Which year did Constantine issue the edict that established Sunday as a holiday?

Which year did Constantine issue the edict that established Sunday as a holiday?

• A. 312
• B. 321
• C. 330
• D. 350

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is when Constantine formally set Sunday as a day of rest in law. In 321, he issued an edict directing that the venerable day of the Sun be observed throughout the Empire as a day of rest, with cities to close shops and people allowed to cease work. This marks an official imperial endorsement of Sunday as a day of religious and civic rest, aligning law with Christian practice. The other dates correspond to different events (Milvian Bridge in 312, Edict of Milan in 313, foundation of Constantinople in 330), not this Sunday-rest decree. So the year is 321.

The idea being tested is when Constantine formally set Sunday as a day of rest in law. In 321, he issued an edict directing that the venerable day of the Sun be observed throughout the Empire as a day of rest, with cities to close shops and people allowed to cease work. This marks an official imperial endorsement of Sunday as a day of religious and civic rest, aligning law with Christian practice. The other dates correspond to different events (Milvian Bridge in 312, Edict of Milan in 313, foundation of Constantinople in 330), not this Sunday-rest decree. So the year is 321.