Who was the Roman emperor that adopted Christianity and stopped the persecution of Christians?

The Roman emperor who is recognized for adopting Christianity and halting the persecution of Christians is Constantine. His reign marked a significant turning point for the Christian faith, as he was the first emperor to embrace Christianity and actively promote it. In 313 AD, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire and specifically ensured that Christians could practice their faith without fear of persecution. This monumental act not only bolstered the growth of Christianity but also set the stage for it to eventually become the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The other emperors listed did not play a similar role in the history of Christianity. Nero, for example, is often associated with the persecutions of Christians, particularly after the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. Augustus, while a pivotal figure in Roman history, did not have a direct connection to the promotion of Christianity, as the faith emerged after his time. Julian the Apostate, who ruled in the 4th century, attempted to restore paganism and undermine Christianity, making him an opponent of the faith rather than a supporter. Thus, Constantine stands out as the emperor who transformed the trajectory of Christianity within the Roman Empire.