256 remembering constantine at the milvian bridge

bridges constructed by a Persian king long ago across the Hellespont

and by the emperor Gaius across the bay of Baiae.5
In anticipation of Constantine’s invasion Maxentius had constructed
just such a pontoon bridge across the Tiber. His new bridge was pre-
sumably a tactical replacement for the Milvian Bridge. Denying access
across the Milvian Bridge, perhaps by destroying a span, would have
been too time consuming in the frenzy of battle, whereas a pontoon
bridge could be easily cut loose. This stratagem backfired, however, as
Maxentius was caught in his own trap. His pontoon bridge was most
likely swept away too.
Why did Maxentius engage Constantine and his army in direct
combat? Another strategy was available, and it had already proved its
value. In previous years Maxentius had prevailed over invasions by rival
emperors simply by remaining inside the massive wall of Rome. In 307
the emperor Severus had advanced “to the wall of the city.” Then his
troops defected, and he had to flee back to Ravenna. Later in 307 the
emperor Galerius marched into Italy. He approached Rome supposedly
with the intention of slaughtering the senate and people. But once he
saw the enormity of the capital, he realized that his army was not large
enough to enforce a siege. Because the soldiers were also upset about
having to assault fellow Romans, Galerius soon retreated before his
entire army could defect. As Constantine approached Rome in 312,
Maxentius had already stockpiled supplies for a long siege. He could
again have stayed safely inside the city’s wall.6
Instead, he eventually emerged. Because Maxentius’ decision to join
his troops seems to have been unexpected, contemporaries were a bit
puzzled about his motives. One orator concluded that a god had turned
against him. Lactantius emphasized the discontent at Rome. The peo-
ple were mocking Maxentius as a “deserter,” and they seemed to be

5
Dedication: ILS 2.1:xxiv, no. 8937 = Grünewald (1990) 183, no. 15, with Grünewald (1989)
174, discussing the survival of the dedication. As if: Ammianus Marcellinus, Res gestae 29.6.2,
commenting on Valentinian’s garrison across the Danube. Panegyrici latini 6(7).13.1, con-
structing, 3, foundations, 4, other bridges.
6
Lactantius, De mortibus persecutorum 26.8–11, Severus, 27.2–8, Galerius. Preparation for siege:
Panegyrici latini 12(9).16.1.