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Flavius Valerius Constantinus was born in the city of Naissus around February 27, 272.
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Growing up Constantine received an excellent education, learning to read and write in both Greek and Latin. Despite his privileged life he was held hostage by Diocletian to ensure his father stayed loyal.
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his father raised to the role of emperor of the west.
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Constantine spent several years fighting in the roman army where he saw Diocletians persecution and murder of christians which had a lasting impact on him. Galerius tried to kill Constantine but he survived each time. Constantine fled and joined his father in Gaul where in the western roman empire and later spent a year in Britain fighting along side his father.
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Constantine was named emperor, he ruled over Spain, Gaul and Britain. he developed the reputation asa good leader and stopped the persecution of christians in his territory.
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Galerius died resulting in a competition among many powerful men to to take over the roman empire. Constantine and his army marched against Maxentius.
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Constantine had a dream where he was told he would win the battle if he fought under the christian cross. He had his soldiers paint crosses on their shields. They dominated the battle and took control over Rome.
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Constantine forged an alliance with Licinius in the east. Constantine became emperor of the west and Licinius of the east. they signed the Edict of Milan and christians would no longer be prosecuted and Constantine considered himself as a Christian.
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Licinius decided to renew the persecution of christians seven years later. Constantine would not stand for this and defeated licinius and Constantine became the ruler of a united Rome