History can surprise you. The first battle in history fought under the sign of the cross was part of a religious war, but political struggles in the pagan Roman Empire. Struggle between Constantine and Maksencjuszem.
situation in the empire was at that time very complicated, many influential leaders and politicians reached to power, took up the fight for dominance. Maksencjusz actually reigned in Rome since 306 years, but his authority was not then recognized by the first of August - Galerius. In the 307 years managed to Maksencjuszowi control Italy and then arbitrarily adopted the title of Augustus.
Constantine, son of tetrarch - Constantius Chlorus - prevailed at that time in Gaul. In 310 years it has obtained approval from Galerius to use the title of Augustus. Soon decided to deal with Maksencjuszem and forbid him to power in Italy.
After victory of Constantine in Susa, Turin, Milan and Verona, the decisive battle took place near Rome - Bridge Mulwijskim. A few days before the battle, Constantine and his army saw in the sky luminous sign of the cross with the words In hoc signo vinces (in this sign conquer). Next night, Christ appeared to the emperor, and ordered the execution of the flag in the likeness of that character. Done so, under the guidance of our Lord's character legionary called labarum. However, on the eve of the battle the emperor had a dream in which he got to put on the shields of his soldiers, "the celestial sign of God" - it was the monogram of Christ composed of the Greek letters "chi-rho."
312 years October 28 Bridge Mulwijskim fought a great battle between Constantine and Maksencjuszem. Maksencjusz prepared at Rome to defend the truth, but decided to deal with Constantine in the field. Led their armies to the north and threw Mulwijskim Bridge over the Tiber, and then followed along the river, but there his troops barred the way of Constantine, which oskrzydliły closed it and trapped between the Tiber and the surrounding hills. In this situation Maksencjusza soldiers fled and died in the river with his chief. The next day, the victorious Constantine entered Rome. Shortly afterwards, the emperor declared himself a subject of the Cross, had also built a statue with a cross in his hands and saying: "In this sign of salvation, a true testimony of courage, have saved your city \u200b\u200band freed them from the tyrant. "
emperor believed that he owes his victory to Christ. A year after these events, issued the Edict of Milan, which made the holy Christian religion has been recognized throughout the empire. This meant the end of the persecution and was a major event in the history of the Holy Church, the Christian basilica began to emerge, develop, places of worship, the Church hierarchy developed, fought against heresies and the fall of pagan idols. Dawn of Christian civilization.
In 312, Constantine did not know yet how important will be the battle at the Bridge Mulwijskim, but nevertheless, still a pagan, trusted Christ - and won. After a lot of good he did for the Church, but the baptism took just before his death. We should remember that today the Holy Cross is the only character who brings a real victory, so nothing in the world can not erase it from our plates.
Filip Maria Muszynski
Literature:
Max Cary, Howard Hayes Sculard, History of Rome, Warsaw 1992.
Tadeusz Zielinski, Roman Empire, Warsaw 1995.
Dictionary of Roman Emperors, edited by Jan-Prostyński Prostko, Poznań 2001.
text appeared for the first time at number 6 (November - December 2009) "Counter-
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