How Did Christianity Become the Dominant Religion of the Later Roman Empire

The rise of Christianity as a dominant religion has characterised much of the history of the Western world. In this article, Alanna Speer examines the ways by which Christianity rose to prominence – and, indeed, dominance – in the Later Roman Empire (250AD to 450AD). Employing both historiographical analysis and primary source research, Speer details the role of Constantine I in solidifying the presence of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, and traces the evolution of Christianity from a small, persecuted religious sect to the official state religion of the Empire. This turbulent rise, Speer argues, is a far more complex series of narratives than those currently shown in studies of Christianity and in Roman studies.