James Baquet

The Battle at the Milvian Bridge is of immense importance to subsequent world history.

At the time, the Roman Empire was effectively divided in two, with Galerius ruling in the east, and Diocletian ruling in the west. When an ill Diocletian abdicated, several successors vied for his title, with two — Constantine and Maxentius — eventually emerging as the frontrunners. Both men’s fathers previously had been co-emperors of Rome, so each had some claim to the title. The dispute was settled in the usual way: by making war.

Now, Galerius, Emperor in the East, recognized Constantine’s claim, and sent Severus — his co-emperor — to put down Maxentius’ army. But Severus’ men defected to Maxentius, and Severus himself was captured and executed. This took place in 307. By 312, the two brothers-in-law (Constantine had married Maxentius’ sister, Fausta) met in open battle.

Having crossed the Alps and moved through northern Italy in the spring and summer, Constantine’s troops approached Rome near the end of October, 312. When they reached the Milvian Bridge, where the road to Rimini crossed the Tiber River, Maxentius, who had been expected to wait in Rome and withstand a siege, came out to battle.

Having destroyed the permanent structure in preparation for the siege, Maxentius was forced to build a temporary pontoon bridge to cross his army to the north side of the Tiber. Constantine’s army began to prevail, so Maxentius’s troops attempted a retreat across the bridge, which collapsed. Maxentius drowned in the melee; when his body was recovered, he was decapitated and his head displayed in the streets of Rome.

What makes this story so significant is this: Constantine had had a dream before the battle, in which he was told to conquer under the “sign” of Christ. He later converted to Christianity, and went on to promote it throughout the empire. Had Constantine lost this battle, it is unlikely that Christianity would have been such an enormous success in Europe and beyond.

A bridge still stands on the site of Constantine’s Milvian Bridge; for the last decade or so it has been famous for the practice of “love locks” placed by lovers to seal their promises.

Vocabulary:

Which word above means:

1. confusion, struggle

2. went to the other side

3. gave up power

4. endure, hold out against

5. leaders, possible winners

6. floating structure

7. beheaded

8. assure, confirm

9. attack on a fortified place

10. competed, contended