After The Edict of Milan
After the Edict of Milan granted Christianity legal status, the church at Rome was protected and rose in importance. The church adopted the same geographical layout as the Roman Empire: geographical provinces (called "dioceses") ruled by bishops. The bishops of important cities therefore rose in power.
Read more about this topic: Historical Development Of The Doctrine Of Papal Primacy
Famous quotes containing the word edict:
“If then true lovers have ever been crossed
It stands as an edict in destiny.
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—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)