The Roman Empire gradually converted to Christianity over the course of the fourth century, with its capital at Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Churches and streets built during this time changed the character of Jerusalem, which became a Christian city.

A small Jewish community lived in the city for at least part of this time, and Jews were permitted, on payment of a fee, to ascend to the Temple Mount on the ninth of Av and mourn its destruction. Despite the sanctity of the city to the Byzantines, at no time did it become either an imperial capital or a provincial capital.