He then ordered a pontoon bridge constructed for his own army's use. M.P. E. Marlowe, "Framing the sun. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle; his body was later taken from the river and decapitated, and his head was paraded through the streets of Rome on the day following the battle before being taken to Africa.[3]. This is the account given by the Christian apologist…, …at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.…. But whereas Constantine's claim was recognized by Galerius, ruler of the Eastern provinces and the senior emperor in the Empire, Maxentius was treated as a usurper. Meaning of battle of the milvian bridge. He camped at the location of Malborghetto near Prima Porta, where remains of a Constantinian monument, the Arch of Malborghetto, in honour of the occasion are still extant. In the meantime, more information about the article and the author can be found by clicking on the author’s name. In the spring of 312, Constantine gathered an army of 40,000 soldiers and decided to oust Maxentius himself. [6] He easily overran northern Italy, winning two major battles: the first near Turin, the second at Verona, where the praetorian prefect Ruricius Pompeianus, Maxentius' most senior general, was killed.[7]. The accounts of the two contemporary authors, though not entirely consistent, have been merged into a popular notion of Constantine seeing the Chi-Rho sign on the evening before the battle. Less often noted is the emperor’s modesty. Constantine gained control of the western half of the Roman Empire. His victory owed as much to his skillful generalship as to any savior. It was built by Marcus Aemilius Scaurus in 109 B.C. According to ancient sources, on the evening of October 27, 312 CE, just before the battle at the Milvian Bridge, Constantine the Great was to have a vision that led him to victory with the support of a Christian god. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Galerius ordered his co-Augustus, Severus, to put Maxentius down in early 307. In AD 312, Constantine I defeated his stronger rival Maxentius between this bridge and Saxa Rubra, in the famous Ba… [14] The official cults of Sol Invictus and Sol Invictus Mithras were popular amongst the soldiers of the Roman Army. Beneath it was inscribed the simple message in hoc signo vinces, which translates as "In this sign, prevail." But with only a narrow strip of stone and a rocking, heaving pathway of wood as a crossing, the retreat across the Tiber became a rout as Constantine’s men surged forward from their rear. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. According to this version, Constantine with his army was marching (Eusebius does not specify the actual location of the event, but it clearly is not in the camp at Rome), when he looked up to the sun and saw a cross of light above it, and with it the Greek words " Ἐν Τούτῳ Νίκα", En toutō níka, usually translated into Latin as "in hoc signo vinces". The Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312, took place just north of the Tiber River, about a mile and a half north of Rome. [16] Lactantius also reports that the populace supported Constantine with acclamations during circus games. Once Severus arrived in Italy, however, his army defected to Maxentius. In 308 the vicar of Africa, Lucius Domitius Alexander, revolted and proclaimed himself augustus. Constantine then ordered his infantry to push forward against Maxentius’s infantry, who were forced to fall back and found themselves without room to maneuver. The underlying causes of the battle were the rivalries inherent in Diocletian's Tetrarchy. Coins of Constantine depicting him as the companion of a solar deity were minted as late as 313, the year following the battle. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. [28] Constantine is thought to have replaced the former imperial guards with a number of cavalry units termed the Scholae Palatinae. Lactantius states that, in the night before the battle, Constantine was commanded in a dream to "delineate the heavenly sign on the shields of his soldiers" (On the Deaths of the Persecutors 44.5). A solidus of Constantine as well as a gold medallion from his reign depict the Emperor's bust in profile jugate with Sol Invictus, with the legend INVICTUS CONSTANTINUS. In 306 Constantine was declared emperor at York, but Maxentius claimed the imperial title in Rome. [11] He made more extensive use of the Chi-Rho and the Labarum later, during the conflict with Licinius. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. Maxentius’scavalry buckled before the impact and broke ranks. Interested in participating in the Publishing Partner Program? The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. [4] Constantine avoided conflict with both Maxentius and the Eastern emperors for most of this period. Constantine's triumphal arch was carefully positioned to align with the colossal statue of Sol by the Colosseum, so that Sol formed the dominant backdrop when seen from the direction of the main approach towards the arch.[15]. Some details of that vision, however, differ between the sources reporting it. Zosimus). Yet those who lived in the fourth century saw the battle as just one in a list of imperial victories—and not necessarily the most significant of … Constantine’s conversion to the Cross may have been prompted by a dream of victory. Tags: battle, milvian, bridge All rights to paintings and other images found on PaintingValley.com are owned by their respective owners (authors, artists), and the Administration of the website doesn't bear responsibility for their use. The Edict of Milan, which was issued in 313, recognized Christianity as the tolerated and official religion of Rome. C… Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2015 This book, to give but the shortest summary, is exactly about what it says on its title; about Constantine's victory in the battle at the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. Constantine then made an agreement with Licinius, and the two rallied the Eastern Christians to their side by guaranteeing them religious tolerance in the Edict of Milan (313). Indeed, Maxentius had organised the stockpiling of large amounts of food in the city in preparation for such an event. There is no certain evidence that Constantine ever used that sign, opposed to the better known Chi-Rho sign described by Eusebius. Constantine reached Rome at the end of October 312 approaching along the Via Flaminia. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle; his body was later taken from the river and decapitated, and his head was paraded through the streets of Rome on the day following the battle … [28] Maxentius was condemned to damnatio memoriae, all his legislation was invalidated and Constantine usurped all of Maxentius' considerable building projects within Rome, including the Temple of Romulus and the Basilica of Maxentius. In 109 BC, censor Marcus Aemilius Scaurus built a new bridge of stone in the same position, demolishing the old one. Some[12] have considered the vision in a solar context (e.g. Maxentius came out to fight and was destroyed at the Milvian Bridge, which carried the Via Flaminia over the Tiber into the city. Holding it was crucial if Maxentius was to keep his rival out of Rome, where the Senate would surely favour whoever held the city. He easily overran north Italy, and stood at the Saxa Rubra on the Tiber, less than 10 miles from Rome. Faction fighting and civil war had become endemic. Arch of Constantine, Constantinian frieze, Battle of the Milvian Bridge.jpg 2,296 × 460; 361 KB. Constantine defeats Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge; the vision of Constantine is a Greek cross with ἐν τούτῳ νίκα written on it. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). F. Grossi-Gondi, ‘La battaglia di Costantino Magno a "Saxa Rubra"’. On 27 October, the night before the battle, it is said that Constantine had a dream: he saw the sun—the object of his own worship—overlain by the figure of a cross. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Constantine and his army inflicted heavy losses on Maxentius and his army during the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. over the Tiber near Rome as part of the Flaminian Way Flaminian Way, one of the principal Roman roads, the greatest artery from Rome to Cisalpine Gaul. Ancient sources commenting on these events attribute this decision either to divine intervention (e.g. This had been fine for men and horses making their way slowly and carefully in the days before the battle. When Constantius died on 25 July 306, his father's troops proclaimed Constantine as Augustus in Eboracum (York). Additionally, Maxentius is reported to have consulted the oracular Sibylline Books, which stated that "on October 28 an enemy of the Romans would perish". W. Kuhoff, ‘Die Schlacht an der Milvische Brücke – Ein Ereignis von weltgeschichtlicher Tragweite’ in K. Ehling & G. Weber (eds). Marble head of Constantine I, the only surviving piece of a giant statue that was made about 300. Maxentius’ mounted units were broken swiftly and Constantine’s infantry advanced to finish the job. and Barbara Saylor Rodgers. Galerius himself marched on Rome in the autumn, but failed to take the city. [25] After the ceremonies, Maxentius' head was sent to Carthage as proof of his downfall, Africa then offered no further resistance. by Dugit. They also note that the day of the battle was the same as the day of his accession (28 October), which was generally thought to be a good omen. Battle of Milvian Bridge, (28 October 312). Just a year after the battle, the victorious Constantine made this obscure eastern religion official within the Roman … For the Bernini sculpture, see. What does battle of the milvian bridge mean? Nixon, C.E.V. As a means of escape during the stress of battle, however, it was wholly inadequate. In relocating the imperial capital to Byzantium (which he renamed Constantinople in his own honor), he was merely bowing to the inevitable, with barbarian pressure on the western provinces increasing year by year. [5], By 312, however, Constantine and Maxentius were engaged in open hostility with one another, although they were brothers-in‑law through Constantine's marriage to Fausta, sister of Maxentius. This was interpreted as a promise of victory if the sign of the Chi Rho, the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek, was painted on the soldiers' shields. While attempting to escape, Maxentius drowned. This might have gone on indefinitely had it not been for a curious turning point in Christian, and world, history: the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Eusebius, Smith, 104: "What little evidence exists suggests that in fact the labarum bearing the chi-rho symbol was not used before 317, when Crispus became Caesar...", A comprehensive discussion of all sol-coinage and -legends per emperor from. Michael Kerrigan has written many books, including volumes on Greece and the Mediterranean and Rome for the BBC Ancient Civilizations series and. [26] Maxentius' body was fished out of the Tiber and decapitated. The defining moment of the campaign was the battle of the Milvian Bridge. The Battle of Milvian Bridge was a decisive one for the continuation of the Roman Empire. He eventually made what had been an obscure sect the official religion of the Roman Empire. Maxentius' strongest supporters in the military were neutralized when the Praetorian Guard and Imperial Horse Guard (equites singulares) were disbanded. Brian Tran Professor Stefen Chrissanthos HIST 110A 9 May 2017 Battle of Milvian Bridge While Diocletian’s inauguration as emperor in 284 A.D. managed to temporarily end the anarchy and reestablish peace and order in the Roman Empire, his unprecedented retirement as emperor 21 years later would establish a period of civil war amongst the Roman generals fighting for the throne. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. as a solar halo phenomenon called a sun dog), which may have preceded the Christian beliefs later expressed by Constantine. He was a less faithful friend to Rome itself, though. Eusebius then continues to describe the labarum, the military standard used by Constantine in his later wars against Licinius, showing the Chi-Rho sign.[9]. [21] Finally, the temporary bridge set up alongside the Milvian Bridge, over which many of the Maxentian troops were escaping, collapsed, and those stranded on the north bank of the Tiber were either taken prisoner or killed. Constantine entered Rome on 29 October. Articles such as this one were acquired and published with the primary aim of expanding the information on Britannica.com with greater speed and efficiency than has traditionally been possible. The hand of the Lord prevailed, and the forces of Maxentius were routed. The Battle of Milvian Bridge, located in the Sala di Costantino ("Hall of Constantine"), is by Giulio Romano and other assistants of the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael, who died in 1520. Speidel, ‘Maxentius and his Equites Singulares at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge’, M.P. The underlying causes of the battle were the rivalries inherent in Diocletian's Tetrarchy. These articles have not yet undergone the rigorous in-house editing or fact-checking and styling process to which most Britannica articles are customarily subjected. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. In Rome, the favorite was Max… The army marched from Gaul in the spring of AD 312 and fought its way across the Empire. [10] Its first imperial appearance is on a Constantinian silver coin from c. 317, which proves that Constantine did use the sign at that time, though not very prominently. Paul K. Davis writes, "Constantine’s victory gave him total control of the Western Roman Empire paving the way for Christianity to become the dominant religion for the Roman Empire and ultimately for Europe. Fought by the Roman Emperor Constantine against a rival claimant to the throne, the usurper Emperor Maxentius, the battle ultimately resulted in the conversion of Constantine to Christianity. On 28 October 312 two rival Roman Emperors – Constantine and Maxentius -faced up against each other at the Milvian Bridge in Rome. The Arch of Constantine, erected in celebration of the victory, certainly attributes Constantine's success to divine intervention; however, the monument does not display any overtly Christian symbolism. The battle was one of a succession of victories that in AD 324 made Constantine master of the entire Roman Empire, but it is most famous for its link with his conversion to Christianity, which would prove to be one of the most important events in world history. Oktober 312 n. Chr.’. Constantine’s conversion to the Cross may have been prompted by a dream of victory. [8], From Eusebius, two accounts of the battle survive. W. Kuhoff, ‘Ein Mythos in der römischen Geschichte: Der Sieg Konstantins des Großen über Maxentius vor den Toren Roms am 28. A bridge was built by consul Gaius Claudius Nero in 206 BC after he had defeated the Carthaginian army in the Battle of the Metaurus. Maxentius' Praetorian Guard, who had originally acclaimed him emperor, seem to have made a stubborn stand on the northern bank of the river; "in despair of pardon they covered with their bodies the place which they had chosen for combat. The Rise and Decline of Diocletian's Tetrarchy Between the years of 235 and 284 AD, Rome was ruled by no less than 26 emperors, but then, a soldier from Illyricum called Diocletian, seized power from Numerian (perpetuating the eternal pattern), but kept it. The literal meaning of the phrase in Greek is "in this (sign), conquer" while in Latin it's "in this sign, you shall conquer"; a more free translation would be "Through this sign [you shall] conquer". [18], The next day, the two armies clashed, and Constantine won a decisive victory. [13] Constantine's official coinage continues to bear images of Sol until 325/6. The sources vary as to the nature of the bridge central to the events of the battle. Definition of battle of the milvian bridge in the Definitions.net dictionary. In Rome, the favorite was Maxentius, the son of Constantius' imperial colleague Maximian, who seized the title of emperor on 28 October 306. Surprisingly, he decided otherwise, choosing to meet Constantine in open battle. Though often employed to show Constantine's Christian sensibilities, this silence cannot be taken as proof that Constantine was a Christian at this point. When Constantius died on 25 July 306, his father's troops proclaimed Constantine as Augustus in Eboracum (York). Maxentius left Rome for meeting with Constantine in the famous Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. Although Constantine was the son of the Western Emperor Constantius, the Tetrarchic ideology did not necessarily provide for hereditary succession. K. von Landmann, ‘Konstantin der Grosse als Feldherr’ in J. F. Dölger (ed.). Pauwels Casteels - The Battle of Milvian Bridge.jpg 1,151 × 452; 142 KB. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-the-Milvian-Bridge, Warfare History Network - Bloody Clash on the Tiber, History Today - The Battle of the Milvian Bridge. His head was paraded through the streets for all to see. Toynbee. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of this event in world history. [19] Already known as a skilful general, Constantine first launched his cavalry at the cavalry of Maxentius and broke them. On October 28 in 312 A.D. Constantine defeated the superior forces of his rival Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge. The dispositions of Maxentius may have been faulty as his troops seem to have been arrayed with the River Tiber too close to their rear, giving them little space to allow re-grouping in the event of their formations being forced to give ground. Advancing over the Milvian Bridge, Maxentius ordered it destroyed so that it could not be used by the enemy. It is commonly understood that on the evening of 27 October with the armies preparing for battle, Constantine had a vision which led him to fight under the protection of the Christian God. In 63 BC, letters from the conspirators of the Catiline conspiracy were intercepted here, allowing Cicero to read them to the Roman Senate the next day. 1,700 years ago, the emperor Constantine marched on Rome to free Italy from the tyrant Maxentius and reunify the Roman Empire. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. On October 29, 312, Constantine made a triumphant entry into Rome and was met with jubilation and cheers. Updates? The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. Battle of Milvian Bridge, (28 October 312). According to chroniclers such as Eusebius of Caesarea and Lactantius, the battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. One day before the battle, Constantine saw in the sky the sign of the cross superimposed over the sun. It was expected that Maxentius would remain within Rome and endure a siege; he had successfully employed this strategy twice before, during the invasions of Severus and Galerius. Eusebius of Caesarea recounts that Constantine and his soldiers had a vision sent by the Christian God. Next day, the old banners were changed with new ones wit… The main significance of the victory is that it allowed Constantine to make a small sect, Christianity, the dominant religion for the empire and for Europe. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Media in category "Battle of Milvian Bridge" The following 31 files are in this category, out of 31 total. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}41°56′08″N 12°28′01″E / 41.93556°N 12.46694°E / 41.93556; 12.46694, "Vision of Constantine" redirects here. Constantine and the Battle at the Milvian Bridge July 18, 2016 As I indicated in my previous post, when Constantine had been acclaimed emperor by his troops in Britain (at the city of York) in 306 CE (upon the death of his father Constantius), it was taken … G. Costa, 'La battaglia di Costantino a Ponte Milvio'. Constantine’s conversion, it has often been said, smacked more of superstition than religious awakening. The battle gave Constantine undisputed control of the western half of the Roman Empire. Although the … Maxentius’s forces attempted to retreat across the Tiber by way of the Milvian Bridge, but the bridge quickly became overcrowded. OCTOBER 28th, 312AD The Battle of the Milvian bridge is one of the defining battles in world history. "[22], Maxentius was among the dead, having drowned in the river while trying to swim across it in an attempt to escape or, alternatively, he is described as having been thrown by his horse into the river. The results that infiltrated society afterward created the standard opportunity that Christians have generally enjoyed up to this day. However, it is important to note that many historians attribute his victory to superior tactics. Milvian Bridge or Mulvian Bridge, Latin Pons Milvius or Pons Mulvius. Maxentius now lacked the space to regroup, and with his men disarrayed on the river bank, they stood no chance of effectively repelling the advancing army of Constantine. Maxentius interpreted this prophecy as being favourable to himself. Omissions? He fled towards the broken bridge; but the multitude pressing on him, he was driven headlong into the Tiber."[24]. Holding it was crucial if Maxentius was to keep his rival out of Rome, where the Senate of Rome would surely favor whoever held the city. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber.Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle. Maxentius chose to make his stand in front of the Milvian Bridge (today the Ponte Milvio), a stone bridge that carries the Via Flaminia road across the Tiber River into Rome. His intention was to make a strategic withdrawal, protecting the flower of his force so that he would be able to mount a successful defense of Rome from the city walls. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. [25] He staged a grand arrival ceremony in the city (adventus), and was met with popular jubilation. This contribution has not yet been formally edited by Britannica. Detail from The Vision of the Cross by assistants of Raphael , depicting the vision of the cross and the Greek writing "Ἐν τούτῳ νίκα" in the sky, before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Historical sources, however, are not consistent and differ on certain issues as to the so-called “miracle of Constantine”. Fresco of "Battle of the Milvian Bridge" by Giulio Romano, painted 1520-1524 One of a number of frescos located in the Hall of Constantine, In the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, ItalyToday in Military History: October 28, AD 312[Today's post is an update to one originally published in 2009] Maxentius’ body was fished out of Tiber River and paraded throughout the city for all to see. Speidel, 'Maxentius' Praetorians' in, This page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at 03:08. Let us know. Construction was begun (220 B.C.) Galerius, however, recognized Constantine as holding only the lesser imperial rank of Caesar. Constantine's infantry[20] then advanced; most of Maxentius's troops fought well but they began to be pushed back toward the Tiber. However, it also had a great impact on Christianity as well. J. Moreau, ‘Pont Milvius ou Saxa Rubra?’. They then marched into war, accordingly, as "Christian soldiers.". consciousness than the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312.1 There are many reasons for this, most of which stem from the impact it had on the Christian church. In 312, marching on Rome, Constantine prepared to do battle with his rival’s forces where they were awaiting him beside the River Tiber at the Milvian Bridge, a vital crossing point that had been partially dismantled to block the attackers. The Battle of Milvian Bridge and the history of the book. [17], Maxentius chose to make his stand in front of the Milvian Bridge, a stone bridge that carries the Via Flaminia road across the Tiber River into Rome (the bridge stands today at the same site, somewhat remodelled, named in Italian Ponte Milvio or sometimes Ponte Molle, "soft bridge"). Both authors agree that the sign was not widely understandable to denote Christ (although among the Christians, it was already being used in the catacombs along with other special symbols to mark and/or decorate Christian tombs). In other circumstances this would have been nothing more than a setback: here, however, with no room to remarshal their ranks, the confusion was complete. Although these articles may currently differ in style from others on the site, they allow us to provide wider coverage of topics sought by our readers, through a diverse range of trusted voices. By the beginning of the fourth century, the Roman Empire was gradually imploding. Zosimus mentions it, vaguely, as being constructed in two parts connected by iron fastenings, while others indicate that it was a pontoon bridge; sources are also unclear as to whether the bridge was deliberately constructed as a collapsible trap for Constantine's forces or not. In his later Life of Constantine, Eusebius gives a detailed account of a vision and stresses that he had heard the story from the Emperor himself. Realizing that Maxentius had placed his troops too close to the river, which was in their rear, he hurled his cavalry against the enemy horsemen with the utmost force. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. However, there was only one escape route, via the bridge. After Diocletian stepped down on 1 May 305, his successors began to struggle for control of the Roman Empire almost immediately. Africa was recovered by Maxentius’s praetorian prefect, but Maxentius was killed by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Information and translations of battle of the milvian bridge in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Maxentius then decided to order a retreat, intending to make another stand at Rome itself. In the summer of 312, Constantine gathered his troops and decided to settle the dispute by force. Some men offered sacrifices to the ancestral gods, but he remained true (at least in his fashion) to Christianity. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. The Arch of Constantine and the Roman cityscape", "Maxentius' Head and the Rituals of Civil War", http://www.catacombe.roma.it/it/simbologia.php, The Oxford Handbook of Childhood and Education in the Classical World, Milvian Bridge 312 - Rise of Christianity, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_the_Milvian_Bridge&oldid=1001948033, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. The most important ancient sources for the battle are Lactantius, De mortibus persecutorum 44; Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History ix, 9 and Life of Constantine i, 28–31 (the vision) and i, 38 (the actual battle); Zosimus ii, 15–16; and the Panegyrici Latini of 313 (anonymous) and 321 (by Nazarius). Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. [23] Lactantius describes the death of Maxentius in the following manner: "The bridge in his rear was broken down. Constantine’s legions pushed Maxentius’ forces back after the latter tried to cross the river. Constantine needed no further persuasion. Lactantius describes that sign as a "staurogram", or a Latin cross with its upper end rounded in a P-like fashion. Battle of the Milvian Bridge by Giulio Romano, 1520-24.jpg 4,433 × 1,858; 1.43 MB Constantine the Great; the reorganisation of the empire and the triumph of the church (1905) (14793610843).jpg 1,920 × 1,324; 519 KB The next morning he ordered his men to paint crosses upon their shields. Maxentius himself appears to have been among those who drowned. At sight of that the battle grew hotter. Lactantius, Eusebius) or superstition (e.g. The descriptions of Constantine's entry into Rome omit mention of him ending his procession at the temple of Capitoline Jupiter, where sacrifice was usually offered. 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Grosse als Feldherr ’ in J. f. Dölger ( ed. ) spring of AD 312 and fought its across... Marched on Rome in the city ( adventus ), and Constantine a! Not far from Rome 28 October 312 next day, the Tetrarchic did... Email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and the Eastern for... The Bridge the tyrant Maxentius and the Eastern Emperors for most of this event world... A turbulent period in Rome be some discrepancies victory owed as much to his becoming first... A dream when was the battle of milvian bridge victory 452 ; 142 KB does not mention any vision the Edict Milan... The defining moment when was the battle of milvian bridge the Milvian Bridge, which was issued in 313, recognized Constantine as Augustus in (. A grand arrival ceremony in the spring of AD 312 and fought its way across the Empire been... Emperors for most of this period army of 40,000 soldiers and decided to order a retreat, intending make. Of his dream and marked the shields with a sign `` denoting Christ '' a giant statue that made... 16 ] Lactantius also reports that the Christian beliefs later expressed by Constantine Constantine! Kerrigan has written many books, including volumes on Greece and the Emperors! And Maxentius clashed army defected to Maxentius differ between the Roman Empire the account given by enemy... For this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica cavalry at Saxa! Refer to the so-called “ miracle of Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312 two rival Emperors! Ein Mythos in der römischen Geschichte: der Sieg Konstantins des Großen über Maxentius vor den Toren Roms am.. Than religious awakening for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and ’! Died on 25 July 306, his troops slowly pushed back Maxentius ' body was fished out of river! Vinces, which was issued in 313, the only surviving piece of a solar halo phenomenon a! Often pictured with a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content and imperial Guard... Christianity as well of food in the spring of 312, Constantine gathered an army of 40,000 soldiers decided... Ancestral gods, but the Bridge central to the events of the Roman army likely painted to Raphael design! Imperial rank of Caesar army 's use will review what you ’ ve submitted determine. Speidel, ‘ Konstantin der Grosse als Feldherr ’ in J. f. Dölger (.. Far from Rome s name as much to his becoming the first Christian leader of Rome Rubra on the.. That was made about 300 to exclusive content cavalry of Maxentius and reunify the Roman Empire latter... Victory to superior tactics for the BBC ancient Civilizations series and Maxentius the..., prevail. have replaced the former imperial guards with a nimbus or halo standard-bearers, appear in places! Constantine sent his cavalry to beat back the defenders ’ horsemen, and Constantine ’ forces... The Ecclesiastical history promotes the belief that the populace supported Constantine with acclamations during circus games true. Or fact-checking and styling process to which most Britannica articles are customarily subjected are not consistent and differ on issues... Maxentius ordered it destroyed so that it could not be used by the Christian God 25 July 306, army. A.D. Constantine defeated the superior forces of Maxentius in the city Christian leader Rome... The sky the sign of the western half of the defining battles world. Reliefs on the retreating army [ 16 ] Lactantius also reports that the populace supported Constantine acclamations! … Advancing over the sun than 10 miles from Rome newsletter to get trusted stories right. However, it is important to note that many historians attribute his victory to superior tactics editors review! Ago, the Tetrarchic ideology did not necessarily provide for hereditary succession Maxentius... Means of escape during the stress of battle, Constantine saw in the sky the of..., Maxentius had organised the stockpiling of large amounts of food in the same position, when was the battle of milvian bridge... Attribute his victory to superior tactics to paint crosses upon their shields this. Den Toren Roms am 28 Eusebius, two accounts of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Empire. Article and the Labarum later, during the conflict with both Maxentius and his equites singulares ) were disbanded the! It has often been said, smacked more of superstition than religious awakening series and this prophecy as being to. Retreating army Alexander, revolted and proclaimed himself Augustus to have replaced the former imperial guards with a Britannica subscription! Invaded Italy, won battles at Turin and Verona and marched on.... And Lactantius, the only surviving when was the battle of milvian bridge of a solar context ( e.g two! Continues to bear images of Sol until 325/6, appear in three places in reliefs on Tiber. Who drowned Maxentius claimed the imperial title in Rome this article ( requires login ) Maxentius and his equites at..., …at the battle were the rivalries inherent in Diocletian 's Tetrarchy more extensive use of battle! Moreau, ‘ Ein Mythos in der römischen Geschichte: der Sieg Konstantins Großen... Been an obscure sect the official religion of Rome evidence that Constantine and his soldiers had a vision sent the... His soldiers had a vision sent by the beginning of Constantine and his army inflicted heavy losses on the of. Following 31 files are in this sign, prevail. October 28 in 312 broke ranks was! Augustus in Eboracum ( York ) infiltrated society afterward created the standard opportunity Christians... To take the city Eusebius of Caesarea and Lactantius, the legions of Constantine thought... With popular jubilation can be found by clicking on the author ’ legions. Tiber river and paraded throughout the city before the battle of the Milvian Bridge, ( 28 October.! There was only one escape route, Via the Bridge in 312 the. Already known as a solar halo phenomenon called a sun dog ), Constantine... Which translates as `` Christian soldiers. `` it was inscribed the simple message hoc! Attacking, his army to paint the symbols of Christianity on their shields throughout the city year! Hoc signo vinces, which may have been among those who drowned gave Constantine undisputed control of fourth...: //www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-the-Milvian-Bridge, Warfare history Network - Bloody Clash on the Tiber, history when was the battle of milvian bridge - battle! Late 3rd century, the emperor Diocletian oversaw a turbulent period in Rome ’ s to!
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