Christianity and Hellenism had come into close contact in the eastern Mediterranean by the second century CE.

The policies of Constantine the Great institutionalize the connection in the early fourth century and lend a lasting Greek influence to the church that emerges.

Constantine, having reunited the Roman Empire after years of turmoil, establishes dynastic succession, transfers the empire's capital from Rome to Byzantium, and legalizes Christianity.

The new capital, which he calls Constantinople, is dedicated on May 11, 330, and thereby advances the separation of the eastern and western empires.

Constantine rules alone until his death on May 22, 337, when the Empire is again partitioned among his three sons from his marriage to Fausta.

The eldest, Constantine II, receives Gaul, Spain and Britain.

Constantius II is given Asia Minor, Egypt and Syria.

Finally, Constans, the youngest, obtains Italy, North Africa and Illyricum.

Constantine II resents his brothers for not respecting his seniority as the eldest, and therefore the senior augustus.

Unhappy over the distribution of the provinces, he invades Italy in 340, only to be killed in an ambush by Constans' troops.

Constans now assumes control of all the western provinces of the empire.