What was the significance of Theodosius I in the context of the Roman Empire?

Theodosius I holds a critical place in the history of the Roman Empire, particularly because of his strong support for Christianity and his efforts to establish it as the official religion of the empire. By closing pagan temples and banning pagan practices, he played a significant role in diminishing the influence of traditional Roman polytheistic religion. This action was part of a broader effort to unify the empire under a single religious framework, which had profound implications for the cultural and religious landscape of the empire at that time.

His policies effectively marked the transition of the Roman state from a pagan empire to a Christian one, solidifying the role of Christianity in the governance and cultural identity of the later Roman Empire. This shift also contributed to tensions with remaining pagan followers, and helped to shape the future of both the Roman Empire and Christian theology in the centuries that followed.