Christianity was a growing religion, centered in the cities, with a high degree of organization. It could thus provide an important base that Constantine could rely on. On the other hand, Christians were still unpopular, and they made up by modern estimates only about 10 to 15 percent of the Roman world — hardly an overwhelming number. Besides, many or perhaps most were pacifists, though there are indications of Christians serving in the military even prior to 313. It is thus far from clear that there was any real political advantage in embracing Christianity.
