Battle of Milvian Bridge — Constantine's Vision
By 312 CE the Roman Empire was governed by a college of emperors that had degenerated into civil war. Constantine, son of the western emperor Constantius, controlled Gaul and Britain. Maxentius controlled Italy and Africa. Constantine invaded Italy in a lightning campaign in spring 312 CE, defeating Maxentius's forces at Turin and Verona. By late October he had driven south to within miles of Rome. Maxentius chose to give battle outside the city walls, crossing the Tiber on a pontoon bridge laid alongside the Milvian Bridge on 28 October. The night before, according to Eusebius of Caesarea, Constantine received a divine sign — a cross of light in the sky inscribed 'In this sign conquer' (In Hoc Signo Vinces). Constantine had his soldiers paint the chi-rho monogram of Christ on their shields. The battle was a rout. Constantine's cavalry overwhelmed Maxentius's forces and drove them toward the river. The pontoon bridge collapsed under the press of fleeing soldiers; Maxentius drowned in the Tiber in his armour. Constantine entered the city to a rapturous welcome.
- Year: 312 CE
- Category: Military
