303 CE: DIOCLETIAN DECREES

Persecution of Christianity under Roman Emperor Diocletian (reigns 284–305 CE).

Destruction of Christian churches and texts. (See Roman Rulers chart at 63 BCE in the book).

311 CE: EDICT OF TOLERATION

Issued in the last days of the rule of Emperor Galerius. At that point there was a tetrarchy Galerius–Constantine–Licinius. Roman luminary Maxentius also a party to the edict. The edict grants universal religious toleration and restitution (306–313 CE). However, Constantine will later backtrack (see 312 CE, just below) on the universal
aspect of the toleration.

[As regards Galerius, the Edict of Toleration represented an about–face in his posture towards Christianity.]

312 CE: ROMAN EMPEROR CONSTANTINE DE FACTO CONVERTS!

Constantine at least informally converts to Christianity. He also folds paganism into a morphed Christianity. This new pagan–infused Christianity speedily spreads across the empire.

Meaning, therefore, that Rome converts to the religion whose de facto progenitor it had originally condemned to death and executed by crucifixion 300 years earlier.

Constantine I enacts restrictive legislation against the Jews

– conversion of Jews to Christianity is banned

– non–Christian congregations for religious purposes are curtailed