This sterling silver pendant holds within it an authentic Roman bronze coin dating back to the 4th century AD, featuring the likeness of Emperor Constantine the Great. On the reverse side of the coin, one can behold the image of the god of the Sun, standing gracefully to the left, clutching a globe.
Constantine I, a pivotal figure in Roman history, ascended to power in the early 4th century. Notably, he was the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity, marking a significant shift in the empire's religious landscape. Born around 280 in Naissus, Moesia (present-day Serbia), Constantine's rise to prominence began when his father assumed the role of Western Roman emperor in 305. Following his father's demise, Constantine engaged in fierce battles to consolidate his authority, ultimately claiming the titles of Western emperor in 312 and sole Roman emperor in 324.
His legacy is characterized not only by his political achievements but also by his pivotal role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Constantine's issuance of edicts safeguarding Christians within the empire marked a departure from previous persecutions, signaling the onset of Christianity's ascent to prominence. It's worth noting that Constantine's conversion to Christianity, purportedly occurring on his deathbed in 337, further solidified his place in history as the first Christian Roman emperor.