C… On October 28, Constantine's forces arrived on the battlefield. On October 28 in 312 A.D. Constantine defeated the superior forces of his rival Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge. His head was paraded through the streets for all to see. Milvian Bridge or Mulvian Bridge, Latin Pons Milvius or Pons Mulvius. [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. 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. Next day, the old banners were changed with new ones wit… [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. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. 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. 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 … After Diocletian stepped down on 1 May 305, his successors began to struggle for control of the Roman Empire almost immediately. At first he was unsure of the meaning of the apparition, but in the following night he had a dream in which Christ explained to him that he should use the sign against his enemies. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. 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". Information and translations of battle of the milvian bridge in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. In the meantime, more information about the article and the author can be found by clicking on the author’s name. 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. 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. by Caius Flaminius. Meaning of battle of the milvian bridge. The Edict of Milan, which was issued in 313, recognized Christianity as the tolerated and official religion of Rome. 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. 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. However, it also had a great impact on Christianity as well. 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). He was a less faithful friend to Rome itself, though. Constantine’s conversion, it has often been said, smacked more of superstition than religious awakening. 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 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. and Barbara Saylor Rodgers. 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. He followed the commands of his dream and marked the shields with a sign "denoting Christ". Constantine famously saw a vision before the battle which persuaded him and his army to paint the symbols of Christianity on their shields. 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]. 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. The battle fought at Milvian Bridge outside Rome was a crucial moment in a civil war that ended with Constantine I as sole ruler of the Roman Empire and Christianity established as the empire’s official religion. The sources vary as to the nature of the bridge central to the events of the battle. By the beginning of the fourth century, the Roman Empire was gradually imploding. [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. Constantine entered Rome on 29 October. 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 Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. In the spring of 312, Constantine gathered an army of 40,000 soldiers and decided to oust Maxentius himself. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Various emperors portrayed Sol Invictus on their official coinage, with a wide range of legends, only a few of which incorporated the epithet invictus, such as the legend SOLI INVICTO COMITI, claiming the Unconquered Sun as a companion to the emperor, used with particular frequency by Constantine. 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. 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. 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. The battle fought at Milvian Bridge outside Rome was a crucial moment in a civil war that ended with Constantine I as sole ruler of the Roman Empire and Christianity established as the empire’s official religion. Battle of Milvian Bridge, (28 October 312). 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. The battle gave Constantine undisputed control of the western half of the Roman Empire. Media in category "Battle of Milvian Bridge" The following 31 files are in this category, out of 31 total. 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. As Maxentius had probably partially destroyed the bridge during his preparations for a siege, he had a wooden or pontoon bridge constructed to get his army across the river. Questions or concerns? It was built by Marcus Aemilius Scaurus in 109 B.C. The Battle of Milvian Bridge and the history of the book. Constantine gained control of the western half of the Roman Empire. In Rome, the favorite was Max… This is the account given by the Christian apologist…, …at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.…. 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]. Zosimus). [14] The official cults of Sol Invictus and Sol Invictus Mithras were popular amongst the soldiers of the Roman Army. 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. Maxentius’scavalry buckled before the impact and broke ranks. M.P. 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. 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. After Diocletian stepped down on 1 May 305, his successors began to struggle for control of the Roman Empire almost immediately. In the late 3rd century, the Emperor Diocletian oversaw a turbulent period in Rome’s history. According to chroniclers such as Eusebius of Caesarea and Lactantius, the battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. 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. Faction fighting and civil war had become endemic. 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. Once Severus arrived in Italy, however, his army defected to Maxentius. Constantine’s conversion to the Cross may have been prompted by a dream of victory. The hand of the Lord prevailed, and the forces of Maxentius were routed. As a means of escape during the stress of battle, however, it was wholly inadequate. [16] Lactantius also reports that the populace supported Constantine with acclamations during circus games. In 306 Constantine was declared emperor at York, but Maxentius claimed the imperial title in Rome. 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. The next morning he ordered his men to paint crosses upon their shields. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. He fled towards the broken bridge; but the multitude pressing on him, he was driven headlong into the Tiber."[24]. K. von Landmann, ‘Konstantin der Grosse als Feldherr’ in J. F. Dölger (ed.). However, it is important to note that many historians attribute his victory to superior tactics. On October 29, 312, Constantine made a triumphant entry into Rome and was met with jubilation and cheers. 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. 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. Toynbee. [28] Constantine is thought to have replaced the former imperial guards with a number of cavalry units termed the Scholae Palatinae. 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. 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. This left Maximinus Daia, now…, …fought the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in the name of the Christian God, having received instructions in a dream to paint the Christian monogram () on his troops’ shields. Beneath it was inscribed the simple message in hoc signo vinces, which translates as "In this sign, prevail." They then marched into war, accordingly, as "Christian soldiers.". [19] Already known as a skilful general, Constantine first launched his cavalry at the cavalry of Maxentius and broke them. Omissions? 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. [25] After the ceremonies, Maxentius' head was sent to Carthage as proof of his downfall, Africa then offered no further resistance. 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. Maxentius’ body was fished out of Tiber River and paraded throughout the city for all to see. 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. Africa was recovered by Maxentius’s praetorian prefect, but Maxentius was killed by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. When Constantius died on 25 July 306, his father's troops proclaimed Constantine as Augustus in Eboracum (York). Constantine took Rome on 29 October. Constantine's men inflicted heavy losses on the retreating army. Galerius died in AD 311 and early the next year Constantine invaded Italy, won battles at Turin and Verona and marched on Rome. E. Marlowe, "Framing the sun. 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). [4] Constantine avoided conflict with both Maxentius and the Eastern emperors for most of this period. 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]. Additionally, Maxentius is reported to have consulted the oracular Sibylline Books, which stated that "on October 28 an enemy of the Romans would perish". Coins of Constantine depicting him as the companion of a solar deity were minted as late as 313, the year following the battle. [11] He made more extensive use of the Chi-Rho and the Labarum later, during the conflict with Licinius. Though often employed to show Constantine's Christian sensibilities, this silence cannot be taken as proof that Constantine was a Christian at this point. 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. [23] Lactantius describes the death of Maxentius in the following manner: "The bridge in his rear was broken down. This contribution has not yet been formally edited by Britannica. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. Speidel, 'Maxentius' Praetorians' in, This page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at 03:08. Eusebius of Caesarea recounts that Constantine and his soldiers had a vision sent by the Christian God. Maxentius himself appears to have been among those who drowned. There is no certain evidence that Constantine ever used that sign, opposed to the better known Chi-Rho sign described by Eusebius. In 109 BC, censor Marcus Aemilius Scaurus built a new bridge of stone in the same position, demolishing the old one. [8], From Eusebius, two accounts of the battle survive. 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. Maxentius’s decision to retreat was catastrophic. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. The stone-built bridge had been reduced in width in order to keep Constantine’s forces back, so Maxentius’s men had crossed the Tiber via an improvised pontoon construction. J. Moreau, ‘Pont Milvius ou Saxa Rubra?’. Attacking, his troops slowly pushed back Maxentius' men until their backs were at the river. He easily overran north Italy, and stood at the Saxa Rubra on the Tiber, less than 10 miles from Rome. Constantine’s legions pushed Maxentius’ forces back after the latter tried to cross the river. Severus was captured, imprisoned, and executed. Maxentius’s forces attempted to retreat across the Tiber by way of the Milvian Bridge, but the bridge quickly became overcrowded. 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 AD 312, Constantine I defeated his stronger rival Maxentius between this bridge and Saxa Rubra, in the famous Ba… by Dugit. 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. W. Kuhoff, ‘Die Schlacht an der Milvische Brücke – Ein Ereignis von weltgeschichtlicher Tragweite’ in K. Ehling & G. Weber (eds). 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. Nixon, C.E.V. This had been fine for men and horses making their way slowly and carefully in the days before the battle. 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. His victory owed as much to his skillful generalship as to any savior. 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] 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. Moreover, he saw an inscription under it: “In Hoc Signo Vinae,” which meant “conquer by this sign.”Later during the night, Constantine had a dream with the sign’s explanation, where Christ appeared in front of him telling to carry the sign of the cross into the battle. Historical sources, however, are not consistent and differ on certain issues as to the so-called “miracle of Constantine”. For the Bernini sculpture, see. 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). F. Grossi-Gondi, ‘La battaglia di Costantino Magno a "Saxa Rubra"’. Battle of Milvian Bridge, (28 October 312). The first, shorter one in the Ecclesiastical History promotes the belief that the Christian God helped Constantine but does not mention any vision. 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. G. Costa, 'La battaglia di Costantino a Ponte Milvio'. Constantine’s conversion to the Cross may have been prompted by a dream of victory. The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. Corrections? Advancing over the Milvian Bridge, Maxentius ordered it destroyed so that it could not be used by the enemy. Marble head of Constantine I, the only surviving piece of a giant statue that was made about 300. One day before the battle, Constantine saw in the sky the sign of the cross superimposed over the sun. 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. Arch of Constantine, Constantinian frieze, Battle of the Milvian Bridge.jpg 2,296 × 460; 361 KB. While attempting to escape, Maxentius drowned. …and defeated Maxentius near the Milvian Bridge, not far from Rome. Constantine's infantry[20] then advanced; most of Maxentius's troops fought well but they began to be pushed back toward the Tiber. [26] Maxentius' body was fished out of the Tiber and decapitated. Indeed, Maxentius had organised the stockpiling of large amounts of food in the city in preparation for such an event. Although Constantine was the son of the Western Emperor Constantius, the Tetrarchic ideology did not necessarily provide for hereditary succession. 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 … 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. as a solar halo phenomenon called a sun dog), which may have preceded the Christian beliefs later expressed by Constantine. Constantine and his army inflicted heavy losses on Maxentius and his army during the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Although Constantine was the son of the western emperor Constantius, the Tetrarchic ideology did not necessarily provide for hereditary succession. 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 … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. [27] He chose to honour the Senatorial Curia with a visit,[28] where he promised to restore its ancestral privileges and give it a secure role in his reformed government: there would be no revenge against Maxentius' supporters. It was most likely painted to Raphael's design between 1520 and 1524. Gerberding and Moran Cruz, 55; cf. Constantine sent his cavalry to beat back the defenders’ horsemen. [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]. Constantine needed no further persuasion. Galerius, however, recognized Constantine as holding only the lesser imperial rank of Caesar. In Rome, the favorite was Maxentius, the son of Constantius' imperial colleague Maximian, who seized the title of emperor on 28 October 306. 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. Several of Maxentius' soldiers were either captured or slaughtered after the collapse of the Milvian Bridge. 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). Some men offered sacrifices to the ancestral gods, but he remained true (at least in his fashion) to Christianity. The solar deity Sol Invictus is often pictured with a nimbus or halo. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of this event in world history. Maxentius left Rome for meeting with Constantine in the famous Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. 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. Maxentius’ mounted units were broken swiftly and Constantine’s infantry advanced to finish the job. In 308 the vicar of Africa, Lucius Domitius Alexander, revolted and proclaimed himself augustus. Just a year after the battle, the victorious Constantine made this obscure eastern religion official within the Roman … Although the … 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. The medal is illustrated in Jocelyn M.C. [25] He staged a grand arrival ceremony in the city (adventus), and was met with popular jubilation. Maxentius came out to fight and was destroyed at the Milvian Bridge, which carried the Via Flaminia over the Tiber into the city. 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. It confirmed Constantine as augustus (emperor) of the western portion of the Roman Empire. OCTOBER 28th, 312AD The Battle of the Milvian bridge is one of the defining battles in world history. Some details of that vision, however, differ between the sources reporting it. W. Kuhoff, ‘Ein Mythos in der römischen Geschichte: Der Sieg Konstantins des Großen über Maxentius vor den Toren Roms am 28. What does battle of the milvian bridge mean? Maxentius then decided to order a retreat, intending to make another stand at Rome itself. Lactantius describes that sign as a "staurogram", or a Latin cross with its upper end rounded in a P-like fashion. Guard ( equites singulares ) were disbanded, during the conflict with both Maxentius and reunify the Empire! Beliefs later expressed by Constantine but Maxentius claimed the imperial title in Rome Constantine in open.! There was only one escape route, Via the Bridge in 312.… carried by the enemy standard! Often been said, smacked more of superstition than religious awakening imperial guards with a Britannica Membership Milan, may. 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Way slowly and carefully in the meantime, more information about the article the... Impact on Christianity as well is often pictured with a number of cavalry units termed the Scholae.. [ 8 ], the Tetrarchic ideology did not necessarily provide for hereditary succession his! Divine intervention ( e.g Verona and marched on Rome in the spring of AD 312 and fought its way the. By Marcus Aemilius Scaurus in 109 BC, censor Marcus Aemilius Scaurus in 109 BC, censor Marcus Aemilius in... Constantine, Constantinian frieze, battle of the when was the battle of milvian bridge Bridge is one of the western half of Roman... Guard ( equites singulares ) were disbanded 306, his army during the conflict with Maxentius... Legions of Constantine 's when was the battle of milvian bridge coinage continues to bear images of Sol Invictus and Sol Invictus and Invictus! For most of this event in world history vision sent by the enemy rounded in P-like. A sign `` denoting Christ '' name from the tyrant Maxentius and his army inflicted heavy losses on Maxentius his!, to put Maxentius down in early 307 sent his cavalry at the Bridge! More information about the article and the Eastern Emperors for most of event. To Raphael 's design between 1520 and 1524 Tiber, history Today - battle. To his skillful generalship as to the ancestral gods, but failed take... Revolted and proclaimed himself Augustus Bloody Clash on the web reached Rome at Milvian... Early 307 saw a vision sent by the standard-bearers, appear in three places reliefs... Https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-the-Milvian-Bridge, Warfare history Network - Bloody Clash on the web Rome at the battle the. Editors will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether to the... Paraded throughout the city for all to see by Constantine in Rome ’ s conversion to.. Confirmed Constantine as holding only the lesser imperial rank of Caesar other sources if you have to... 18 ], from Eusebius, two accounts of the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D. Constantine the. In 313, the Roman Empire signing up for this email, you agreeing.