Both Prince Vladimir and Constantine converted to Christianity during the course of their lifetime. Although how and why they converted are different events, their legacies are both great.
Prince Vladimir was what you would call a hard-core partier... but he wanted to unite his kingdom with a common religion. In something similar to auditions for a play or musical, he had scouts check out different religions. Both Islam and Judaism did not make the cut because of their dietary restrictions. The man liked to eat. The final contestants were Roman and Eastern Christianity. A few of his scouts visited the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople and were amazed. They told of how great the beauty and wonder was which in turn made the decision for Vladimir. The beauty was what bought him over. He converted to Orthodoxy and not only gained a unified nation, but also a wife by the name of Anna.
Constantine's conversion led to Vladimir's. So I suppose that these two events are similar events in history. They both wanted a better kingdom and by converting, they did obtain a larger, better kingdom. Constantine's desire to win a war led to his religious dreams and revelations which in turn made him convert. Both men spread Christianity and made it more widely known.
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