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[[Paganism]], the official religion of the Empire and particularly of the army, was disestablished as such, and property which had previously been confiscated from Christians was returned.
The Edict followed Constantine the Great's 311 312 conversion of his entire army preceding the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, after which he gained control of the Western portion of the Empire. Before this battle, according to [[Eusebius of Caesarea|Eusebius]], Constantine had a vision of either the [[sign of the cross]] or of a Chi Rho emblem (both symbolizing Christ), under which was written "in hoc signo vinces" (i.e., in this sign thou shalt conquer).
Unfortunately, the Edict did not end all persecution of Christians happily ever after; Licinius, the Eastern Emperor, soon marched against Constantine to gain control of the whole Empire for himself. In so doing, he made void the Edict in an attempt to gain the support of pagans, particularly those who composed much of the military. Constantine, however, eventually defeated and executed him. After Constantine, emperors such as [[Julian the Apostate]] also rose against Christianity. However, on the whole Constantine had turned the tide against Christian persecution.
