Who was Constantine in the context of funeral history?

Constantine is recognized in funeral history as the first Christian Emperor of Rome. His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity and the practices associated with death and burial. Before Constantine's rule, Christians faced persecution, and their burial practices often occurred underground or in secret due to fear of punishment.

With the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance to Christians, Constantine established a more open and accepting environment for Christian practices, including funeral rites. His influence led to the legitimization of Christianity, which subsequently altered societal norms regarding death and burial. Under his rule, traditional pagan practices began to decline, and Christian rituals surrounding death, such as the emphasis on grave markers or church cemeteries, became more common.

Thus, understanding Constantine's role as the first Christian Emperor provides insight into the transformation of funeral practices during and after his reign, highlighting the shift from pagan to Christian customs that shaped future funeral service practices.