On this day, the Roman emperor Constantine I decreed that dies Solis Invicti (‘day of the unconquered sun’ – Sunday) would be a day of rest throughout the Roman Empire. “On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits because it often happens that another day is not suitable for grain-sowing or vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.” Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and in February 313 with the ‘Edict of Milan’, he removed all penalties for practicing Christianity and restored property and rights to those previously convicted of the illegal religion.
