Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Defeats Maxentius, Sees a Cross in the Sky
Constantine's army was outnumbered three-to-one. Maxentius held Rome and controlled the bridge across the Tiber. Constantine claimed he saw a cross in the sky with the words 'In this sign, conquer.' He ordered his soldiers to paint Christian symbols on their shields. They attacked at dawn. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the retreat. Constantine became sole emperor of the West. Twelve years later, he legalized Christianity. The Roman Empire became Christian because of a bridge battle.
October 28, 312
1714 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Constantine I
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Maxentius
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Battle of Milvian Bridge
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Battle of the Milvian Bridge
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Christianity
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Roman emperor
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Roman Senate
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Pope
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Roman Empire
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Catholic Church
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Basilicas in the Catholic Church
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Ancient Rome
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Rome
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Augustus (title)
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Praetorian Guard
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Constantine the Great
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Maximian
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St. Peter's Basilica
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Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
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Paul the Apostle
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Maxentius
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Battle of the Milvian Bridge
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Simón Pedro
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29 de junio
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258
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278
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