Edict of Thessalonica

The Three Imperial Edict " Cunctos populos " was adopted on 28 February 380 in Thessaloniki by the Roman Emperors Theodosius I, Gratian and Valentinian II. It ended the nominal religion of the 4th century and is considered an essential step in order to make Christianity the state religion ( cf. Reich Church ).

The edict was directed formally to the population of Constantinople, but thought the whole kingdom people. It was written as a political decree; the idea of ​​unification was in the foreground. Prior consultation with ecclesiastical and theological representatives did not take place. The following year, it was supplemented by implementing regulations on dealing with heretics.

Content of the (Roman - Alexandrian ) faith is explained in the Trinity of God to the binding state religion, what is different, for heresy with the corresponding consequences. Not all were converted directly into action. For now took place exile and church closings. ( The first death penalty was imposed in 385 Trier). However, the edict was never repealed, but formed a legal basis for the launched in the 13th century Office of the Inquisition.