The first Byzantine emperor was Constantine the Great. Constantine ruled the Byzantine Empire from 306 to 337 AD and is often credited with transforming the Roman Empire into the Byzantine Empire. Constantine is best known for his conversion to Christianity and his establishment of Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire. His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of the Roman Empire, as he implemented several reforms that had a lasting impact on the empire's political and cultural landscape. Under Constantine's rule, Christianity was legalized and eventually became the official state religion of the Byzantine Empire. This move had a profound effect on the religious makeup of the empire and solidified Christianity as a dominant force in the region. In addition to his religious reforms, Constantine also made significant changes to the political structure of the empire. He divided the empire into two administrative regions, the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, with Constantinople serving as the capital of the Eastern Empire. This division laid the groundwork for the eventual split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Constantine's reign as the first Byzantine emperor was marked by a series of military victories and territorial expansions. He successfully defended the empire against various threats, including the Goths and the Persians, and expanded the empire's borders to include parts of modern-day Italy, Spain, and North Africa. Overall, Constantine the Great's legacy as the first Byzantine emperor is one of political and religious transformation. His reign laid the foundation for the Byzantine Empire's long-lasting influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. In conclusion, Constantine the Great is widely regarded as the first Byzantine emperor, whose rule brought about significant changes to the empire's religious, political, and cultural landscape. His legacy continues to be felt to this day, as the Byzantine Empire's influence can still be seen in the modern world.

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