258 remembering constantine at the milvian bridge

fifth century a poet compared a recent victory over a Visigothic army

in northern Italy to Horatius’ defense of Rome: “he crossed the Tiber
[while carrying] the shield with which he had protected the city.”10
During his reign Maxentius had represented himself as the defender
of Rome, “his city.” Perhaps it is possible to imagine that at a moment of
crisis he had looked for inspiration to the legends about the foundation
of the city and the establishment of the Republic. Because he and
Constantine were brothers-in-law, their imminent confrontation would
be a replay of the quarrel between the brothers Romulus and Remus
over the foundation of Rome. By defeating Constantine, Maxentius
would confirm his reputation as the new founder of the city. In the
process, he could in addition become the new savior of the Republic. He
would be the new Horatius defending another bridge. Remembering
history may have contributed to Maxentius’ defeat at the battle of the
Milvian Bridge.

10
Reference: Panegyrici latini 12(9).18.2. Summary: De viris illustribus 11, with Schmidt (1989a),
for the date of the treatise. Shield: Claudian, De sexto consulatu Honorii 486.