The so-called Edict of Milan and Constantinian policy

Abstract

The focus of the paper is on the so-called Edict of Milan in light of its 1700th anniversary that is being celebrated in 2013. Author reflects on the historical, religious and political implications surrounding the Edict of Tolerance , its specific character and underlying legal context as well as its historical significance in the proclamation of religious tolerance. The particular emphasis is given to the analysis of the influence of the predating Edict of Galerius on formation of the Edict of Milan, the general interconnectedness between the politics and religion of the time and the legal and cultural interplay of these documents in the religious policy of the Roman Empire.