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How did the Edict of Thessalonica differ from the Edict of Milan?

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Theodosius I
Theodosius I Theodosius I, portrait on a gold coin from Mediolanum, Italy 378–383.

The Edict of Milan (313) and the Edict of Thessalonica (380) represent two distinct stages in the relationship between the Roman state and Christianity.

  • The Edict of Milan (313): Issued by Constantine I and Licinius, this proclamation established religious toleration throughout the Roman Empire. It ended systematic persecution, granted Christians legal rights—such as the ability to organize churches—and mandated the return of confiscated property. Crucially, it did not make Christianity the official state religion; rather, it granted all individuals the freedom to worship as they pleased.12

  • The Edict of Thessalonica (380): Issued by Theodosius I, this decree fundamentally shifted imperial policy by declaring Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the empire. Unlike the earlier edict of toleration, the Edict of Thessalonica mandated a specific creed for all subjects, effectively establishing religious intolerance toward those who did not adhere to the Catholic faith. It elevated Christianity above all other religions, marking a decisive move toward state-supported orthodoxy.13