IMPORTANCE OF THE BATTLE
[Significance to Rome]
The Battle of Milvian Bridge was the last in a string of battles fought by Constantine in an effort to gain control of the Western Empire. His competitor for the emperorship, Maxentius, was killed during the battle and had a damnatio memoriae issued against him upon Constantine’s returned to Rome. He celebrated his epic victory by building the Arch of Constantine in 315, which stands to this day as an enduring memorial of his power and prestige. Constantine was left as the undisputed emperor of the Western Roman Empire, giving him control of Rome as well as the power to promote Christianity. In 313, he issued the Edict of Milan with Licinius, which officially recognized and tolerated Christianity in the Roman Empire. To further integrate Christianity into the politics, Constantine began appointing Christians to high offices and giving Christian priests similar privileges as priests of the Roman gods and other Pagan religions. He also replaced old Roman standard carried into battle with the Christian symbol of the Chi Rho (the first two letters of Christ in Latin). This victory at Milvian Bridge solidified Constantine’s power in Rome and became a major turning point for Christianity by setting in motion the rise and eventual dominance of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
The religion of Christianity itself underwent major changes as a result of the ascendance of Constantine. The persecutions, which had defined the religion from its outset, came to an abrupt halt with the afore-mentioned Edict of Milan in 313. Identification with the Emperor gave Christianity a level of social acceptance with the upper classes, which allowed for an influx of wealth into bishoprics and churches. The tax breaks that Constantine gave to clergy made financial matters even better for the fledgling religion, and also provided an incentive for more people to become members of the clergy. Christianity grew, as evidenced by the move from worship services at private residences to massive basilica churches such as St. Peters in Rome (the Vatican) and St. Sophia in Constantinople. The religious stability provided by Constantine and his Church Councils allowed for orthodoxy to grow in what had been a traditionally fragmented religion. It is no understatement to make the claim that Christianity as we know it today would not exist if not for Constantine and his triumphant battle at the Milvian Bridge.
The religion of Christianity itself underwent major changes as a result of the ascendance of Constantine. The persecutions, which had defined the religion from its outset, came to an abrupt halt with the afore-mentioned Edict of Milan in 313. Identification with the Emperor gave Christianity a level of social acceptance with the upper classes, which allowed for an influx of wealth into bishoprics and churches. The tax breaks that Constantine gave to clergy made financial matters even better for the fledgling religion, and also provided an incentive for more people to become members of the clergy. Christianity grew, as evidenced by the move from worship services at private residences to massive basilica churches such as St. Peters in Rome (the Vatican) and St. Sophia in Constantinople. The religious stability provided by Constantine and his Church Councils allowed for orthodoxy to grow in what had been a traditionally fragmented religion. It is no understatement to make the claim that Christianity as we know it today would not exist if not for Constantine and his triumphant battle at the Milvian Bridge.
-Above: an artist's depiction of the battle, with Constantine given assistance by angels from on high.
-Below Left to Right: the Roman standard with Chi Rho & the Milvian Bridge today.
-Below Left to Right: the Roman standard with Chi Rho & the Milvian Bridge today.