 430</ref>. Constantine was not suddenly converted to Christianity before the Milvian Bridge, but that episode was very important in his growing attachment to the Church and its doctrines. The growing relationship between Constantine and the Christian Church would indicate his growing commitment to Christianity, but that is was a long-drawn out process<ref> Smith, M.D., "The Religion of Constantius I", Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies 38 (1997): 187-209</ref>. The ‘vision’ before the Milvian Bridge, that prompted him to order his soldiers to enter battle with a Christian sign was crucial in his early religious development. It seems that Constantine’s conversion was almost a life-long process and he was not a true Christian in 312 AD or for many years after. Indeed he was probably an old man before he was a true Christian. He only accepted baptism on his deathbed and perhaps only then could he be considered a Christian <ref> Smith, p. 189</ref>[[File:File.png|200px|thumb|left|alt text]]
==Conclusion==
To conclude, tradition states that Constantine converted to Christianity before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Eusebius alone states that Constantine was converted and he was a Christian bishop <ref> Eusebius, Vita Constantini. Vi </ref>. Constantine was already sympathetic to Christianity before the Battle in 312 AD. and very gradually converted to Christianity. He did not receive baptism until just before his death. A prolonged conversion process was typical of the period and it was only with the onset of death that the emperor could convert. It would have been very difficult for him to rule a largely pagan population if he had become a full member of the Church. Constantine did not convert in 312 AD, but the vision of Constantine, before the Battle of the Milivian Bridge was an important stage in his eventual conversion to Christianity. It can be said with some confidence that Constantine the Great was a life-long supporter of Christianity but did not actually become a full committed Christian until his baptism shortly before he died.
==References==
