Roman History 27 - Constantine The Great Pt. 1 308-313 AD

hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of real episode 131 the new game in real episode 131 the new game in real episode 131 the new game in [Music] [Music] [Music] town last time we left off with the town last time we left off with the town last time we left off with the tetrarchy in general disarray Max sis tetrarchy in general disarray Max sis tetrarchy in general disarray Max sis had revolted Seas was dead at the hands had revolted Seas was dead at the hands had revolted Seas was dead at the hands of maximan garius had been forced to of maximan garius had been forced to of maximan garius had been forced to slink out of Italy and up in the north slink out of Italy and up in the north slink out of Italy and up in the north Constantine was just sort of lurking Constantine was just sort of lurking Constantine was just sort of lurking ominously the only members of the ominously the only members of the ominously the only members of the Imperial Brotherhood who remained Imperial Brotherhood who remained Imperial Brotherhood who remained Untouched by the events of the last two Untouched by the events of the last two Untouched by the events of the last two years were the retired Diocesan who is years were the retired Diocesan who is years were the retired Diocesan who is about to get dragged back into all this about to get dragged back into all this about to get dragged back into all this and the Eastern Caesar maximinus Dia who and the Eastern Caesar maximinus Dia who and the Eastern Caesar maximinus Dia who is himself about to become quite is himself about to become quite is himself about to become quite disgruntled at this point it might not disgruntled at this point it might not disgruntled at this point it might not have been clear to all the players that have been clear to all the players that have been clear to all the players that the game had changed but they were about the game had changed but they were about the game had changed but they were about to learn pretty quick that the tetrarchy to learn pretty quick that the tetrarchy to learn pretty quick that the tetrarchy was no longer an end unto itself it was was no longer an end unto itself it was was no longer an end unto itself it was now simply a means to an end in other now simply a means to an end in other now simply a means to an end in other words getting into the tetrarchy was not words getting into the tetrarchy was not words getting into the tetrarchy was not important because it makes you part important because it makes you part important because it makes you part Emperor it was important because it was Emperor it was important because it was Emperor it was important because it was the only way to qualify for the the only way to qualify for the the only way to qualify for the championship round and I think we all championship round and I think we all championship round and I think we all know that the prize for winning the know that the prize for winning the know that the prize for winning the championship round was sole control of championship round was sole control of championship round was sole control of the Roman the Roman the Roman Empire so I hope everyone is ready to Empire so I hope everyone is ready to Empire so I hope everyone is ready to keep up with the rapid rapid fire horse keep up with the rapid rapid fire horse keep up with the rapid rapid fire horse trading Alliance hopping and double trading Alliance hopping and double trading Alliance hopping and double crossing that is about to go down in crossing that is about to go down in crossing that is about to go down in pursuit of the championship because I pursuit of the championship because I pursuit of the championship because I can tell you one thing for sure can tell you one thing for sure can tell you one thing for sure Constantine

is you'll recall from last week that as is you'll recall from last week that as Max cus Was preparing Italy for the Max cus Was preparing Italy for the Max cus Was preparing Italy for the imminent invasion of garas he managed to imminent invasion of garas he managed to imminent invasion of garas he managed to secure an alliance with Constantine that secure an alliance with Constantine that secure an alliance with Constantine that would keep the newly minted Caesar out would keep the newly minted Caesar out would keep the newly minted Caesar out of the of the of the fighting I mentioned that the key to fighting I mentioned that the key to fighting I mentioned that the key to this Alliance was a marriage to Max this Alliance was a marriage to Max this Alliance was a marriage to Max senses' sister senses' sister senses' sister fosta but I forgot to mention the other fosta but I forgot to mention the other fosta but I forgot to mention the other key part of the key part of the key part of the bargain with Seas dead the Western bargain with Seas dead the Western bargain with Seas dead the Western Augustus lot was open and Constantine Augustus lot was open and Constantine Augustus lot was open and Constantine demanded that the ex-emperor maximian demanded that the ex-emperor maximian demanded that the ex-emperor maximian use his Prestige to unilaterally promote use his Prestige to unilaterally promote use his Prestige to unilaterally promote his soon Tobe son-in-law to the his soon Tobe son-in-law to the his soon Tobe son-in-law to the position maxentius and his father agreed position maxentius and his father agreed position maxentius and his father agreed to the terms and in the summer of 307 to the terms and in the summer of 307 to the terms and in the summer of 307 probably not long after Gus's withdrawal probably not long after Gus's withdrawal probably not long after Gus's withdrawal from Italy though I'm not sure about from Italy though I'm not sure about from Italy though I'm not sure about that a ceremony unfolded that saw that a ceremony unfolded that saw that a ceremony unfolded that saw maximian hand Constantine first his maximian hand Constantine first his maximian hand Constantine first his daughter in marriage and then the title daughter in marriage and then the title daughter in marriage and then the title Augustus though Constantine's promotion Augustus though Constantine's promotion Augustus though Constantine's promotion was essentially self-proclaimed there was essentially self-proclaimed there was essentially self-proclaimed there was no one around to stop him and unlike was no one around to stop him and unlike was no one around to stop him and unlike the last time this happened when he the last time this happened when he the last time this happened when he ultimately accepted demotion to Caesar ultimately accepted demotion to Caesar ultimately accepted demotion to Caesar this time around and for the rest of his this time around and for the rest of his this time around and for the rest of his life Constantine never would give up the life Constantine never would give up the life Constantine never would give up the title Augustus for the briefest of moments even though for the briefest of moments even though the Western and Eastern halves of the the Western and Eastern halves of the the Western and Eastern halves of the empire were at each other's throats on empire were at each other's throats on empire were at each other's throats on either side of the Divide there was either side of the Divide there was either side of the Divide there was relative relative relative peace but that too was about to fall peace but that too was about to fall peace but that too was about to fall apart in the west it seems that maximon

apart in the west it seems that maximon apart in the west it seems that maximon had for a while now been making the had for a while now been making the had for a while now been making the rather bold assumption that now that he rather bold assumption that now that he rather bold assumption that now that he was back he was back senior Augustus was back he was back senior Augustus was back he was back senior Augustus Superior in rank and Prestige to Superior in rank and Prestige to Superior in rank and Prestige to Constantine and Max Constantine and Max Constantine and Max the whole the whole the whole bit but maxentius finally coming into bit but maxentius finally coming into bit but maxentius finally coming into his own had no intention of seeding any his own had no intention of seeding any his own had no intention of seeding any real authority to his father as far as real authority to his father as far as real authority to his father as far as maxentius was concerned maximian was a maxentius was concerned maximian was a maxentius was concerned maximian was a relic a useful Relic But A Relic relic a useful Relic But A Relic relic a useful Relic But A Relic nonetheless over the course of the nonetheless over the course of the nonetheless over the course of the winter of winter of winter of 307308 maxentius and his father maximan 307308 maxentius and his father maximan 307308 maxentius and his father maximan resided together in Rome and when they resided together in Rome and when they resided together in Rome and when they discovered the assumptions the other had discovered the assumptions the other had discovered the assumptions the other had been making they began to Feud been making they began to Feud been making they began to Feud immediately things came to a head in the immediately things came to a head in the immediately things came to a head in the spring when maximan got up in front of spring when maximan got up in front of spring when maximan got up in front of the troops and publicly denounced his the troops and publicly denounced his the troops and publicly denounced his own son going so far as to physically own son going so far as to physically own son going so far as to physically wrestle off Max census's purple wrestle off Max census's purple wrestle off Max census's purple cloak but maxentius had spread the cloak but maxentius had spread the cloak but maxentius had spread the wealth around generously and the troops wealth around generously and the troops wealth around generously and the troops in Italy were his to a man now and they in Italy were his to a man now and they in Italy were his to a man now and they did not take kindly to this old has been did not take kindly to this old has been did not take kindly to this old has been manhandling their new and did I mention manhandling their new and did I mention manhandling their new and did I mention generous benefactor generous benefactor generous benefactor his denunciation backfiring completely his denunciation backfiring completely his denunciation backfiring completely maximian fled the city and with nowhere maximian fled the city and with nowhere maximian fled the city and with nowhere else to go headed for nicomedia where he else to go headed for nicomedia where he else to go headed for nicomedia where he hoped get this that garius would take hoped get this that garius would take hoped get this that garius would take him him him in with his father out of the way in with his father out of the way in with his father out of the way maxentius probably hoped things would

maxentius probably hoped things would maxentius probably hoped things would calm down a bit but almost as soon as calm down a bit but almost as soon as calm down a bit but almost as soon as the old man was gone word came up to the old man was gone word came up to the old man was gone word came up to Rome that demidas Alexander the Vicor of Rome that demidas Alexander the Vicor of Rome that demidas Alexander the Vicor of Africa had had himself proclaimed Africa had had himself proclaimed Africa had had himself proclaimed Emperor by the TR at Carthage a Emperor by the TR at Carthage a Emperor by the TR at Carthage a proclamation that had apparently been proclamation that had apparently been proclamation that had apparently been sparked after maxus demanded Alexander sparked after maxus demanded Alexander sparked after maxus demanded Alexander send a son to Rome to act as a send a son to Rome to act as a send a son to Rome to act as a hostage this was bad news from accentus hostage this was bad news from accentus hostage this was bad news from accentus as North Africa was the source of as North Africa was the source of as North Africa was the source of Italy's grain Supply but for the moment Italy's grain Supply but for the moment Italy's grain Supply but for the moment there was nothing he could do about it there was nothing he could do about it there was nothing he could do about it he couldn't turn away from the main game he couldn't turn away from the main game he couldn't turn away from the main game with garus just yet but once he was with garus just yet but once he was with garus just yet but once he was legitimated within the tetrarchy which legitimated within the tetrarchy which legitimated within the tetrarchy which is something maxentius no doubt expected is something maxentius no doubt expected is something maxentius no doubt expected straight away he would deal with Alexander back in nicomedia garius was Alexander back in nicomedia garius was still fuming over his forced Retreat still fuming over his forced Retreat still fuming over his forced Retreat when maximan suddenly appeared on his when maximan suddenly appeared on his when maximan suddenly appeared on his doorstep it is kind of surprising that doorstep it is kind of surprising that doorstep it is kind of surprising that the Eastern Augustus did not just have the Eastern Augustus did not just have the Eastern Augustus did not just have the old man executed straight away for the old man executed straight away for the old man executed straight away for killing his Western counterpart but killing his Western counterpart but killing his Western counterpart but garius checked his wrath and instead garius checked his wrath and instead garius checked his wrath and instead granted maximan Asylum granted maximan Asylum granted maximan Asylum at this point it is likely that garius at this point it is likely that garius at this point it is likely that garius knew what he wanted his next move in the knew what he wanted his next move in the knew what he wanted his next move in the game to be and realized that maximan game to be and realized that maximan game to be and realized that maximan could be could be could be useful because the next move garius useful because the next move garius useful because the next move garius wanted to make was convince daian to wanted to make was convince daian to wanted to make was convince daian to come out of retirement and help him come out of retirement and help him come out of retirement and help him resettle the political

resettle the political resettle the political order garius may not have been able to order garius may not have been able to order garius may not have been able to impose his own will on his new impose his own will on his new impose his own will on his new colleagues but he had always had a knack colleagues but he had always had a knack colleagues but he had always had a knack for getting his way with for getting his way with for getting his way with Diocesan and Diocesan was the the only Diocesan and Diocesan was the the only Diocesan and Diocesan was the the only man in the Empire who the other man in the Empire who the other man in the Empire who the other tetrarchs would actually listen tetrarchs would actually listen tetrarchs would actually listen to so get Diocesan to ratify Gus's will to so get Diocesan to ratify Gus's will to so get Diocesan to ratify Gus's will and voila a new New Order of and voila a new New Order of and voila a new New Order of things with maximan in hand garius could things with maximan in hand garius could things with maximan in hand garius could now Bild the meeting not as a desperate now Bild the meeting not as a desperate now Bild the meeting not as a desperate plea for Diocesan gravitas but instead plea for Diocesan gravitas but instead plea for Diocesan gravitas but instead as a summit of the original tetrarchs as a summit of the original tetrarchs as a summit of the original tetrarchs minus the late constantius of course to minus the late constantius of course to minus the late constantius of course to reconsider the organization of the reconsider the organization of the reconsider the organization of the successor Tet successor Tet successor Tet which was at present a bloody mess Diocesan 3 years into his mess Diocesan 3 years into his retirement finally agreed to the meeting retirement finally agreed to the meeting retirement finally agreed to the meeting and in November 308 traveled from his and in November 308 traveled from his and in November 308 traveled from his Palace in modern Croatia to one of the Palace in modern Croatia to one of the Palace in modern Croatia to one of the military cities along the danu river to military cities along the danu river to military cities along the danu river to meet with garius and meet with garius and meet with garius and maximan when the three Emperors were maximan when the three Emperors were maximan when the three Emperors were once again in the same room maximian once again in the same room maximian once again in the same room maximian wasted no time begging Diocesan to come wasted no time begging Diocesan to come wasted no time begging Diocesan to come out of retirement so they could once out of retirement so they could once out of retirement so they could once again be the senior augusty again be the senior augusty again be the senior augusty together but Diocesan had no interest at together but Diocesan had no interest at together but Diocesan had no interest at all in returning to power and allegedly all in returning to power and allegedly all in returning to power and allegedly told maximon but if his old friend were told maximon but if his old friend were told maximon but if his old friend were to come see the Magnificent cabbages he to come see the Magnificent cabbages he to come see the Magnificent cabbages he was now growing that he too would turn was now growing that he too would turn was now growing that he too would turn his back on the pursuit of worldly his back on the pursuit of worldly his back on the pursuit of worldly power it was agreed then that Diocesan

power it was agreed then that Diocesan power it was agreed then that Diocesan would stay retired and that maximan look would stay retired and that maximan look would stay retired and that maximan look at me maximan you are going to stay at me maximan you are going to stay at me maximan you are going to stay retired too retired too retired too no more hopping down drunkenly from the no more hopping down drunkenly from the no more hopping down drunkenly from the stands to steal the ball from the kids stands to steal the ball from the kids stands to steal the ball from the kids you got you got you got it garas had to breathe a sigh of relief it garas had to breathe a sigh of relief it garas had to breathe a sigh of relief at dian's response as Diocesan coming at dian's response as Diocesan coming at dian's response as Diocesan coming out of retirement was the one scenario out of retirement was the one scenario out of retirement was the one scenario that would muck up his plan which could that would muck up his plan which could that would muck up his plan which could now proceed as now proceed as now proceed as follows garius would stay Augustus of follows garius would stay Augustus of follows garius would stay Augustus of the East with Maxim minis di as his the East with Maxim minis di as his the East with Maxim minis di as his Caesar Constantine would be demoted back Caesar Constantine would be demoted back Caesar Constantine would be demoted back down to Caesar despite his down to Caesar despite his down to Caesar despite his self-proclaimed promotion to self-proclaimed promotion to self-proclaimed promotion to Augustus instead a newcomer and of Augustus instead a newcomer and of Augustus instead a newcomer and of course old friend of course old friend of course old friend of Gus's gas valerus linis Linus would be Gus's gas valerus linis Linus would be Gus's gas valerus linis Linus would be vaulted directly into the role of vaulted directly into the role of vaulted directly into the role of Augustus of the Augustus of the Augustus of the West maxentius holding Rome and West maxentius holding Rome and West maxentius holding Rome and Alexander holding Carthage would both be Alexander holding Carthage would both be Alexander holding Carthage would both be declared illegal declared illegal declared illegal usurpers the bargain struck and Diocesan usurpers the bargain struck and Diocesan usurpers the bargain struck and Diocesan returned to his happy retirement returned to his happy retirement returned to his happy retirement maximian to his unhappy retirement and maximian to his unhappy retirement and maximian to his unhappy retirement and garious to his role as senior Augustus garious to his role as senior Augustus garious to his role as senior Augustus of a newly minted of a newly minted of a newly minted tetrarchy himself like kinas Maxim tetrarchy himself like kinas Maxim tetrarchy himself like kinas Maxim Minista and Constantine it had Diocesan Minista and Constantine it had Diocesan Minista and Constantine it had Diocesan seal of approval what could possibly go wrong to say that this was a pretty wrong to say that this was a pretty crappy reorganization of the tetrarchy

crappy reorganization of the tetrarchy crappy reorganization of the tetrarchy is a bit of an is a bit of an is a bit of an understatement as soon as the other understatement as soon as the other understatement as soon as the other principles were informed of the little principles were informed of the little principles were informed of the little 's decision there were at least three 's decision there were at least three 's decision there were at least three men wielding large armies who were men wielding large armies who were men wielding large armies who were instantly ticked instantly ticked instantly ticked off maxentius because he had been off maxentius because he had been off maxentius because he had been snubbed yet again Constantine because snubbed yet again Constantine because snubbed yet again Constantine because they were trying to bust him back to they were trying to bust him back to they were trying to bust him back to Caesar and maximinus Dia because he was Caesar and maximinus Dia because he was Caesar and maximinus Dia because he was still just a Caesar while Linus the noob still just a Caesar while Linus the noob still just a Caesar while Linus the noob of the bunch suddenly outranked of the bunch suddenly outranked of the bunch suddenly outranked him how Garis who was clearly the him how Garis who was clearly the him how Garis who was clearly the driving force behind this realignment driving force behind this realignment driving force behind this realignment thought that this quote unot quote thought that this quote unot quote thought that this quote unot quote compromise was going to work is a compromise was going to work is a compromise was going to work is a mystery to mystery to mystery to everyone but there it everyone but there it everyone but there it was before I move on I should probably was before I move on I should probably was before I move on I should probably do the thing where I give you a little do the thing where I give you a little do the thing where I give you a little thumbnail sketch of Linus's pre-imperial thumbnail sketch of Linus's pre-imperial thumbnail sketch of Linus's pre-imperial life especially since the newest member life especially since the newest member life especially since the newest member of the tetrarchy will also prove to be of the tetrarchy will also prove to be of the tetrarchy will also prove to be one of its longest serving members and one of its longest serving members and one of its longest serving members and in the end the final final match of the in the end the final final match of the in the end the final final match of the championship round will be fought championship round will be fought championship round will be fought between him and Constantine the new Augustus like every other the new Augustus like every other emperor of his age was born to Peasant emperor of his age was born to Peasant emperor of his age was born to Peasant stock dacian peasant stock to be exact stock dacian peasant stock to be exact stock dacian peasant stock to be exact in the mid 260s ad and he was raised in in the mid 260s ad and he was raised in in the mid 260s ad and he was raised in the rough border province of the rough border province of the rough border province of moesia being about the same age and moesia being about the same age and moesia being about the same age and being from about the same place linius being from about the same place linius being from about the same place linius and garius had apparently hooked up with and garius had apparently hooked up with and garius had apparently hooked up with each other at a young age and become

each other at a young age and become each other at a young age and become fast fast fast friends when Gus's Imperial Star Rose friends when Gus's Imperial Star Rose friends when Gus's Imperial Star Rose Linus rose with him and he served Linus rose with him and he served Linus rose with him and he served alongside his old friend during the wars alongside his old friend during the wars alongside his old friend during the wars in Persia in the late 290s in Persia in the late 290s in Persia in the late 290s ad after that he appears to have served ad after that he appears to have served ad after that he appears to have served on gas's staff as a highly trusted on gas's staff as a highly trusted on gas's staff as a highly trusted adviser so trusted that it was like adviser so trusted that it was like adviser so trusted that it was like kinus who was left in charge of the danu kinus who was left in charge of the danu kinus who was left in charge of the danu frontier when garius left for Italy to frontier when garius left for Italy to frontier when garius left for Italy to confront confront confront maxentius and then so trusted that when maxentius and then so trusted that when maxentius and then so trusted that when a new Augustus needed to be appointed a new Augustus needed to be appointed a new Augustus needed to be appointed garius pushed for his old friend like garius pushed for his old friend like garius pushed for his old friend like Kus when Diocesan for whatever reason Kus when Diocesan for whatever reason Kus when Diocesan for whatever reason gave his Blessing Linus was elevated to gave his Blessing Linus was elevated to gave his Blessing Linus was elevated to the purple in 308 and despite the fact the purple in 308 and despite the fact the purple in 308 and despite the fact that his presence in the Imperial that his presence in the Imperial that his presence in the Imperial College was annoying as all get out to College was annoying as all get out to College was annoying as all get out to everyone but garious he managed to everyone but garious he managed to everyone but garious he managed to deathly maneuver around the Myriad deathly maneuver around the Myriad deathly maneuver around the Myriad political landmines of the early 4th political landmines of the early 4th political landmines of the early 4th century and he hung around for a century and he hung around for a century and he hung around for a surprising 16 years before finally being surprising 16 years before finally being surprising 16 years before finally being blown up by Constantine in 324 ad as I just hinted though the settlement as I just hinted though the settlement hashed out between garious Dian and hashed out between garious Dian and hashed out between garious Dian and maximan ultimately created more problems maximan ultimately created more problems maximan ultimately created more problems than it than it than it solved maximist diet had so far been the solved maximist diet had so far been the solved maximist diet had so far been the most stable part of the tetrarchy but most stable part of the tetrarchy but most stable part of the tetrarchy but now he became embittered at having been now he became embittered at having been now he became embittered at having been passed over for promotion out in the passed over for promotion out in the passed over for promotion out in the west Constantine simply ignored his

west Constantine simply ignored his west Constantine simply ignored his demotion back to Caesar and instead went demotion back to Caesar and instead went demotion back to Caesar and instead went right on calling himself AUST right on calling himself AUST right on calling himself AUST something that caused acute something that caused acute something that caused acute embarrassment to the rest of the embarrassment to the rest of the embarrassment to the rest of the tetrarchy as there was really very tetrarchy as there was really very tetrarchy as there was really very little they could do to stop Constantine little they could do to stop Constantine little they could do to stop Constantine from calling himself whatever he from calling himself whatever he from calling himself whatever he wanted realizing that he had wanted realizing that he had wanted realizing that he had miscalculated a bit garius attempted to miscalculated a bit garius attempted to miscalculated a bit garius attempted to soothe both of their egos by giving the soothe both of their egos by giving the soothe both of their egos by giving the two Caesars the further title sons of two Caesars the further title sons of two Caesars the further title sons of Augustus but the transparent sop was Augustus but the transparent sop was Augustus but the transparent sop was seen for what it was by seen for what it was by seen for what it was by both in the east the unmollified maxim both in the east the unmollified maxim both in the east the unmollified maxim minist Dia would choose to follow minist Dia would choose to follow minist Dia would choose to follow Constantine's lead instead and began to Constantine's lead instead and began to Constantine's lead instead and began to Simply assert his own promotion to Simply assert his own promotion to Simply assert his own promotion to Augustus by 310 ad and in the west well Augustus by 310 ad and in the west well Augustus by 310 ad and in the west well Constantine never stopped calling Constantine never stopped calling Constantine never stopped calling himself Augustus even for a minute the Wild Card following the minute the Wild Card following the settlement of 308 was Maxes still in settlement of 308 was Maxes still in settlement of 308 was Maxes still in control of Italy and still lacking any control of Italy and still lacking any control of Italy and still lacking any sort of sort of sort of legitimacy Linus's first mission on legitimacy Linus's first mission on legitimacy Linus's first mission on behalf of the tetrarchy was supposed to behalf of the tetrarchy was supposed to behalf of the tetrarchy was supposed to have been bring Italy and Africa back have been bring Italy and Africa back have been bring Italy and Africa back into their hands but as seis and garius into their hands but as seis and garius into their hands but as seis and garius had demonstrated that was easier said had demonstrated that was easier said had demonstrated that was easier said than done and the new Western Augustus than done and the new Western Augustus than done and the new Western Augustus never would initiate a concentrated never would initiate a concentrated never would initiate a concentrated effort to OU maxentius from Rome that effort to OU maxentius from Rome that effort to OU maxentius from Rome that effort as we will see next week will be effort as we will see next week will be effort as we will see next week will be undertaken instead by Constantine undertaken instead by Constantine undertaken instead by Constantine leading to one of the most famous and

leading to one of the most famous and leading to one of the most famous and most important battles in the whole long most important battles in the whole long most important battles in the whole long history of the world the battle of the history of the world the battle of the history of the world the battle of the milvan milvan milvan bridge the other wild card in all this bridge the other wild card in all this bridge the other wild card in all this the really really wild card at this the really really wild card at this the really really wild card at this point was point was point was maximan pushed back into retirement maximan pushed back into retirement maximan pushed back into retirement despised by garius and maximin Dia and despised by garius and maximin Dia and despised by garius and maximin Dia and obviously on the outs with his own son obviously on the outs with his own son obviously on the outs with his own son the only Imperial Court that would the only Imperial Court that would the only Imperial Court that would accept the old man was his new accept the old man was his new accept the old man was his new son-in-law constantin's settled at that son-in-law constantin's settled at that son-in-law constantin's settled at that point in point in point in Britain at first Constantine was only Britain at first Constantine was only Britain at first Constantine was only too happy to secure for himself the too happy to secure for himself the too happy to secure for himself the further Prestige of having the old further Prestige of having the old further Prestige of having the old Augustus around but it did not take long Augustus around but it did not take long Augustus around but it did not take long for maximan to chafe under the weight of for maximan to chafe under the weight of for maximan to chafe under the weight of his own impotence and cause his own impotence and cause his own impotence and cause trouble trouble that will lead the once trouble trouble that will lead the once trouble trouble that will lead the once Noble maximian to a most ignoble end things were pretty quiet for the end things were pretty quiet for the first year or so as Constantine first year or so as Constantine first year or so as Constantine continued to tour his provinces and continued to tour his provinces and continued to tour his provinces and campaign periodically against the campaign periodically against the campaign periodically against the Germans but in three 10 as Constantine Germans but in three 10 as Constantine Germans but in three 10 as Constantine began a more strenuous little war began a more strenuous little war began a more strenuous little war against the Franks maximan seized what against the Franks maximan seized what against the Franks maximan seized what he thought looked a lot like an he thought looked a lot like an he thought looked a lot like an opportunity though it would turn out to opportunity though it would turn out to opportunity though it would turn out to be nothing of the be nothing of the be nothing of the kind Constantine had dispatched his kind Constantine had dispatched his kind Constantine had dispatched his father-in-law to Southern Gaul with a father-in-law to Southern Gaul with a father-in-law to Southern Gaul with a contingent of troops to keep an eye on contingent of troops to keep an eye on contingent of troops to keep an eye on the Alpine passes and make sure maena the Alpine passes and make sure maena the Alpine passes and make sure maena stayed in Italy while Constantine fought stayed in Italy while Constantine fought stayed in Italy while Constantine fought the the the Franks but instead of remaining on guard Franks but instead of remaining on guard Franks but instead of remaining on guard Duty maximan decided sort of out of the

Duty maximan decided sort of out of the Duty maximan decided sort of out of the blue hey I think I want to be the senior blue hey I think I want to be the senior blue hey I think I want to be the senior Western Emperor Western Emperor Western Emperor again so he spread the word that again so he spread the word that again so he spread the word that Constantine had died in battle and Constantine had died in battle and Constantine had died in battle and further declared that he was an Augustus further declared that he was an Augustus further declared that he was an Augustus again but the world had already moved on again but the world had already moved on again but the world had already moved on in a replay of his confrontation with in a replay of his confrontation with in a replay of his confrontation with Maxis 2 years earlier maximian Maxis 2 years earlier maximian Maxis 2 years earlier maximian discovered that whatever his past discovered that whatever his past discovered that whatever his past exploits a new generation of Emperors exploits a new generation of Emperors exploits a new generation of Emperors now commanded the Loyalty of the troops now commanded the Loyalty of the troops now commanded the Loyalty of the troops the soldiers under his command and the soldiers under his command and the soldiers under his command and balked at following maximan and instead balked at following maximan and instead balked at following maximan and instead decided to wait for independent decided to wait for independent decided to wait for independent confirmation that Constantine really was confirmation that Constantine really was confirmation that Constantine really was dead when it became obvious that dead when it became obvious that dead when it became obvious that Constantine was really not dead and that Constantine was really not dead and that Constantine was really not dead and that having heard of Maxim's little ruse he having heard of Maxim's little ruse he having heard of Maxim's little ruse he was now marching South with all was now marching South with all was now marching South with all deliberate speed maximian attempted to deliberate speed maximian attempted to deliberate speed maximian attempted to bribe the troops into following him but bribe the troops into following him but bribe the troops into following him but they weren't having it to follow maximon they weren't having it to follow maximon they weren't having it to follow maximon would be to die with maximan of that would be to die with maximan of that would be to die with maximan of that they had no doubt so maximan headed to Marse which was so maximan headed to Marse which was both defensible and hous some troops who both defensible and hous some troops who both defensible and hous some troops who still remembered their old Commander still remembered their old Commander still remembered their old Commander fondly but these men were by far a fondly but these men were by far a fondly but these men were by far a minority in the minority in the minority in the city Constantine had been more or less city Constantine had been more or less city Constantine had been more or less in charge of Britain and Gaul for the in charge of Britain and Gaul for the in charge of Britain and Gaul for the last four years and in that time he had last four years and in that time he had last four years and in that time he had made a hugely positive impact on made a hugely positive impact on made a hugely positive impact on everyone Soldier and civilian everyone Soldier and civilian everyone Soldier and civilian alike he was attentive to the needs of alike he was attentive to the needs of alike he was attentive to the needs of the citizens undertook rebuilding

the citizens undertook rebuilding the citizens undertook rebuilding projects after years of neglect promoted projects after years of neglect promoted projects after years of neglect promoted the Arts and was generally seen as the Arts and was generally seen as the Arts and was generally seen as productive responsive and wise Beyond productive responsive and wise Beyond productive responsive and wise Beyond his his his years there was no way anyone was going years there was no way anyone was going years there was no way anyone was going to abandon him for the old man to abandon him for the old man to abandon him for the old man maximan so I'm not sure how many hours maximan so I'm not sure how many hours maximan so I'm not sure how many hours passed from the time Constantine showed passed from the time Constantine showed passed from the time Constantine showed up at Marseilles to the time that the up at Marseilles to the time that the up at Marseilles to the time that the back door was opened for him by a loyal back door was opened for him by a loyal back door was opened for him by a loyal subject inside the city but it seems subject inside the city but it seems subject inside the city but it seems like it was probably somewhere in the like it was probably somewhere in the like it was probably somewhere in the single single single digits maximan was tracked down and digits maximan was tracked down and digits maximan was tracked down and captured and then hauled before an captured and then hauled before an captured and then hauled before an extremely irate extremely irate extremely irate Constantine Constantine explained to Constantine Constantine explained to Constantine Constantine explained to maximan that out of filial Duty he was maximan that out of filial Duty he was maximan that out of filial Duty he was not just going to kill his father-in-law not just going to kill his father-in-law not just going to kill his father-in-law as he would any other rebel but if as he would any other rebel but if as he would any other rebel but if maximan were to say take this maximan were to say take this maximan were to say take this opportunity to save everyone future opportunity to save everyone future opportunity to save everyone future headaches by you know doing the right headaches by you know doing the right headaches by you know doing the right thing that Constantine would not at all thing that Constantine would not at all thing that Constantine would not at all be adverse to that be adverse to that be adverse to that at some point in July of 310 maximan did at some point in July of 310 maximan did at some point in July of 310 maximan did the right thing and hanged the right thing and hanged the right thing and hanged himself he was about 60 years old and himself he was about 60 years old and himself he was about 60 years old and not so very long ago had been a not so very long ago had been a not so very long ago had been a successful Emperor for 20 years but now successful Emperor for 20 years but now successful Emperor for 20 years but now rather than dying a hero to the Empire rather than dying a hero to the Empire rather than dying a hero to the Empire he died instead a broken he died instead a broken he died instead a broken disgrace it was a sad disgrace it was a sad disgrace it was a sad end sure without Diocesan maximon was a end sure without Diocesan maximon was a end sure without Diocesan maximon was a complete disaster but up until the very complete disaster but up until the very complete disaster but up until the very end he did have Diocesan and so for most

end he did have Diocesan and so for most end he did have Diocesan and so for most of his life he was not a complete of his life he was not a complete of his life he was not a complete disaster and though he died a hated man disaster and though he died a hated man disaster and though he died a hated man he would sort of get the last laugh he would sort of get the last laugh he would sort of get the last laugh genetically as it would be his grandsons genetically as it would be his grandsons genetically as it would be his grandsons and his great-grandsons who would and his great-grandsons who would and his great-grandsons who would eventually come to rule the Empire eventually come to rule the Empire eventually come to rule the Empire following the reign of Constantine the most immediate impact of Constantine the most immediate impact of maximan death was that it drove a wedge maximan death was that it drove a wedge maximan death was that it drove a wedge between maxentius and Constantine between maxentius and Constantine between maxentius and Constantine up until now the two had coexisted more up until now the two had coexisted more up until now the two had coexisted more or less peacefully and the shared link or less peacefully and the shared link or less peacefully and the shared link of fosta maxent's sister and of fosta maxent's sister and of fosta maxent's sister and Constantine's wife helped secure the Constantine's wife helped secure the Constantine's wife helped secure the peace but after maximian death things peace but after maximian death things peace but after maximian death things began to get began to get began to get ugly we have no way of knowing whether ugly we have no way of knowing whether ugly we have no way of knowing whether the story is true but not long after the story is true but not long after the story is true but not long after maximian hanged himself Constantine maximian hanged himself Constantine maximian hanged himself Constantine began passing it around that his began passing it around that his began passing it around that his father-in-law's suicide had had nothing father-in-law's suicide had had nothing father-in-law's suicide had had nothing to do with the little Rebellion maximan to do with the little Rebellion maximan to do with the little Rebellion maximan had cooked up and instead had everything had cooked up and instead had everything had cooked up and instead had everything to do with maximan plotting to kill to do with maximan plotting to kill to do with maximan plotting to kill Constantine despite having been so Constantine despite having been so Constantine despite having been so generously allowed to generously allowed to generously allowed to live the key plot twist of this story live the key plot twist of this story live the key plot twist of this story was that maximan had taken fosta into was that maximan had taken fosta into was that maximan had taken fosta into his confidence and that she had decided his confidence and that she had decided his confidence and that she had decided to betray her father to her husband to betray her father to her husband to betray her father to her husband which cannot have gone over too well which cannot have gone over too well which cannot have gone over too well with her brother even if he and his with her brother even if he and his with her brother even if he and his father were EST stranged father were EST stranged father were EST stranged Constantine then went further and Constantine then went further and Constantine then went further and announced that maximian memory was

announced that maximian memory was announced that maximian memory was henceforth damned throughout his henceforth damned throughout his henceforth damned throughout his provinces provinces that had once been provinces provinces that had once been provinces provinces that had once been maximian Constantine tore down statues maximian Constantine tore down statues maximian Constantine tore down statues and defaced monuments Crossing out any and defaced monuments Crossing out any and defaced monuments Crossing out any reference to or mention of the old reference to or mention of the old reference to or mention of the old Augustus it appears that this was then Augustus it appears that this was then Augustus it appears that this was then picked up by the Eastern tetrarchs picked up by the Eastern tetrarchs picked up by the Eastern tetrarchs neither of whom like maximian one neither of whom like maximian one neither of whom like maximian one bit this shabby treatment of his bit this shabby treatment of his bit this shabby treatment of his father's memory angered maxentius and he father's memory angered maxentius and he father's memory angered maxentius and he began styling himself now as the dutiful began styling himself now as the dutiful began styling himself now as the dutiful son despite the fact that he and his son despite the fact that he and his son despite the fact that he and his father had no longer even been on father had no longer even been on father had no longer even been on speaking speaking speaking terms and he was thus able to add terms and he was thus able to add terms and he was thus able to add defense of Father's honor to his list of defense of Father's honor to his list of defense of Father's honor to his list of reasons for continuing to stand against reasons for continuing to stand against reasons for continuing to stand against the tetari but before he could exact his tetari but before he could exact his revenge on the tetrarchs who just kept revenge on the tetrarchs who just kept revenge on the tetrarchs who just kept poking him in the eye every chance they poking him in the eye every chance they poking him in the eye every chance they got got maxentius needed to clean up his got got maxentius needed to clean up his got got maxentius needed to clean up his own own own backyard and so in either 310 or 311 he backyard and so in either 310 or 311 he backyard and so in either 310 or 311 he ordered his petorian prefect to lead an ordered his petorian prefect to lead an ordered his petorian prefect to lead an invasion of North Africa Crush demidas invasion of North Africa Crush demidas invasion of North Africa Crush demidas Alexander and unclench the usurper Alexander and unclench the usurper Alexander and unclench the usurper strangle hold on the grain Supply a strangle hold on the grain Supply a strangle hold on the grain Supply a strangle hold that was undermining strangle hold that was undermining strangle hold that was undermining maxent's popularity in maxent's popularity in maxent's popularity in Rome further heightening maxent's sense Rome further heightening maxent's sense Rome further heightening maxent's sense of urgency was the rumor going around of urgency was the rumor going around of urgency was the rumor going around that Constantine had entered into talks that Constantine had entered into talks that Constantine had entered into talks with Alexander to discuss what kind of with Alexander to discuss what kind of with Alexander to discuss what kind of pincer move they might be able to

pincer move they might be able to pincer move they might be able to jointly put on jointly put on jointly put on Italy whether that rumor is true or not Italy whether that rumor is true or not Italy whether that rumor is true or not soon became irrelevant though as Mac soon became irrelevant though as Mac soon became irrelevant though as Mac Sis's prefect arrived in Carthage Sis's prefect arrived in Carthage Sis's prefect arrived in Carthage steamrolled the Lesser African troops steamrolled the Lesser African troops steamrolled the Lesser African troops and then captured Alexander and had him and then captured Alexander and had him and then captured Alexander and had him put to put to put to death with Africa back under his control death with Africa back under his control death with Africa back under his control maxentius felt that he was now fully maxentius felt that he was now fully maxentius felt that he was now fully prepared to meet whatever the tetrarchy prepared to meet whatever the tetrarchy prepared to meet whatever the tetrarchy had to throw at him had to throw at him had to throw at him but before anyone had a chance to do but before anyone had a chance to do but before anyone had a chance to do anything the political apple cart was anything the political apple cart was anything the political apple cart was once again once again once again overturned in mid 311 after having spent overturned in mid 311 after having spent overturned in mid 311 after having spent the last few years peacefully resigned the last few years peacefully resigned the last few years peacefully resigned to the fact that he was never going to to the fact that he was never going to to the fact that he was never going to be the great puppet master that Diocesan be the great puppet master that Diocesan be the great puppet master that Diocesan had been garus got sick really sick and had been garus got sick really sick and had been garus got sick really sick and if you believe youus the Christian if you believe youus the Christian if you believe youus the Christian writer who took particular joy in the writer who took particular joy in the writer who took particular joy in the suffering of the Great persecutor really suffering of the Great persecutor really suffering of the Great persecutor really really sick like no matter how many really sick like no matter how many really sick like no matter how many baths he took the stench of gas's baths he took the stench of gas's baths he took the stench of gas's rotting insides could be smelled rotting insides could be smelled rotting insides could be smelled throughout the city throughout the city throughout the city sick as I mentioned a few episodes back sick as I mentioned a few episodes back sick as I mentioned a few episodes back when garia sensed that the end was near when garia sensed that the end was near when garia sensed that the end was near he decreed an end to the great he decreed an end to the great he decreed an end to the great persecution admitting that for all the persecution admitting that for all the persecution admitting that for all the violent coercion of the past decade the violent coercion of the past decade the violent coercion of the past decade the Christians remained as obstinate as ever Christians remained as obstinate as ever Christians remained as obstinate as ever in essence the persecution has failed in essence the persecution has failed in essence the persecution has failed spectacular spectacular spectacular and it is time to admit and it is time to admit and it is time to admit defeat but garas would fail even in his

defeat but garas would fail even in his defeat but garas would fail even in his attempt to end the persecution in the attempt to end the persecution in the attempt to end the persecution in the East after all that was the only place East after all that was the only place East after all that was the only place it was really still going on anymore and it was really still going on anymore and it was really still going on anymore and once he was dead maximinus Dia who was once he was dead maximinus Dia who was once he was dead maximinus Dia who was not at all ready to admit defeat revived not at all ready to admit defeat revived not at all ready to admit defeat revived it and set it back on its murderous it and set it back on its murderous it and set it back on its murderous path but that was all someone else's path but that was all someone else's path but that was all someone else's problem now in May of 311 whatever was problem now in May of 311 whatever was problem now in May of 311 whatever was killing garious gang green bowel cancer killing garious gang green bowel cancer killing garious gang green bowel cancer whatever finally killed him he was about whatever finally killed him he was about whatever finally killed him he was about 51 years old and had helped rule the 51 years old and had helped rule the 51 years old and had helped rule the Empire first as a Caesar then as an Empire first as a Caesar then as an Empire first as a Caesar then as an Augustus then as the senior Augustus for Augustus then as the senior Augustus for Augustus then as the senior Augustus for about 18 years I think at the end of the day we years I think at the end of the day we have to see garius mostly as a failure have to see garius mostly as a failure have to see garius mostly as a failure he was a good lieutenant and his triumph he was a good lieutenant and his triumph he was a good lieutenant and his triumph over the cage should never be discounted over the cage should never be discounted over the cage should never be discounted but once he wielded power in his own but once he wielded power in his own but once he wielded power in his own right his legacy boils down to the great right his legacy boils down to the great right his legacy boils down to the great persecution a failed policy that did a persecution a failed policy that did a persecution a failed policy that did a lot of damage for no measurable return lot of damage for no measurable return lot of damage for no measurable return and a series of attempts to manipulate and a series of attempts to manipulate and a series of attempts to manipulate the tetrarchy to his Advantage all of the tetrarchy to his Advantage all of the tetrarchy to his Advantage all of which blew up in his and the Empire's which blew up in his and the Empire's which blew up in his and the Empire's face he wasn't the worst emperor of all face he wasn't the worst emperor of all face he wasn't the worst emperor of all time but I think you can lay the blame time but I think you can lay the blame time but I think you can lay the blame for a pretty good chunk of the chaos and for a pretty good chunk of the chaos and for a pretty good chunk of the chaos and bloodshed of the early 4th Century at bloodshed of the early 4th Century at bloodshed of the early 4th Century at his doorstep his doorstep his doorstep maybe everything was destined to fall maybe everything was destined to fall maybe everything was destined to fall apart but the way garus arranged for it apart but the way garus arranged for it apart but the way garus arranged for it to play out all but guaranteed

it next week the real unraveling will it next week the real unraveling will begin the four main powers left begin the four main powers left begin the four main powers left maximinus daia Constantine maxentius and maximinus daia Constantine maxentius and maximinus daia Constantine maxentius and linius will pair up to face off against linius will pair up to face off against linius will pair up to face off against the other two Constantine with linius the other two Constantine with linius the other two Constantine with linius and Max Min Dia with and Max Min Dia with and Max Min Dia with Maxis after Constantine and linius Maxis after Constantine and linius Maxis after Constantine and linius successfully beat down Maxis and successfully beat down Maxis and successfully beat down Maxis and maximinus they will for a Time maximinus they will for a Time maximinus they will for a Time peacefully coexist ruling over West and peacefully coexist ruling over West and peacefully coexist ruling over West and East respectively until Constantine will East respectively until Constantine will East respectively until Constantine will finally decide in 324 ad that his finally decide in 324 ad that his finally decide in 324 ad that his Destiny has been put off long enough Destiny has been put off long enough Destiny has been put off long enough [Music] hello and welcome to the history of Rome hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode episode episode 132 in this sign so as I'm sure you can guess by the sign so as I'm sure you can guess by the title we have arrived at one of the title we have arrived at one of the title we have arrived at one of the seminal events in Roman history the seminal events in Roman history the seminal events in Roman history the moment Constantine decided that he was moment Constantine decided that he was moment Constantine decided that he was going to go out a conquering for going to go out a conquering for going to go out a conquering for Jesus this of course is a massive

Jesus this of course is a massive Jesus this of course is a massive oversimplification of a convoluted oversimplification of a convoluted oversimplification of a convoluted series of events but still it gets to series of events but still it gets to series of events but still it gets to the heart of the matter Constantine is the heart of the matter Constantine is the heart of the matter Constantine is about to begin the long process of about to begin the long process of about to begin the long process of seizing control of the empire seizing control of the empire seizing control of the empire and he will attribute his success in and he will attribute his success in and he will attribute his success in this endeavor to the Christian God at this endeavor to the Christian God at this endeavor to the Christian God at least we're pretty sure he attributed to least we're pretty sure he attributed to least we're pretty sure he attributed to the Christian God he attributed it to the Christian God he attributed it to the Christian God he attributed it to God anyway and he will use Christian God anyway and he will use Christian God anyway and he will use Christian symbols to give him power or at least he symbols to give him power or at least he symbols to give him power or at least he appears to have used Christian symbols appears to have used Christian symbols appears to have used Christian symbols some of them might not have become some of them might not have become some of them might not have become Christian symbols until after Christian symbols until after Christian symbols until after Constantine adopted them but at least we Constantine adopted them but at least we Constantine adopted them but at least we know that Christ himself will come to know that Christ himself will come to know that Christ himself will come to Constantine in a dream and tell him to Constantine in a dream and tell him to Constantine in a dream and tell him to conquer in this sign conquer in this sign conquer in this sign or was that an earlier vision he had had or was that an earlier vision he had had or was that an earlier vision he had had after staring at the sun for too long after staring at the sun for too long after staring at the sun for too long and was that sign a cross a Cairo a and was that sign a cross a Cairo a and was that sign a cross a Cairo a stogram and maybe it was all made up stogram and maybe it was all made up stogram and maybe it was all made up after the fact I'm after the fact I'm after the fact I'm confused Constantine was a complicated confused Constantine was a complicated confused Constantine was a complicated man living in complicated times did you man living in complicated times did you man living in complicated times did you really think his relationship with really think his relationship with really think his relationship with Christianity was going to be simple but before we get into all that simple but before we get into all that there is one last little bit of business there is one last little bit of business there is one last little bit of business we should dispense with conceptually it we should dispense with conceptually it we should dispense with conceptually it should have probably come at the end of should have probably come at the end of should have probably come at the end of last week's episode but there wasn't last week's episode but there wasn't last week's episode but there wasn't really time to get into it all so here really time to get into it all so here really time to get into it all so here we are because before we can get into we are because before we can get into we are because before we can get into the age of Constantine we need to the age of Constantine we need to the age of Constantine we need to finally close the door on the age of finally close the door on the age of finally close the door on the age of Diocesan and that means killing off

Diocesan and that means killing off Diocesan and that means killing off everyone's favorite senior senior everyone's favorite senior senior everyone's favorite senior senior Augustus in December of 311 now 6 years Augustus in December of 311 now 6 years Augustus in December of 311 now 6 years removed from power and what must have removed from power and what must have removed from power and what must have felt like a lifetime removed from his felt like a lifetime removed from his felt like a lifetime removed from his dream of a perpetually stable tetrarchy dream of a perpetually stable tetrarchy dream of a perpetually stable tetrarchy Diocesan finally died in his Palace on Diocesan finally died in his Palace on Diocesan finally died in his Palace on the Eastern Adriatic the Eastern Adriatic the Eastern Adriatic Coast despite his happy talk about how Coast despite his happy talk about how Coast despite his happy talk about how much fun retired life was you get the much fun retired life was you get the much fun retired life was you get the feeling that by the end Diocesan was feeling that by the end Diocesan was feeling that by the end Diocesan was more than ready to more than ready to more than ready to die his last few months were spent in die his last few months were spent in die his last few months were spent in impotent Agony as he found himself impotent Agony as he found himself impotent Agony as he found himself unable to ensure the safety of his wife unable to ensure the safety of his wife unable to ensure the safety of his wife and daughter who had wound up deao and daughter who had wound up deao and daughter who had wound up deao prisoners in the court of Maxim minis prisoners in the court of Maxim minis prisoners in the court of Maxim minis Dia following following the death of Dia following following the death of Dia following following the death of garas in garas in garas in May maximinus wanted to marry the Widow May maximinus wanted to marry the Widow May maximinus wanted to marry the Widow of garas but she had refused and was now of garas but she had refused and was now of garas but she had refused and was now at the angry mercy of the emperor she at the angry mercy of the emperor she at the angry mercy of the emperor she had just had just had just scorned Diocesan tried to intervene on scorned Diocesan tried to intervene on scorned Diocesan tried to intervene on her behalf but was completely her behalf but was completely her behalf but was completely ignored like his now dead friend maximan ignored like his now dead friend maximan ignored like his now dead friend maximan Diocesan was discovering that the world Diocesan was discovering that the world Diocesan was discovering that the world had moved on without him I don't think had moved on without him I don't think had moved on without him I don't think it is out of line to wonder whether the it is out of line to wonder whether the it is out of line to wonder whether the dejected ex-emperor unable to endure any dejected ex-emperor unable to endure any dejected ex-emperor unable to endure any more disappointments simply committed more disappointments simply committed more disappointments simply committed suicide again like his old friend suicide again like his old friend suicide again like his old friend maximan however it happened he was 66 maximan however it happened he was 66 maximan however it happened he was 66 years old and had once been the senior years old and had once been the senior years old and had once been the senior Augustus for 20 years the legacy of Diocesan is hard to years the legacy of Diocesan is hard to figure in terms of the quality of his figure in terms of the quality of his figure in terms of the quality of his administration he ranks right up there

administration he ranks right up there administration he ranks right up there with the best of the best Augustus asaan with the best of the best Augustus asaan with the best of the best Augustus asaan the five good Emperors and in terms of the five good Emperors and in terms of the five good Emperors and in terms of his impact on the evolution of the his impact on the evolution of the his impact on the evolution of the Empire his only equal at this point Empire his only equal at this point Empire his only equal at this point seems to be the Divine Augustus seems to be the Divine Augustus seems to be the Divine Augustus himself throw in the fact that he himself throw in the fact that he himself throw in the fact that he inherited a pile of smoldering rubble inherited a pile of smoldering rubble inherited a pile of smoldering rubble and turned it into a working Empire and turned it into a working Empire and turned it into a working Empire again and he is easily one of the two or again and he is easily one of the two or again and he is easily one of the two or three best Emperors of all three best Emperors of all three best Emperors of all time but there is no getting around the time but there is no getting around the time but there is no getting around the fact that he appears to have been fact that he appears to have been fact that he appears to have been exhausted at the end exhausted to the exhausted at the end exhausted to the exhausted at the end exhausted to the point that he made some very poor point that he made some very poor point that he made some very poor decisions that had disastrous decisions that had disastrous decisions that had disastrous consequences for the consequences for the consequences for the empire the great persecution was Ill empire the great persecution was Ill empire the great persecution was Ill advised to say the least and his advised to say the least and his advised to say the least and his replacement candidates for the tetrarchy replacement candidates for the tetrarchy replacement candidates for the tetrarchy first Maxim Minista and seas and then first Maxim Minista and seas and then first Maxim Minista and seas and then like kinas all threw the balance of like kinas all threw the balance of like kinas all threw the balance of power so out of whack that Civil War power so out of whack that Civil War power so out of whack that Civil War became all but became all but became all but inevitable it would be easy to blame all inevitable it would be easy to blame all inevitable it would be easy to blame all of this on garus and a lot of it does of this on garus and a lot of it does of this on garus and a lot of it does appear to have been Gus's fault but appear to have been Gus's fault but appear to have been Gus's fault but Diocesan inability to have more Diocesan inability to have more Diocesan inability to have more foresight when it came to picking the foresight when it came to picking the foresight when it came to picking the men who would succeed him is a great big men who would succeed him is a great big men who would succeed him is a great big black mark on his record it stains his black mark on his record it stains his black mark on his record it stains his legacy just as commus stains Marcus legacy just as commus stains Marcus legacy just as commus stains Marcus aurelius's and carala stains Septimus aurelius's and carala stains Septimus aurelius's and carala stains Septimus sases in dian's defense it might be the sases in dian's defense it might be the sases in dian's defense it might be the case that no matter who he elevated into case that no matter who he elevated into case that no matter who he elevated into the tetrarchy that Civil War would have the tetrarchy that Civil War would have the tetrarchy that Civil War would have ensued four men with equal armies ruling ensued four men with equal armies ruling ensued four men with equal armies ruling separate corners of the Empire

separate corners of the Empire separate corners of the Empire eventually that turns on itself eventually that turns on itself eventually that turns on itself right but that opens up the question of right but that opens up the question of right but that opens up the question of whether the whole system was flawed from whether the whole system was flawed from whether the whole system was flawed from the start and you can't blame that on the start and you can't blame that on the start and you can't blame that on garius that was Diocesan all by himself I think at the end of the day himself I think at the end of the day Diocesan was a victim of his own success Diocesan was a victim of his own success Diocesan was a victim of his own success he was so good so personally magnetic he was so good so personally magnetic he was so good so personally magnetic wielding such dare I say Divine wielding such dare I say Divine wielding such dare I say Divine gravitas that it would have been almost gravitas that it would have been almost gravitas that it would have been almost impossible to make accurate assumptions impossible to make accurate assumptions impossible to make accurate assumptions about what would happen when he was about what would happen when he was about what would happen when he was removed from the removed from the removed from the equation the tetrarchy had worked great equation the tetrarchy had worked great equation the tetrarchy had worked great for 20 years and the problems it had for 20 years and the problems it had for 20 years and the problems it had been designed to solve were for that been designed to solve were for that been designed to solve were for that period solved so why couldn't things go period solved so why couldn't things go period solved so why couldn't things go on like that on like that on like that forever oh yeah because Diocesan is the forever oh yeah because Diocesan is the forever oh yeah because Diocesan is the only one good enough smart enough and only one good enough smart enough and only one good enough smart enough and dog on it liked enough to hold it all dog on it liked enough to hold it all dog on it liked enough to hold it all together dian's lasting failure then is together dian's lasting failure then is together dian's lasting failure then is that no one else lived up to his that no one else lived up to his that no one else lived up to his standards something else he shares in standards something else he shares in standards something else he shares in common with the Divine Augustus and common with the Divine Augustus and common with the Divine Augustus and something I think we ought not hold something I think we ought not hold something I think we ought not hold against him too much against him too much against him too much he was a great emperor who ruled he was a great emperor who ruled he was a great emperor who ruled effectively through very difficult times effectively through very difficult times effectively through very difficult times and he should be remembered as such but his time has now passed and for such but his time has now passed and for the rest of this episode I want to focus the rest of this episode I want to focus the rest of this episode I want to focus on the epoch shifting transformation of on the epoch shifting transformation of on the epoch shifting transformation of the man who was destined to shut the the man who was destined to shut the the man who was destined to shut the door on the age of Diocesan and Usher in door on the age of Diocesan and Usher in door on the age of Diocesan and Usher in his own age the age of

his own age the age of his own age the age of Constantine thus far Constantine has Constantine thus far Constantine has Constantine thus far Constantine has played a careful game satisfied with played a careful game satisfied with played a careful game satisfied with incremental political advances while incremental political advances while incremental political advances while avoiding any overreaching high-risk avoiding any overreaching high-risk avoiding any overreaching high-risk plays since he succeeded his father back plays since he succeeded his father back plays since he succeeded his father back in 306 he appears to have been focused in 306 he appears to have been focused in 306 he appears to have been focused mostly on securing his own legitimacy mostly on securing his own legitimacy mostly on securing his own legitimacy establishing a rock solid power base in establishing a rock solid power base in establishing a rock solid power base in Britain Gaul and Spain and avoiding open Britain Gaul and Spain and avoiding open Britain Gaul and Spain and avoiding open confrontation with any of his brother confrontation with any of his brother confrontation with any of his brother Emperors but we are about to see a very Emperors but we are about to see a very Emperors but we are about to see a very different side of Constantine that of a different side of Constantine that of a different side of Constantine that of a dar ing an audacious General who is dar ing an audacious General who is dar ing an audacious General who is convinced that God has made him convinced that God has made him convinced that God has made him Invincible now I don't think Invincible now I don't think Invincible now I don't think Constantine's shift from caution to Constantine's shift from caution to Constantine's shift from caution to aggression represents any sort of shift aggression represents any sort of shift aggression represents any sort of shift in his personality but instead in his personality but instead in his personality but instead represents a shift in the represents a shift in the represents a shift in the circumstances as long as daian and circumstances as long as daian and circumstances as long as daian and maximian and garius were around maximian and garius were around maximian and garius were around Constantine was content to lay low and Constantine was content to lay low and Constantine was content to lay low and buy his time but once that Elder buy his time but once that Elder buy his time but once that Elder generation had been cleared out there generation had been cleared out there generation had been cleared out there was nothing left to check Constantine's was nothing left to check Constantine's was nothing left to check Constantine's Ambitions after daesan died Constantine Ambitions after daesan died Constantine Ambitions after daesan died Constantine appears to have looked into his own appears to have looked into his own appears to have looked into his own heart then sized up the competition and heart then sized up the competition and heart then sized up the competition and then decided that the time had come for then decided that the time had come for then decided that the time had come for caution to give way to daring because caution to give way to daring because caution to give way to daring because after all fortune favors the after all fortune favors the after all fortune favors the Bold what I mean to say then is that I Bold what I mean to say then is that I Bold what I mean to say then is that I don't think Constantine's ends ever don't think Constantine's ends ever don't think Constantine's ends ever changed I think he wanted the whole

changed I think he wanted the whole changed I think he wanted the whole empire to be his from the very beginning empire to be his from the very beginning empire to be his from the very beginning but he can't and did Tinker around with but he can't and did Tinker around with but he can't and did Tinker around with the means he used to achieve that end the means he used to achieve that end the means he used to achieve that end all the time he used a Fabian esque all the time he used a Fabian esque all the time he used a Fabian esque strategy for the first few years because strategy for the first few years because strategy for the first few years because that seemed to be what the times called that seemed to be what the times called that seemed to be what the times called for but when those times changed he was for but when those times changed he was for but when those times changed he was more than ready to follow the aggressive more than ready to follow the aggressive more than ready to follow the aggressive lead of a skipio lead of a skipio lead of a skipio Africanus but as much as his military Africanus but as much as his military Africanus but as much as his military posture is about to change from prudent posture is about to change from prudent posture is about to change from prudent holding pattern to Reckless dive bombing holding pattern to Reckless dive bombing holding pattern to Reckless dive bombing it was Constantine's political posture it was Constantine's political posture it was Constantine's political posture that marked the most important change of that marked the most important change of that marked the most important change of all and by political posture I of course all and by political posture I of course all and by political posture I of course mean religious posture as a young man it appears that posture as a young man it appears that Constantine had no problem with the Constantine had no problem with the Constantine had no problem with the Jupiter Hercules religious ideology of Jupiter Hercules religious ideology of Jupiter Hercules religious ideology of the tetrarchy nor with the Pagan the tetrarchy nor with the Pagan the tetrarchy nor with the Pagan polytheism of The Wider Roman Empire he polytheism of The Wider Roman Empire he polytheism of The Wider Roman Empire he counted for example first Mars and then counted for example first Mars and then counted for example first Mars and then Apollo as his Patron Apollo as his Patron Apollo as his Patron deities but as he grew older and perhaps deities but as he grew older and perhaps deities but as he grew older and perhaps as a result of finally joining up with as a result of finally joining up with as a result of finally joining up with his father Constantine seems to have his father Constantine seems to have his father Constantine seems to have drifted into a vague drifted into a vague drifted into a vague monotheism he was still respectful of monotheism he was still respectful of monotheism he was still respectful of the old Pantheon and continued to make the old Pantheon and continued to make the old Pantheon and continued to make all the necessary all the necessary all the necessary sacrifices but specifically he was now sacrifices but specifically he was now sacrifices but specifically he was now moving in the direction of a reliant's moving in the direction of a reliant's moving in the direction of a reliant's old Cult of soulin old Cult of soulin old Cult of soulin victus when he became Caesar in 306 the victus when he became Caesar in 306 the victus when he became Caesar in 306 the propaganda emanating from Constantine's propaganda emanating from Constantine's propaganda emanating from Constantine's Court continued this March towards an Court continued this March towards an Court continued this March towards an almost exclusive solar monotheism

this religious Evolution seems to have this religious Evolution seems to have rested on two main pillars intertwined rested on two main pillars intertwined rested on two main pillars intertwined and not at all mutually and not at all mutually and not at all mutually exclusive one pillar was Constantine's exclusive one pillar was Constantine's exclusive one pillar was Constantine's Pious dare I say superstitious desire to Pious dare I say superstitious desire to Pious dare I say superstitious desire to identify the correct God and then identify the correct God and then identify the correct God and then worship worship worship it the other pillar was Constantine's it the other pillar was Constantine's it the other pillar was Constantine's craft desire to identify the shest path craft desire to identify the shest path craft desire to identify the shest path to absolute power and then exploit it to absolute power and then exploit it to absolute power and then exploit it there's been a great deal of ink spilled there's been a great deal of ink spilled there's been a great deal of ink spilled over the question of whether Constantine over the question of whether Constantine over the question of whether Constantine was really a Christian or whether he was was really a Christian or whether he was was really a Christian or whether he was just cynically exploiting the religion just cynically exploiting the religion just cynically exploiting the religion to his own advantage and I've got to say to his own advantage and I've got to say to his own advantage and I've got to say I think it's a bit of I think it's a bit of I think it's a bit of both throughout his life the Constantine both throughout his life the Constantine both throughout his life the Constantine was something of a Seeker but rather was something of a Seeker but rather was something of a Seeker but rather than seeking in the hippie sense of than seeking in the hippie sense of than seeking in the hippie sense of trying to find universal truth or trying to find universal truth or trying to find universal truth or Everlasting peace or whatever Everlasting peace or whatever Everlasting peace or whatever Constantine was seeking power Constantine was seeking power Constantine was seeking power tangible worldly power and I think he tangible worldly power and I think he tangible worldly power and I think he genuinely believed that not only did God genuinely believed that not only did God genuinely believed that not only did God play a role in how events on Earth play a role in how events on Earth play a role in how events on Earth unfolded but that getting on the right unfolded but that getting on the right unfolded but that getting on the right side of the right God was the ticket to side of the right God was the ticket to side of the right God was the ticket to the the the top in other words Constantine was not top in other words Constantine was not top in other words Constantine was not some cynical atheist like Cicero who some cynical atheist like Cicero who some cynical atheist like Cicero who thought religion merely a necessary thought religion merely a necessary thought religion merely a necessary fiction necessary yes but a fiction fiction necessary yes but a fiction fiction necessary yes but a fiction nonetheless Constantine was a True Believer but that being said Constantine

Believer but that being said Constantine was also well aware that if he was going was also well aware that if he was going was also well aware that if he was going to topple the tetrarchy and rule in his to topple the tetrarchy and rule in his to topple the tetrarchy and rule in his own right that he was going to have to own right that he was going to have to own right that he was going to have to Cobble together some kind of independent Cobble together some kind of independent Cobble together some kind of independent Coalition that is gather together all Coalition that is gather together all Coalition that is gather together all those people who were unhappy with the those people who were unhappy with the those people who were unhappy with the existing order and get them working for existing order and get them working for existing order and get them working for him and one of the largest and fastest him and one of the largest and fastest him and one of the largest and fastest growing groups who was unhappy with the growing groups who was unhappy with the growing groups who was unhappy with the existing order were the religious existing order were the religious existing order were the religious monotheists monotheists monotheists and in particular the Christians who and in particular the Christians who and in particular the Christians who were Mighty peeved about the great were Mighty peeved about the great were Mighty peeved about the great persecution Constantine then was only persecution Constantine then was only persecution Constantine then was only too happy to promote his own personal too happy to promote his own personal too happy to promote his own personal monotheism signal his Sympathy for the monotheism signal his Sympathy for the monotheism signal his Sympathy for the Christians and tell anyone who would Christians and tell anyone who would Christians and tell anyone who would listen that he was only doing what God listen that he was only doing what God listen that he was only doing what God was was was bidding so I'm not going to worry too bidding so I'm not going to worry too bidding so I'm not going to worry too much about how sincere Constantine was much about how sincere Constantine was much about how sincere Constantine was in his beliefs because I reckon when it in his beliefs because I reckon when it in his beliefs because I reckon when it comes to analy izing the underlying comes to analy izing the underlying comes to analy izing the underlying ideologies of his Reign that we should ideologies of his Reign that we should ideologies of his Reign that we should probably just look to the spot where his probably just look to the spot where his probably just look to the spot where his religious Zeal intersects with his religious Zeal intersects with his religious Zeal intersects with his political Savvy and just leave it at that which of course brings us to one of that which of course brings us to one of the most important pieces of that the most important pieces of that the most important pieces of that underlying underlying underlying ideology namely that in the leadup to ideology namely that in the leadup to ideology namely that in the leadup to his war with maxentius that Constantine his war with maxentius that Constantine his war with maxentius that Constantine experienced visions and dreams that experienced visions and dreams that experienced visions and dreams that promised him Victory as long as he gave promised him Victory as long as he gave promised him Victory as long as he gave himself over to the Christian himself over to the Christian himself over to the Christian God that's what Constantine said later God that's what Constantine said later God that's what Constantine said later anyway after he had become sole ruler of

anyway after he had become sole ruler of anyway after he had become sole ruler of the Empire and wanted to establish a the Empire and wanted to establish a the Empire and wanted to establish a nice smooth origin story for nice smooth origin story for nice smooth origin story for himself unfortunately for us though himself unfortunately for us though himself unfortunately for us though Constantine's origin story is anything Constantine's origin story is anything Constantine's origin story is anything but but but smooth even something as simple as which smooth even something as simple as which smooth even something as simple as which sign Constantine used to conquer by is sign Constantine used to conquer by is sign Constantine used to conquer by is going to take a bit of going to take a bit of going to take a bit of untangling but hey that's why we're all untangling but hey that's why we're all untangling but hey that's why we're all here if you were asked the man or woman in if you were asked the man or woman in the street to tell you the story of the street to tell you the story of the street to tell you the story of Constantine's conversion to Christianity Constantine's conversion to Christianity Constantine's conversion to Christianity conversion in the loose sense here conversion in the loose sense here conversion in the loose sense here rather than the technical sense they rather than the technical sense they rather than the technical sense they would probably stare at you would probably stare at you would probably stare at you blankly but once you found someone who blankly but once you found someone who blankly but once you found someone who had any idea what you were talking about had any idea what you were talking about had any idea what you were talking about they would probably tell you a story they would probably tell you a story they would probably tell you a story that goes something like that goes something like that goes something like this on the day before some great battle this on the day before some great battle this on the day before some great battle Constantine saw a vision of the cross in Constantine saw a vision of the cross in Constantine saw a vision of the cross in the sky the sky the sky and was told by Christ to conquer using and was told by Christ to conquer using and was told by Christ to conquer using this this this sign then he painted the cross on the sign then he painted the cross on the sign then he painted the cross on the shields of all his men and proceeded to shields of all his men and proceeded to shields of all his men and proceeded to win the battle handily establishing win the battle handily establishing win the battle handily establishing Christianity as the official religion of Christianity as the official religion of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire the Roman Empire the Roman Empire forever now this is not the worst case forever now this is not the worst case forever now this is not the worst case of mashed up history you'll ever hear of mashed up history you'll ever hear of mashed up history you'll ever hear but it is definitely a case of mashed up but it is definitely a case of mashed up but it is definitely a case of mashed up history and of course I tack that last history and of course I tack that last history and of course I tack that last bit on just to remind everyone that as bit on just to remind everyone that as bit on just to remind everyone that as much as Christianity was favored and much as Christianity was favored and much as Christianity was favored and promoted by Constantine it did not promoted by Constantine it did not promoted by Constantine it did not actually become the official religion of actually become the official religion of actually become the official religion of the Roman Empire until the reign of

the Roman Empire until the reign of the Roman Empire until the reign of theodosius some 50 years after theodosius some 50 years after theodosius some 50 years after Constantine's Constantine's Constantine's death this commonly told version of the death this commonly told version of the death this commonly told version of the story is derived from two main sources story is derived from two main sources story is derived from two main sources both of which provide some of the both of which provide some of the both of which provide some of the details but neither of which tell the details but neither of which tell the details but neither of which tell the story exactly the same way nor do they story exactly the same way nor do they story exactly the same way nor do they tell the story the same way that people tell the story the same way that people tell the story the same way that people usually tell it today first we have lactantius a contemporary first we have lactantius a contemporary Christian writer who briefly mentions Christian writer who briefly mentions Christian writer who briefly mentions that on the night before the battle of that on the night before the battle of that on the night before the battle of the milvan bridge that quote Constantine the milvan bridge that quote Constantine the milvan bridge that quote Constantine was directed in a dream to cause the was directed in a dream to cause the was directed in a dream to cause the Heavenly sign to be delineated on the Heavenly sign to be delineated on the Heavenly sign to be delineated on the shields of his soldiers and so to shields of his soldiers and so to shields of his soldiers and so to proceed to battle he did as he had been proceed to battle he did as he had been proceed to battle he did as he had been commanded and he marked on their Shields commanded and he marked on their Shields commanded and he marked on their Shields the letter X with a perpendicular line the letter X with a perpendicular line the letter X with a perpendicular line drawn through it and turned round thus drawn through it and turned round thus drawn through it and turned round thus at the top at the top at the top being the cipher of Christ having this being the cipher of Christ having this being the cipher of Christ having this sign his troops stood to Arms now one thing we should note right Arms now one thing we should note right away is that the sign by which away is that the sign by which away is that the sign by which Constantine conquered was not the simple Constantine conquered was not the simple Constantine conquered was not the simple cross that we are all familiar with cross that we are all familiar with cross that we are all familiar with today instead he is describing the Cairo today instead he is describing the Cairo today instead he is describing the Cairo a symbol comprised of the Greek letters a symbol comprised of the Greek letters a symbol comprised of the Greek letters Kai and Row the first two letters of Kai and Row the first two letters of Kai and Row the first two letters of Christ's name and to help keep this Christ's name and to help keep this Christ's name and to help keep this stuff straight a picture of the Cairo is stuff straight a picture of the Cairo is stuff straight a picture of the Cairo is helpfully posted at the historyof rome.

helpfully posted at the historyof rome. helpfully posted at the historyof rome. typepad.com typepad.com typepad.com now what's interesting about this is now what's interesting about this is now what's interesting about this is that though the Cairo would eventually that though the Cairo would eventually that though the Cairo would eventually become associated exclusively with become associated exclusively with become associated exclusively with Christianity this appears to be the Christianity this appears to be the Christianity this appears to be the first time it was ever used as a first time it was ever used as a first time it was ever used as a Christian Christian Christian symbol before Constantine it was used symbol before Constantine it was used symbol before Constantine it was used mostly by Scholars to Mark passages they mostly by Scholars to Mark passages they mostly by Scholars to Mark passages they wanted to return to because Kai and roow wanted to return to because Kai and roow wanted to return to because Kai and roow were also the first letters of a Greek were also the first letters of a Greek were also the first letters of a Greek word for good so so it was already a word for good so so it was already a word for good so so it was already a sort of well-known good luck symbol in sort of well-known good luck symbol in sort of well-known good luck symbol in the ancient world before Constantine was the ancient world before Constantine was the ancient world before Constantine was allegedly commanded to paint it on the allegedly commanded to paint it on the allegedly commanded to paint it on the shield of his soldiers which I think shield of his soldiers which I think shield of his soldiers which I think hints at how much Constantine's hints at how much Constantine's hints at how much Constantine's political Savvy was also coming into political Savvy was also coming into political Savvy was also coming into play the Dual meaning of Cairo meant play the Dual meaning of Cairo meant play the Dual meaning of Cairo meant that Christians could see what they that Christians could see what they that Christians could see what they wanted to see and pagans could see what wanted to see and pagans could see what wanted to see and pagans could see what they wanted to see without stepping on they wanted to see without stepping on they wanted to see without stepping on each other's toes and this was very each other's toes and this was very each other's toes and this was very helpful when it came to building a broad helpful when it came to building a broad helpful when it came to building a broad Coalition of forces the other version of the story we forces the other version of the story we have comes from usus who would later have comes from usus who would later have comes from usus who would later drift in and out of Constantine's court drift in and out of Constantine's court drift in and out of Constantine's court and in addition to many other scholarly and in addition to many other scholarly and in addition to many other scholarly Works including a very famous history of Works including a very famous history of Works including a very famous history of the early church he would write the the early church he would write the the early church he would write the emperor's first official emperor's first official emperor's first official biography in that biography euseius biography in that biography euseius biography in that biography euseius relays a version of events that he relays a version of events that he relays a version of events that he swears came straight from Constantine swears came straight from Constantine swears came straight from Constantine himself at some point to the battle the himself at some point to the battle the himself at some point to the battle the future Emperor was marching along with future Emperor was marching along with future Emperor was marching along with his men when he suddenly saw a vision

his men when he suddenly saw a vision his men when he suddenly saw a vision above the Sun a cross of light with the above the Sun a cross of light with the above the Sun a cross of light with the Greek words in this sign conquer written Greek words in this sign conquer written Greek words in this sign conquer written alongside by the time Constantine was alongside by the time Constantine was alongside by the time Constantine was relaying the story to euseius the relaying the story to euseius the relaying the story to euseius the emperor added the further embellishment emperor added the further embellishment emperor added the further embellishment that he was not the only one to see it that he was not the only one to see it that he was not the only one to see it and then in fact his whole Army shared and then in fact his whole Army shared and then in fact his whole Army shared in the in the in the vision euseius then continues with his vision euseius then continues with his vision euseius then continues with his version of the lactantius story that on version of the lactantius story that on version of the lactantius story that on the night before the battle Constantine the night before the battle Constantine the night before the battle Constantine was visited by Christ himself who told was visited by Christ himself who told was visited by Christ himself who told Constantine to use the Cairo as a symbol Constantine to use the Cairo as a symbol Constantine to use the Cairo as a symbol of power against his of power against his of power against his enemies this prompted Constantine to enemies this prompted Constantine to enemies this prompted Constantine to create the labarum a military standard create the labarum a military standard create the labarum a military standard that featured the Cairo a top a more that featured the Cairo a top a more that featured the Cairo a top a more traditional cross of which there is also traditional cross of which there is also traditional cross of which there is also a picture at the history of rome. a picture at the history of rome. a picture at the history of rome. tapad.com so what are we to make of all this just so what are we to make of all this just to dispense with modern Scholars put to dispense with modern Scholars put to dispense with modern Scholars put almost no stock in the vision in the sky almost no stock in the vision in the sky almost no stock in the vision in the sky story and certainly no stock in the bit story and certainly no stock in the bit story and certainly no stock in the bit about the whole Army sharing the about the whole Army sharing the about the whole Army sharing the vision instead they mark it down as a vision instead they mark it down as a vision instead they mark it down as a later bit of useful fiction probably later bit of useful fiction probably later bit of useful fiction probably designed to continue the conflation designed to continue the conflation designed to continue the conflation between the old God soulen victus and between the old God soulen victus and between the old God soulen victus and Constantine's new powerful Christian Constantine's new powerful Christian Constantine's new powerful Christian God the dream on the night before the God the dream on the night before the God the dream on the night before the battle on the other hand is at least battle on the other hand is at least battle on the other hand is at least plausible men do dream powerful dreams plausible men do dream powerful dreams plausible men do dream powerful dreams after all but what Constantine did with after all but what Constantine did with after all but what Constantine did with the information Jesus or whoever had the information Jesus or whoever had the information Jesus or whoever had given him is still given him is still given him is still unknown did he really paint a Cairo on

unknown did he really paint a Cairo on unknown did he really paint a Cairo on the shields of all 40,000 of his men the shields of all 40,000 of his men the shields of all 40,000 of his men this seems a bit cumbersome for the this seems a bit cumbersome for the this seems a bit cumbersome for the morning of a great battle so maybe he morning of a great battle so maybe he morning of a great battle so maybe he just painted the shields of his just painted the shields of his just painted the shields of his bodyguard or maybe the shield painting bodyguard or maybe the shield painting bodyguard or maybe the shield painting never happened at all and his army never happened at all and his army never happened at all and his army simply took the field behind a hastily simply took the field behind a hastily simply took the field behind a hastily cobbled together cobbled together cobbled together labarum or maybe the whole business labarum or maybe the whole business labarum or maybe the whole business about the Cairo is Ana about the Cairo is Ana about the Cairo is Ana anism though the labarum would by anism though the labarum would by anism though the labarum would by eusebius's time be one of Constantine's eusebius's time be one of Constantine's eusebius's time be one of Constantine's most powerful symbols there is no actual most powerful symbols there is no actual most powerful symbols there is no actual proof that it was employed as early as proof that it was employed as early as proof that it was employed as early as 312 and the fact that it appears nowhere 312 and the fact that it appears nowhere 312 and the fact that it appears nowhere on Constantine's triumphal Arch does on Constantine's triumphal Arch does on Constantine's triumphal Arch does seem a bit odd given the central place seem a bit odd given the central place seem a bit odd given the central place in the narrative it later in the narrative it later in the narrative it later enjoyed nor for that matter is there any enjoyed nor for that matter is there any enjoyed nor for that matter is there any proof that at this point Constantine was proof that at this point Constantine was proof that at this point Constantine was openly advertising a direct connection openly advertising a direct connection openly advertising a direct connection with the Christian God which you think with the Christian God which you think with the Christian God which you think would be pretty unequivocal at this point so I think what we're dealing with point so I think what we're dealing with here is a case where Constantine wanted here is a case where Constantine wanted here is a case where Constantine wanted to leave himself room to maneuver as to leave himself room to maneuver as to leave himself room to maneuver as events events events unfolded but then wanted to cement one unfolded but then wanted to cement one unfolded but then wanted to cement one particular version of the story a very particular version of the story a very particular version of the story a very Christian version of the story once it Christian version of the story once it Christian version of the story once it was all was all was all over that's why it's difficult to make over that's why it's difficult to make over that's why it's difficult to make hard judgments about how and when he hard judgments about how and when he hard judgments about how and when he became a Christian and how sincere he became a Christian and how sincere he became a Christian and how sincere he was and how much he attributed his was and how much he attributed his was and how much he attributed his success to the the Christian God at the success to the the Christian God at the success to the the Christian God at the time we know that down the road he time we know that down the road he time we know that down the road he definitely stated that he had been definitely stated that he had been definitely stated that he had been serving the Christian God all along but

serving the Christian God all along but serving the Christian God all along but at the time Constantine used vague at the time Constantine used vague at the time Constantine used vague enough symbols and vague enough language enough symbols and vague enough language enough symbols and vague enough language that his meaning could be interpreted that his meaning could be interpreted that his meaning could be interpreted multiple multiple multiple ways I am sure that Constantine's ways I am sure that Constantine's ways I am sure that Constantine's religious dissimilation was good religious dissimilation was good religious dissimilation was good politics at the time but it sure makes politics at the time but it sure makes politics at the time but it sure makes it hard to untangle what really happened it hard to untangle what really happened it hard to untangle what really happened and why and why and why okay now that that's all out of the way okay now that that's all out of the way okay now that that's all out of the way we need to turn our attention back to we need to turn our attention back to we need to turn our attention back to worldly events in order to fully set the worldly events in order to fully set the worldly events in order to fully set the stage for Constantine Showdown with stage for Constantine Showdown with stage for Constantine Showdown with maenas which I thought we were going to maenas which I thought we were going to maenas which I thought we were going to get to this week but because of time get to this week but because of time get to this week but because of time constraints we won't get to the actual constraints we won't get to the actual constraints we won't get to the actual Battle of the milvian bridge until next week counterintuitively the first thing week counterintuitively the first thing we need to cover is the political we need to cover is the political we need to cover is the political situation in the situation in the situation in the East following garious death in May 311 East following garious death in May 311 East following garious death in May 311 Maxim and his Dia wasted no time Maxim and his Dia wasted no time Maxim and his Dia wasted no time ensuring that his days of being passed ensuring that his days of being passed ensuring that his days of being passed over were over were over were over he was likely in Antioch when word over he was likely in Antioch when word over he was likely in Antioch when word came that garius was dead and right away came that garius was dead and right away came that garius was dead and right away maximinus marched West intent on maximinus marched West intent on maximinus marched West intent on grabbing the whole of Asia Minor before grabbing the whole of Asia Minor before grabbing the whole of Asia Minor before anyone else could anyone else could anyone else could react the anyone else he had to worry react the anyone else he had to worry react the anyone else he had to worry about was linius who since his elevation about was linius who since his elevation about was linius who since his elevation to Augustus in 308 had been based in to Augustus in 308 had been based in to Augustus in 308 had been based in panonia Linus did indeed pack up and panonia Linus did indeed pack up and panonia Linus did indeed pack up and head east but in the foot race to the head east but in the foot race to the head east but in the foot race to the helis font he was beaten by Maxim helis font he was beaten by Maxim helis font he was beaten by Maxim Menace the two Emperors then met on a Menace the two Emperors then met on a Menace the two Emperors then met on a boat on that sliver of water separating

boat on that sliver of water separating boat on that sliver of water separating Europe from Asia and agreed to use the Europe from Asia and agreed to use the Europe from Asia and agreed to use the helison as the dividing line between helison as the dividing line between helison as the dividing line between their respective spheres of influence their respective spheres of influence their respective spheres of influence maximinus would control the whole of the maximinus would control the whole of the maximinus would control the whole of the East while linius would control Greece East while linius would control Greece East while linius would control Greece panonia and the danu panonia and the danu panonia and the danu frontier for about 12 seconds then frontier for about 12 seconds then frontier for about 12 seconds then maximinus and linius were in Alliance at about this same time back in Italy at about this same time back in Italy maxentius decided that with garious out maxentius decided that with garious out maxentius decided that with garious out of the picture it was time to once again of the picture it was time to once again of the picture it was time to once again assert his right to power only this time assert his right to power only this time assert his right to power only this time even more aggressively than even more aggressively than even more aggressively than before to this end he decided that if he before to this end he decided that if he before to this end he decided that if he controlled the whole Western Empire that controlled the whole Western Empire that controlled the whole Western Empire that linius and maximinus would be forced to linius and maximinus would be forced to linius and maximinus would be forced to recognize him which meant bumping off recognize him which meant bumping off recognize him which meant bumping off Constantine embracing that old dutiful Constantine embracing that old dutiful Constantine embracing that old dutiful son angle maxentius used Constantine's son angle maxentius used Constantine's son angle maxentius used Constantine's mistreatment of his father and his mistreatment of his father and his mistreatment of his father and his father's Legacy as a causus belly and father's Legacy as a causus belly and father's Legacy as a causus belly and declared war on his brother-in-law in declared war on his brother-in-law in declared war on his brother-in-law in mid mid mid 311 that at least is the version of 311 that at least is the version of 311 that at least is the version of History Constantine promoted immediately History Constantine promoted immediately History Constantine promoted immediately following his victory over following his victory over following his victory over maxentius whether or not this version is maxentius whether or not this version is maxentius whether or not this version is true however is an open question and it true however is an open question and it true however is an open question and it certainly doesn't help that later in certainly doesn't help that later in certainly doesn't help that later in life Constantine would change his story life Constantine would change his story life Constantine would change his story and promote a different verion of events and promote a different verion of events and promote a different verion of events that has him initiating the war as a that has him initiating the war as a that has him initiating the war as a noble and divinely inspired of course noble and divinely inspired of course noble and divinely inspired of course mission to free Rome from the evil Pagan mission to free Rome from the evil Pagan mission to free Rome from the evil Pagan Tyrant mxenes

Tyrant mxenes Tyrant mxenes so it is tough to say for sure who fired so it is tough to say for sure who fired so it is tough to say for sure who fired the first shot and why but whoever did the first shot and why but whoever did the first shot and why but whoever did what win in the spring of 312 what win in the spring of 312 what win in the spring of 312 Constantine and mxenes would be at Constantine and mxenes would be at Constantine and mxenes would be at war in preparation for the conflict war in preparation for the conflict war in preparation for the conflict either because he had just declared war either because he had just declared war either because he had just declared war or because mxenes had had just declared or because mxenes had had just declared or because mxenes had had just declared war on him Constantine reached out to war on him Constantine reached out to war on him Constantine reached out to linius to secure an linius to secure an linius to secure an alliance this Alliance which would alliance this Alliance which would alliance this Alliance which would isolate Italy and ensure Constantine isolate Italy and ensure Constantine isolate Italy and ensure Constantine would not be jumped from behind while he would not be jumped from behind while he would not be jumped from behind while he dealt with maxus was cemented by the dealt with maxus was cemented by the dealt with maxus was cemented by the engagement of Constantine sister to engagement of Constantine sister to engagement of Constantine sister to Linus a marriage that would eventually Linus a marriage that would eventually Linus a marriage that would eventually take place in early 313 take place in early 313 take place in early 313 ad when Maxim Minista and maenas ad when Maxim Minista and maenas ad when Maxim Minista and maenas received word that like kinas and received word that like kinas and received word that like kinas and Constantine were now in cahoots it did Constantine were now in cahoots it did Constantine were now in cahoots it did not take long for either men to not take long for either men to not take long for either men to recognize how much this shifted the recognize how much this shifted the recognize how much this shifted the balance of power away from them so Maxim balance of power away from them so Maxim balance of power away from them so Maxim Minista now technically the longest Minista now technically the longest Minista now technically the longest serving of the Emperors sent envoys to serving of the Emperors sent envoys to serving of the Emperors sent envoys to maxentius in Rome promising political maxentius in Rome promising political maxentius in Rome promising political recognition and full legitimacy in recognition and full legitimacy in recognition and full legitimacy in exchange for a military exchange for a military exchange for a military Alliance since this is what Max sanes Alliance since this is what Max sanes Alliance since this is what Max sanes had wanted all along he readily agreed had wanted all along he readily agreed had wanted all along he readily agreed to The Pact and so the battle lines were to The Pact and so the battle lines were to The Pact and so the battle lines were drawn Constantine and linius versus drawn Constantine and linius versus drawn Constantine and linius versus maxentius and Maxim Dia over the course of the winter 311 Dia over the course of the winter 311 312 a winter I should remind you that 312 a winter I should remind you that 312 a winter I should remind you that saw Diocesan finally die Constantine and

saw Diocesan finally die Constantine and saw Diocesan finally die Constantine and his advisers mold over what to do his advisers mold over what to do his advisers mold over what to do next for most of Constantine's Inner next for most of Constantine's Inner next for most of Constantine's Inner Circle there were two paths to Victory Circle there were two paths to Victory Circle there were two paths to Victory one remain in Gaul and wait for one remain in Gaul and wait for one remain in Gaul and wait for maxentius to come to them which will maxentius to come to them which will maxentius to come to them which will leave him outnumbered fighting in enemy leave him outnumbered fighting in enemy leave him outnumbered fighting in enemy territory ill supplied and constantly territory ill supplied and constantly territory ill supplied and constantly worrying about the political situation worrying about the political situation worrying about the political situation back in Italy or to remain in Gaul and back in Italy or to remain in Gaul and back in Italy or to remain in Gaul and hope Maxes stays in Italy where besieged hope Maxes stays in Italy where besieged hope Maxes stays in Italy where besieged from all sides and forced to raise ever from all sides and forced to raise ever from all sides and forced to raise ever more taxes and Levy ever more troops to more taxes and Levy ever more troops to more taxes and Levy ever more troops to stay in power his regime will eventually stay in power his regime will eventually stay in power his regime will eventually be toppled from within by Angry Italians be toppled from within by Angry Italians be toppled from within by Angry Italians who Constantine's advisers had it on who Constantine's advisers had it on who Constantine's advisers had it on very good authority had grown very good authority had grown very good authority had grown disenchanted with the disenchanted with the disenchanted with the man either way the smart play the safe man either way the smart play the safe man either way the smart play the safe play and the winning play was to remain play and the winning play was to remain play and the winning play was to remain in in in Gaul which is why Constantine announced Gaul which is why Constantine announced Gaul which is why Constantine announced his intention to invade Italy wait his intention to invade Italy wait his intention to invade Italy wait what next week yes you heard me right what next week yes you heard me right what next week yes you heard me right Constantine will invade Constantine will invade Constantine will invade Italy whether he just thought it was Italy whether he just thought it was Italy whether he just thought it was good strategy or whether he really good strategy or whether he really good strategy or whether he really thought God was on his side and would thought God was on his side and would thought God was on his side and would protect him Constantine would set off in protect him Constantine would set off in protect him Constantine would set off in the spring of 312 on an audacious march the spring of 312 on an audacious march the spring of 312 on an audacious march on on on Rome he had no good reason to think he Rome he had no good reason to think he Rome he had no good reason to think he would fare any better than searis or would fare any better than searis or would fare any better than searis or garus who had both found Rome garus who had both found Rome garus who had both found Rome impenetrable but when he arrived at the impenetrable but when he arrived at the impenetrable but when he arrived at the Eternal City he would find himself the Eternal City he would find himself the Eternal City he would find himself the benefactor of what could be described if

benefactor of what could be described if benefactor of what could be described if you were so inclined as a miracle you were so inclined as a miracle you were so inclined as a miracle [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 133 the Milan bridge last week we laid the groundwork bridge last week we laid the groundwork for Constantine Showdown with Maxis a for Constantine Showdown with Maxis a for Constantine Showdown with Maxis a showdown that would culminate with the showdown that would culminate with the showdown that would culminate with the epic battle of the Milan Bridge a battle epic battle of the Milan Bridge a battle epic battle of the Milan Bridge a battle that has gone down as one of the most that has gone down as one of the most that has gone down as one of the most important in world important in world important in world history as momentous an event as it was history as momentous an event as it was history as momentous an event as it was though it is important to keep in mind though it is important to keep in mind though it is important to keep in mind that at the time there was absolutely no that at the time there was absolutely no that at the time there was absolutely no indication that the battle would take on indication that the battle would take on indication that the battle would take on such enormous significance down the road such enormous significance down the road such enormous significance down the road at the time it was just another clash in at the time it was just another clash in at the time it was just another clash in the tetrarchy running Civil War a clash the tetrarchy running Civil War a clash the tetrarchy running Civil War a clash fought between two ambitious men who fought between two ambitious men who fought between two ambitious men who wielded a great deal of power and wanted wielded a great deal of power and wanted wielded a great deal of power and wanted to wield a great deal more it was not to wield a great deal more it was not to wield a great deal more it was not yet seen as a Monumental battle between yet seen as a Monumental battle between yet seen as a Monumental battle between Christianity and paganism and Christianity and paganism and Christianity and paganism and Constantine's victory was not yet being Constantine's victory was not yet being Constantine's victory was not yet being painted as the inevitable victory Of God

painted as the inevitable victory Of God painted as the inevitable victory Of God over the over the over the gods Constantine's victory over gods Constantine's victory over gods Constantine's victory over maxentius was a big deal after all it maxentius was a big deal after all it maxentius was a big deal after all it left him in sole control of the Western left him in sole control of the Western left him in sole control of the Western Empire but it was a big deal only in The Empire but it was a big deal only in The Empire but it was a big deal only in The Limited sense of how much it Limited sense of how much it Limited sense of how much it strengthened his position relative to strengthened his position relative to strengthened his position relative to maximinus DIA and linius his partners maximinus DIA and linius his partners maximinus DIA and linius his partners in/ rals for power had things turned out in/ rals for power had things turned out in/ rals for power had things turned out differently that is had Constantine not differently that is had Constantine not differently that is had Constantine not eventually wound up on top the fact that eventually wound up on top the fact that eventually wound up on top the fact that prior to some ultimately irrelevant prior to some ultimately irrelevant prior to some ultimately irrelevant battle he had his men paint some random battle he had his men paint some random battle he had his men paint some random symbol on their Shields would not have symbol on their Shields would not have symbol on their Shields would not have mattered at all but he did wind up on mattered at all but he did wind up on mattered at all but he did wind up on top and so it does matter and because top and so it does matter and because top and so it does matter and because down the road the battle of the Milian down the road the battle of the Milian down the road the battle of the Milian bridge will be pointed to as the moment bridge will be pointed to as the moment bridge will be pointed to as the moment when the christianization of the western when the christianization of the western when the christianization of the western world really got going it matters a lot nowhere was the non- inevitability lot nowhere was the non- inevitability of Constantine's Victory more acutely of Constantine's Victory more acutely of Constantine's Victory more acutely felt than in his inner felt than in his inner felt than in his inner circle having determined that the best circle having determined that the best circle having determined that the best way to handle Max cenis would be to way to handle Max cenis would be to way to handle Max cenis would be to remain in Gaul there was much remain in Gaul there was much remain in Gaul there was much consternation in the spring of 312 as consternation in the spring of 312 as consternation in the spring of 312 as they found themselves instead organizing they found themselves instead organizing they found themselves instead organizing the invasion of the invasion of the invasion of Italy nothing they felt could have Italy nothing they felt could have Italy nothing they felt could have played more into max cis's hands played more into max cis's hands played more into max cis's hands Constantine forces would be numerically Constantine forces would be numerically Constantine forces would be numerically inferior they would be fighting on Max inferior they would be fighting on Max inferior they would be fighting on Max census's turf and perhaps most census's turf and perhaps most census's turf and perhaps most importantly of all they would be giving importantly of all they would be giving importantly of all they would be giving Max sanus a chance to win before his Max sanus a chance to win before his Max sanus a chance to win before his domestic political troubles had a chance domestic political troubles had a chance domestic political troubles had a chance to bring him down without Constantine to bring him down without Constantine to bring him down without Constantine needing to lift a finger because word on

needing to lift a finger because word on needing to lift a finger because word on the street was that the Romans were not the street was that the Romans were not the street was that the Romans were not as hot on maxentius as they had once as hot on maxentius as they had once as hot on maxentius as they had once been the masses had supported him been the masses had supported him been the masses had supported him initially because they basically initially because they basically initially because they basically supported anyone who brought the bread supported anyone who brought the bread supported anyone who brought the bread in circuses but years of estrangement in circuses but years of estrangement in circuses but years of estrangement from Africa and the consequent from Africa and the consequent from Africa and the consequent disruption of the bred part of that disruption of the bred part of that disruption of the bred part of that equation had more or less soured the mob equation had more or less soured the mob equation had more or less soured the mob on their Emperor the aristocracy had on their Emperor the aristocracy had on their Emperor the aristocracy had backed him initially because they backed him initially because they backed him initially because they believed that he would help restore believed that he would help restore believed that he would help restore their ancient privileges but instead he their ancient privileges but instead he their ancient privileges but instead he was taxing them harder and faster than was taxing them harder and faster than was taxing them harder and faster than the tetrarchy had in maxent's defense he the tetrarchy had in maxent's defense he the tetrarchy had in maxent's defense he had an army to pay for and a government had an army to pay for and a government had an army to pay for and a government to pay for and infrastructure projects to pay for and infrastructure projects to pay for and infrastructure projects to pay for and unlike Emperor's past he to pay for and unlike Emperor's past he to pay for and unlike Emperor's past he wasn't able to offset these cost with wasn't able to offset these cost with wasn't able to offset these cost with provincial taxes but still after 5 years provincial taxes but still after 5 years provincial taxes but still after 5 years in power he had pretty much alienated in power he had pretty much alienated in power he had pretty much alienated all of his subjects now it should be obvious why he subjects now it should be obvious why he had an army to pay for and a government had an army to pay for and a government had an army to pay for and a government to pay for but what of these to pay for but what of these to pay for but what of these infrastructure projects of which you infrastructure projects of which you infrastructure projects of which you speak if heavy taxation was threatening speak if heavy taxation was threatening speak if heavy taxation was threatening his political position why indulge in his political position why indulge in his political position why indulge in public works public works public works projects the answer is that Max SES projects the answer is that Max SES projects the answer is that Max SES thought that he was actually Shoring up thought that he was actually Shoring up thought that he was actually Shoring up his political position rather than his political position rather than his political position rather than undermining it it had been a long time undermining it it had been a long time undermining it it had been a long time since an emperor or whatever Max cenus since an emperor or whatever Max cenus since an emperor or whatever Max cenus was had taken a keen interest in the was had taken a keen interest in the was had taken a keen interest in the architectural well-being of the capital architectural well-being of the capital architectural well-being of the capital and Maxes figured that that meant he had and Maxes figured that that meant he had and Maxes figured that that meant he had a golden opportunity to put his own a golden opportunity to put his own a golden opportunity to put his own stamp on the Eternal City provide

stamp on the Eternal City provide stamp on the Eternal City provide excellent new public spaces for the excellent new public spaces for the excellent new public spaces for the population and leave future Generations population and leave future Generations population and leave future Generations remembering how great and wonderful remembering how great and wonderful remembering how great and wonderful mxenes had mxenes had mxenes had been and though that last bit had to been and though that last bit had to been and though that last bit had to take a detour through constant in's take a detour through constant in's take a detour through constant in's co-option of all these projects co-option of all these projects co-option of all these projects following the Battle of the milvian following the Battle of the milvian following the Battle of the milvian bridge mxenes was successful in making bridge mxenes was successful in making bridge mxenes was successful in making his stamp on the Eternal City permanent his stamp on the Eternal City permanent his stamp on the Eternal City permanent as visitors to The Forum still Marvel as visitors to The Forum still Marvel as visitors to The Forum still Marvel today at the remains of the Basilica of today at the remains of the Basilica of today at the remains of the Basilica of macenas one of the largest freestanding macenas one of the largest freestanding macenas one of the largest freestanding buildings the Romans ever buildings the Romans ever buildings the Romans ever built but though in the long run his built but though in the long run his built but though in the long run his projects were seen as a net positive projects were seen as a net positive projects were seen as a net positive right now they were too much drain and right now they were too much drain and right now they were too much drain and not enough gain leaving many of the not enough gain leaving many of the not enough gain leaving many of the Elites in Rome not exactly adverse to Elites in Rome not exactly adverse to Elites in Rome not exactly adverse to the idea of a Constantine the idea of a Constantine the idea of a Constantine Victory this coupled with the lingering Victory this coupled with the lingering Victory this coupled with the lingering resentment of the masses who were still resentment of the masses who were still resentment of the masses who were still angry about the food shortages left angry about the food shortages left angry about the food shortages left maxentius in a precarious position maxentius in a precarious position maxentius in a precarious position politically which is why Constantine's politically which is why Constantine's politically which is why Constantine's advisers wanted to wait and let nature advisers wanted to wait and let nature advisers wanted to wait and let nature take its course but Constantine was take its course but Constantine was take its course but Constantine was determined to invade possibly because he determined to invade possibly because he determined to invade possibly because he knew that God was on his side leaving the majority of troops side leaving the majority of troops behind to keep an eye on the Frontiers behind to keep an eye on the Frontiers behind to keep an eye on the Frontiers and Constantine marched through the Alps and Constantine marched through the Alps and Constantine marched through the Alps in the spring of 312 with a force of in the spring of 312 with a force of in the spring of 312 with a force of about 40,000 men representing roughly about 40,000 men representing roughly about 40,000 men representing roughly one quarter of all his available troops one quarter of all his available troops one quarter of all his available troops but critically less than half of the but critically less than half of the but critically less than half of the 100,000 man army maxentius had at his 100,000 man army maxentius had at his 100,000 man army maxentius had at his disposal so it's a good thing God was on

disposal so it's a good thing God was on disposal so it's a good thing God was on his side because otherwise Constantine's his side because otherwise Constantine's his side because otherwise Constantine's plan looked a little plan looked a little plan looked a little kooky but God was not the only thing kooky but God was not the only thing kooky but God was not the only thing Constantine had on his side Constantine had on his side Constantine had on his side his 40,000 men were highly trained his 40,000 men were highly trained his 40,000 men were highly trained veteran soldiers mostly German and veteran soldiers mostly German and veteran soldiers mostly German and intensely loyal to intensely loyal to intensely loyal to Constantine by contrast Max census's Constantine by contrast Max census's Constantine by contrast Max census's 100,000 men were mostly raw recruits 100,000 men were mostly raw recruits 100,000 men were mostly raw recruits whose loyalty to maxentius was dubious whose loyalty to maxentius was dubious whose loyalty to maxentius was dubious at at at best so maybe Constantine wasn't resting best so maybe Constantine wasn't resting best so maybe Constantine wasn't resting all his hopes on the grace of God the first Italian city Constantine God the first Italian city Constantine hid on the east side of the Alps was a hid on the east side of the Alps was a hid on the east side of the Alps was a fortified town called gum and though it fortified town called gum and though it fortified town called gum and though it made a show of resisting there was very made a show of resisting there was very made a show of resisting there was very little they could do and soon they were little they could do and soon they were little they could do and soon they were at Constantine's at Constantine's at Constantine's Mercy but after burning down the gate Mercy but after burning down the gate Mercy but after burning down the gate and capturing the town Constantine and capturing the town Constantine and capturing the town Constantine demonstrated to everyone friend and foe demonstrated to everyone friend and foe demonstrated to everyone friend and foe alike exactly what kind of conqueror he alike exactly what kind of conqueror he alike exactly what kind of conqueror he planned to be and he ordered his men to planned to be and he ordered his men to planned to be and he ordered his men to refrain from any refrain from any refrain from any plundering this of course stood in stark plundering this of course stood in stark plundering this of course stood in stark contrast to Gus's punitive March through contrast to Gus's punitive March through contrast to Gus's punitive March through Italy back in 307 Italy back in 307 Italy back in 307 Constantine was trying to win a military Constantine was trying to win a military Constantine was trying to win a military campaign yes but winning the political campaign yes but winning the political campaign yes but winning the political campaign was even more campaign was even more campaign was even more important in the opening Skirmish of the important in the opening Skirmish of the important in the opening Skirmish of the war then he had scored a minor victory war then he had scored a minor victory war then he had scored a minor victory in the former but a huge victory in the in the former but a huge victory in the in the former but a huge victory in the latter a victory that would lay the latter a victory that would lay the latter a victory that would lay the groundwork for the rest of the

groundwork for the rest of the groundwork for the rest of the campaign the first significant fighting campaign the first significant fighting campaign the first significant fighting took place a bit further east near the took place a bit further east near the took place a bit further east near the modern city of Torino where a formidable modern city of Torino where a formidable modern city of Torino where a formidable contingent of Mac census's cavalry contingent of Mac census's cavalry contingent of Mac census's cavalry pounced on Constantine's marching Army pounced on Constantine's marching Army pounced on Constantine's marching Army but Constantine was able to successfully but Constantine was able to successfully but Constantine was able to successfully flank them and maxent's forces were flank them and maxent's forces were flank them and maxent's forces were driven driven driven off the defeated Horsemen made for off the defeated Horsemen made for off the defeated Horsemen made for Torino but the inhabitants of the city Torino but the inhabitants of the city Torino but the inhabitants of the city refused to open the gates to them refused to open the gates to them refused to open the gates to them forcing maxus his men out of the region forcing maxus his men out of the region forcing maxus his men out of the region completely Constantine then marched completely Constantine then marched completely Constantine then marched unchallenged to Milan where the gates unchallenged to Milan where the gates unchallenged to Milan where the gates were thrown open and he was welcomed by were thrown open and he was welcomed by were thrown open and he was welcomed by a cheering a cheering a cheering crowd yes the military war was going crowd yes the military war was going crowd yes the military war was going fine but but the political war was going great Constantine then remained in Milan great Constantine then remained in Milan for a bit consolidating his position and for a bit consolidating his position and for a bit consolidating his position and resting his men because though it had resting his men because though it had resting his men because though it had been pretty easy going so far no one had been pretty easy going so far no one had been pretty easy going so far no one had any illusions that the going was going any illusions that the going was going any illusions that the going was going to stay this to stay this to stay this easy the first real test came in easy the first real test came in easy the first real test came in Midsummer when Constantine Advanced East Midsummer when Constantine Advanced East Midsummer when Constantine Advanced East to face Max census's main forward Army to face Max census's main forward Army to face Max census's main forward Army led by the capable petorian prefect rii led by the capable petorian prefect rii led by the capable petorian prefect rii pompeiis the same man who had been pompeiis the same man who had been pompeiis the same man who had been dispatched to Africa to take down dispatched to Africa to take down dispatched to Africa to take down demidas demidas demidas Alexander rius had H up in the modern Alexander rius had H up in the modern Alexander rius had H up in the modern city of Verona which was easily city of Verona which was easily city of Verona which was easily defensible as it was bounded on three defensible as it was bounded on three defensible as it was bounded on three sides by a river and he was essentially sides by a river and he was essentially sides by a river and he was essentially daring Constantine to try and dislodge daring Constantine to try and dislodge daring Constantine to try and dislodge him Constantine took the Dare and sent a

him Constantine took the Dare and sent a him Constantine took the Dare and sent a Detachment of men around north of the Detachment of men around north of the Detachment of men around north of the city with orders to cross the river city with orders to cross the river city with orders to cross the river unnoticed and slip over the relatively unnoticed and slip over the relatively unnoticed and slip over the relatively under Garrison north wall under Garrison north wall under Garrison north wall however rius was alerted to the maneuver however rius was alerted to the maneuver however rius was alerted to the maneuver and sent a force in to quash the and sent a force in to quash the and sent a force in to quash the attempt but his much larger force was attempt but his much larger force was attempt but his much larger force was somehow defeated by Constantine's small somehow defeated by Constantine's small somehow defeated by Constantine's small Expedition this is about the time when Expedition this is about the time when Expedition this is about the time when God really starts to enter the equation God really starts to enter the equation God really starts to enter the equation because Constantine is about to make a because Constantine is about to make a because Constantine is about to make a habit of winning despite being vastly habit of winning despite being vastly habit of winning despite being vastly outnumbered then again maybe it was just outnumbered then again maybe it was just outnumbered then again maybe it was just a matter of the relative quality of the a matter of the relative quality of the a matter of the relative quality of the soldiers on each side soldiers on each side soldiers on each side then again maybe it was just then again maybe it was just then again maybe it was just luck thwarted in his initial surprise luck thwarted in his initial surprise luck thwarted in his initial surprise attack Constantine decided to follow up attack Constantine decided to follow up attack Constantine decided to follow up with the opposite approach he surrounded with the opposite approach he surrounded with the opposite approach he surrounded the city completely and settled in for a the city completely and settled in for a the city completely and settled in for a good oldfashioned siege Thinking Fast rius slipped out of siege Thinking Fast rius slipped out of the city before the clamp down was the city before the clamp down was the city before the clamp down was complete and made his way south to complete and made his way south to complete and made his way south to collect a relief collect a relief collect a relief Force the idea would be to bring this Force the idea would be to bring this Force the idea would be to bring this Force up make Constantine break away Force up make Constantine break away Force up make Constantine break away from the Siege to face them and allow from the Siege to face them and allow from the Siege to face them and allow the Army inside Verona to come pouring the Army inside Verona to come pouring the Army inside Verona to come pouring out trapping Constantine between the two out trapping Constantine between the two out trapping Constantine between the two armies and hopefully destroying armies and hopefully destroying armies and hopefully destroying him but as the relief Army neared the him but as the relief Army neared the him but as the relief Army neared the city rius discovered that Constantine city rius discovered that Constantine city rius discovered that Constantine was refusing to break off The Siege and was refusing to break off The Siege and was refusing to break off The Siege and instead had sent what appeared to be instead had sent what appeared to be instead had sent what appeared to be only a token resistance force to halt only a token resistance force to halt only a token resistance force to halt his

his his March okay so much the better then now March okay so much the better then now March okay so much the better then now we get to trap him right against the we get to trap him right against the we get to trap him right against the city walls that'll work too city walls that'll work too city walls that'll work too and here's where God shows his hand and here's where God shows his hand and here's where God shows his hand again or maybe just where Constantine again or maybe just where Constantine again or maybe just where Constantine soldiers show that they are just flat soldiers show that they are just flat soldiers show that they are just flat out better again or maybe more out better again or maybe more out better again or maybe more luck Constantine's Defense Force met luck Constantine's Defense Force met luck Constantine's Defense Force met rias's much larger relief Army and after rias's much larger relief Army and after rias's much larger relief Army and after a hotly contested fight utterly routed a hotly contested fight utterly routed a hotly contested fight utterly routed them rius himself was killed in the them rius himself was killed in the them rius himself was killed in the battle the soldiers left inside Verona battle the soldiers left inside Verona battle the soldiers left inside Verona now leaderless and demoralized decided now leaderless and demoralized decided now leaderless and demoralized decided there was no use resisting anymore and there was no use resisting anymore and there was no use resisting anymore and open the gates to the seemingly open the gates to the seemingly open the gates to the seemingly Invincible Invincible Invincible Constantine in short order envoys from Constantine in short order envoys from Constantine in short order envoys from all the major Northern Italian cities all the major Northern Italian cities all the major Northern Italian cities including aquala and Rena arrived in including aquala and Rena arrived in including aquala and Rena arrived in Constantine's Camp to announce their Constantine's Camp to announce their Constantine's Camp to announce their surrender yes things were going just surrender yes things were going just surrender yes things were going just fine for Constantine but he still had one major Constantine but he still had one major obstacle to overcome and this was the obstacle to overcome and this was the obstacle to overcome and this was the obstacle that had broken first seas and obstacle that had broken first seas and obstacle that had broken first seas and then garious Rome itself then garious Rome itself then garious Rome itself the walls of the city had not gotten any the walls of the city had not gotten any the walls of the city had not gotten any shorter or any thinner since those two shorter or any thinner since those two shorter or any thinner since those two previous Emperors had made their attempt previous Emperors had made their attempt previous Emperors had made their attempt nor was the city any less garrisoned or nor was the city any less garrisoned or nor was the city any less garrisoned or any less any less any less provisioned a Siege seemed hopeless and provisioned a Siege seemed hopeless and provisioned a Siege seemed hopeless and there was no way on God's green earth there was no way on God's green earth there was no way on God's green earth that Max sensis was going to come out that Max sensis was going to come out that Max sensis was going to come out and offer battle not when he could sit and offer battle not when he could sit and offer battle not when he could sit tight inside the city and wait for tight inside the city and wait for tight inside the city and wait for Constantine to give up so what exactly

Constantine to give up so what exactly Constantine to give up so what exactly is the plan here I guess march on Rome is the plan here I guess march on Rome is the plan here I guess march on Rome and see what happens next well aware that Constantine was now next well aware that Constantine was now on his way mxenes ordered all the on his way mxenes ordered all the on his way mxenes ordered all the bridges spanning the Tyber demolished bridges spanning the Tyber demolished bridges spanning the Tyber demolished which would not necessarily stop which would not necessarily stop which would not necessarily stop Constantine's advance but it would slow Constantine's advance but it would slow Constantine's advance but it would slow him him him down except that Constantine was in no down except that Constantine was in no down except that Constantine was in no hurry knowing he was in full control of hurry knowing he was in full control of hurry knowing he was in full control of Northern Italy he marched South at a Northern Italy he marched South at a Northern Italy he marched South at a snail's pace letting each passing day snail's pace letting each passing day snail's pace letting each passing day add luster to the aura of inevitability add luster to the aura of inevitability add luster to the aura of inevitability he was now bathed in as summer gave way he was now bathed in as summer gave way he was now bathed in as summer gave way to fall the residents of every city town to fall the residents of every city town to fall the residents of every city town and farm Constantine pass cheered him and farm Constantine pass cheered him and farm Constantine pass cheered him and wished him well and hailed him as and wished him well and hailed him as and wished him well and hailed him as Emperor with the anticipation now Emperor with the anticipation now Emperor with the anticipation now killing them the citizens of Rome grew killing them the citizens of Rome grew killing them the citizens of Rome grew restless and demonstrations began to restless and demonstrations began to restless and demonstrations began to break out culminating with a pro break out culminating with a pro break out culminating with a pro constantinian chant at a set of chariot constantinian chant at a set of chariot constantinian chant at a set of chariot races Max sis was races Max sis was races Max sis was overseeing this all had the intended overseeing this all had the intended overseeing this all had the intended effect and macis began to seriously effect and macis began to seriously effect and macis began to seriously worry about his ability to hold out worry about his ability to hold out worry about his ability to hold out against a against a against a Siege the citizens had been with him Siege the citizens had been with him Siege the citizens had been with him when he fought searis and garious but when he fought searis and garious but when he fought searis and garious but right now the city looked like it was right now the city looked like it was right now the city looked like it was ready to welcome Constantine with open ready to welcome Constantine with open ready to welcome Constantine with open arms plus behind closed doors it was arms plus behind closed doors it was arms plus behind closed doors it was well known that the city was not in fact well known that the city was not in fact well known that the city was not in fact as well supplied as it had been before as well supplied as it had been before as well supplied as it had been before as the years of estrangement with Africa as the years of estrangement with Africa as the years of estrangement with Africa had taken their toll on the Imperial

had taken their toll on the Imperial had taken their toll on the Imperial stockpiles as much as they had the free stockpiles as much as they had the free stockpiles as much as they had the free graind graind graind Dole all of this led Max cenes to Dole all of this led Max cenes to Dole all of this led Max cenes to contemplate a course of action that no contemplate a course of action that no contemplate a course of action that no one thought he would take in a million one thought he would take in a million one thought he would take in a million years because I mean it would take a years because I mean it would take a years because I mean it would take a miracle to get him out from behind the miracle to get him out from behind the miracle to get him out from behind the aurelian walls with Constantine finally parked walls with Constantine finally parked just beyond the ruined milvan bridge on just beyond the ruined milvan bridge on just beyond the ruined milvan bridge on the north side of the Tyber in late the north side of the Tyber in late the north side of the Tyber in late October 312 ad mxenes consulted with his October 312 ad mxenes consulted with his October 312 ad mxenes consulted with his soothsayers to take the Pulse of the soothsayers to take the Pulse of the soothsayers to take the Pulse of the Gods so he could figure out what he Gods so he could figure out what he Gods so he could figure out what he should should should do as it turned out the morning he went do as it turned out the morning he went do as it turned out the morning he went to talk to them was the morning of to talk to them was the morning of to talk to them was the morning of October 28th which just so happened to October 28th which just so happened to October 28th which just so happened to be the sixth anniversary of his be the sixth anniversary of his be the sixth anniversary of his Reign these sorts of anniversaries were Reign these sorts of anniversaries were Reign these sorts of anniversaries were considered particularly auspicious and considered particularly auspicious and considered particularly auspicious and the suers then confirmed with other the suers then confirmed with other the suers then confirmed with other readings that the enemies of Rome would readings that the enemies of Rome would readings that the enemies of Rome would be defeated on that very be defeated on that very be defeated on that very day macenas needed no further prompting day macenas needed no further prompting day macenas needed no further prompting he ordered his army out of the gates and he ordered his army out of the gates and he ordered his army out of the gates and into the field he was going to take the into the field he was going to take the into the field he was going to take the fight to Constantine and settle this fight to Constantine and settle this fight to Constantine and settle this once and for once and for once and for all but of course as we learned last all but of course as we learned last all but of course as we learned last week on the night of October 27 week on the night of October 27 week on the night of October 27 Constantine had made his own Constantine had made his own Constantine had made his own Supernatural connection and now believed Supernatural connection and now believed Supernatural connection and now believed completely that he was fighting with the completely that he was fighting with the completely that he was fighting with the full blessing of the one true full blessing of the one true full blessing of the one true God with the magical Cairo leading the God with the magical Cairo leading the God with the magical Cairo leading the way either posted at top of standard or way either posted at top of standard or way either posted at top of standard or painted on the shields of his men his

painted on the shields of his men his painted on the shields of his men his army was truly army was truly army was truly Invincible that Maxes was now suddenly Invincible that Maxes was now suddenly Invincible that Maxes was now suddenly and inexplicably marching out of Rome to and inexplicably marching out of Rome to and inexplicably marching out of Rome to face them well is that not a miracle of face them well is that not a miracle of face them well is that not a miracle of God yes the enemies of Rome would be God yes the enemies of Rome would be God yes the enemies of Rome would be defeated on that day but the soothsayers defeated on that day but the soothsayers defeated on that day but the soothsayers never did say who those enemies of Rome never did say who those enemies of Rome never did say who those enemies of Rome were now did they so as you may have picked up they so as you may have picked up already the battle of the Milian Bridge already the battle of the Milian Bridge already the battle of the Milian Bridge is a bit of a misnomer is a bit of a misnomer is a bit of a misnomer after all prior to Constantine's arrival after all prior to Constantine's arrival after all prior to Constantine's arrival Maus had ordered all the bridges across Maus had ordered all the bridges across Maus had ordered all the bridges across the Tyber destroyed and that included the Tyber destroyed and that included the Tyber destroyed and that included the Milian Bridge so when Ma Sis's Army the Milian Bridge so when Ma Sis's Army the Milian Bridge so when Ma Sis's Army finished the short March from the finished the short March from the finished the short March from the flaminian gate to the spot on the Tyber flaminian gate to the spot on the Tyber flaminian gate to the spot on the Tyber where the bridge had stood he had to where the bridge had stood he had to where the bridge had stood he had to build a pontoon Bridge of rafts to get build a pontoon Bridge of rafts to get build a pontoon Bridge of rafts to get his men to the other side so I think the his men to the other side so I think the his men to the other side so I think the battle should technically be called The battle should technically be called The battle should technically be called The Battle of a spot near the spot where the Battle of a spot near the spot where the Battle of a spot near the spot where the Milan Bridge had been but where there Milan Bridge had been but where there Milan Bridge had been but where there was now a temporary pontoon was now a temporary pontoon was now a temporary pontoon bridge but that doesn't really roll off bridge but that doesn't really roll off bridge but that doesn't really roll off the tongue so Battle of the milvian the tongue so Battle of the milvian the tongue so Battle of the milvian bridge it bridge it bridge it is though Max cenis nullified his is though Max cenis nullified his is though Max cenis nullified his greatest Advantage when he decided to greatest Advantage when he decided to greatest Advantage when he decided to come out from behind the aelian walls come out from behind the aelian walls come out from behind the aelian walls when he took the field on the morning of when he took the field on the morning of when he took the field on the morning of October 28th he still had every reason October 28th he still had every reason October 28th he still had every reason to be confident as by all accounts he to be confident as by all accounts he to be confident as by all accounts he outnumbered Constantine something like 2 outnumbered Constantine something like 2 outnumbered Constantine something like 2 to one he arrayed his army in a long

to one he arrayed his army in a long to one he arrayed his army in a long line with its back to the river long line with its back to the river long line with its back to the river long enough that hopefully they would be able enough that hopefully they would be able enough that hopefully they would be able to envelop Constantine's smaller to envelop Constantine's smaller to envelop Constantine's smaller Army but not unlike the Greeks at Army but not unlike the Greeks at Army but not unlike the Greeks at Marathon Constantine decided to risk Marathon Constantine decided to risk Marathon Constantine decided to risk going to battle with too thin a line and going to battle with too thin a line and going to battle with too thin a line and extended his own to match the length of extended his own to match the length of extended his own to match the length of Max censuses to prevent an easy flanking Max censuses to prevent an easy flanking Max censuses to prevent an easy flanking move the two armies thus lined up move the two armies thus lined up move the two armies thus lined up Constantine took the initiative and Constantine took the initiative and Constantine took the initiative and ordered his Cavalry to attack Max ordered his Cavalry to attack Max ordered his Cavalry to attack Max census's census's census's Horsemen in short order Maxes is less Horsemen in short order Maxes is less Horsemen in short order Maxes is less Cavalry was broken up and Constantine Cavalry was broken up and Constantine Cavalry was broken up and Constantine ordered his infantry to ordered his infantry to ordered his infantry to advance the fight that ensued was a advance the fight that ensued was a advance the fight that ensued was a bitter one but bitter one but bitter one but short because it appears that short because it appears that short because it appears that Constantine simply took the field with Constantine simply took the field with Constantine simply took the field with more talented soldiers and so maxent's more talented soldiers and so maxent's more talented soldiers and so maxent's Army began to be pushed Army began to be pushed Army began to be pushed back here now Max census's decisive back here now Max census's decisive back here now Max census's decisive blunder was revealed to blunder was revealed to blunder was revealed to all he had lined up his army so close to all he had lined up his army so close to all he had lined up his army so close to the river that when they needed to fall the river that when they needed to fall the river that when they needed to fall back regroup they really had nowhere to back regroup they really had nowhere to back regroup they really had nowhere to go and things quickly got out of go and things quickly got out of go and things quickly got out of hand hoping to live to fight another day hand hoping to live to fight another day hand hoping to live to fight another day maxentius ordered a retreat back to Rome maxentius ordered a retreat back to Rome maxentius ordered a retreat back to Rome after all the aurelian walls haven't after all the aurelian walls haven't after all the aurelian walls haven't gone anywhere I can still hold out gone anywhere I can still hold out gone anywhere I can still hold out against The Siege but the order to against The Siege but the order to against The Siege but the order to retreat sparked Panic as way too many retreat sparked Panic as way too many retreat sparked Panic as way too many men tried to cross way too rickety upon men tried to cross way too rickety upon men tried to cross way too rickety upon pontoon bridge to get back to the safe pontoon bridge to get back to the safe pontoon bridge to get back to the safe side of the side of the side of the Tyber lactantius reports that as Max Tyber lactantius reports that as Max Tyber lactantius reports that as Max cenes himself self tried to cross the

cenes himself self tried to cross the cenes himself self tried to cross the river he was pushed aside by fleeing river he was pushed aside by fleeing river he was pushed aside by fleeing soldiers and knocked into the Tyber soldiers and knocked into the Tyber soldiers and knocked into the Tyber where he drowned he was 34 years old and where he drowned he was 34 years old and where he drowned he was 34 years old and had been Emperor but never really been had been Emperor but never really been had been Emperor but never really been Emperor for exactly 6 years Constantine spent the rest of the years Constantine spent the rest of the day mopping things up but on October the day mopping things up but on October the day mopping things up but on October the 29th he entered Rome as a Conquering 29th he entered Rome as a Conquering 29th he entered Rome as a Conquering Hero he staged an adventice which was Hero he staged an adventice which was Hero he staged an adventice which was something like a low-grade Triumph and something like a low-grade Triumph and something like a low-grade Triumph and raided his way through the streets to raided his way through the streets to raided his way through the streets to the cheers of the the cheers of the the cheers of the masses when he arrived in the Forum masses when he arrived in the Forum masses when he arrived in the Forum though he pointedly did not climb up the though he pointedly did not climb up the though he pointedly did not climb up the capitaline hill and make a sacrifice at capitaline hill and make a sacrifice at capitaline hill and make a sacrifice at the Temple of Jupiter as would have been the Temple of Jupiter as would have been the Temple of Jupiter as would have been standard operating procedure a clear standard operating procedure a clear standard operating procedure a clear sign at least in retrospect that the sign at least in retrospect that the sign at least in retrospect that the times they were a times they were a times they were a changing but despite his now changing but despite his now changing but despite his now increasingly revolutionary religious increasingly revolutionary religious increasingly revolutionary religious posture Constantine was not ready to posture Constantine was not ready to posture Constantine was not ready to upend every apple cart he could get his upend every apple cart he could get his upend every apple cart he could get his hands on not yet hands on not yet hands on not yet anyway so at the end of his parade he anyway so at the end of his parade he anyway so at the end of his parade he went to the curia to meet with the went to the curia to meet with the went to the curia to meet with the Senate and make Senate and make Senate and make nice they had every reason to fear for nice they had every reason to fear for nice they had every reason to fear for their lives and property but Constantine their lives and property but Constantine their lives and property but Constantine Again cast himself as the merciful Again cast himself as the merciful Again cast himself as the merciful conqueror and announced that there would conqueror and announced that there would conqueror and announced that there would be no retribution against Max census's be no retribution against Max census's be no retribution against Max census's supporters on top of that he told them supporters on top of that he told them supporters on top of that he told them that all those ancient privileges they that all those ancient privileges they that all those ancient privileges they had been pining for would be returned to had been pining for would be returned to had been pining for would be returned to them now that he was in charge

them now that he was in charge them now that he was in charge this was all greeted with enthusiastic this was all greeted with enthusiastic this was all greeted with enthusiastic Applause and they proclaimed him as the Applause and they proclaimed him as the Applause and they proclaimed him as the greatest Augustus in effect pronouncing greatest Augustus in effect pronouncing greatest Augustus in effect pronouncing him the senior member of the tetrarchy him the senior member of the tetrarchy him the senior member of the tetrarchy something that maximinus Dia would something that maximinus Dia would something that maximinus Dia would certainly have something to say about but Constantine did have a little about but Constantine did have a little bit of housekeeping to attend to he bit of housekeeping to attend to he bit of housekeeping to attend to he declared maxent's memory to be damned declared maxent's memory to be damned declared maxent's memory to be damned and all his laws and edicts and all his laws and edicts and all his laws and edicts nullified all the inscriptions on all nullified all the inscriptions on all nullified all the inscriptions on all the buildings Maxes had erected were the buildings Maxes had erected were the buildings Maxes had erected were scratched out and replaced by scratched out and replaced by scratched out and replaced by inscriptions dedicated to inscriptions dedicated to inscriptions dedicated to Constantine this for example is how the Constantine this for example is how the Constantine this for example is how the Basilica of mxenes which wasn't yet Basilica of mxenes which wasn't yet Basilica of mxenes which wasn't yet completed came to be known as the completed came to be known as the completed came to be known as the Basilica of Basilica of Basilica of Constantine turning to a more Grizzly Constantine turning to a more Grizzly Constantine turning to a more Grizzly business Constantine ordered maxent's business Constantine ordered maxent's business Constantine ordered maxent's body dragged out of the Tyber and body dragged out of the Tyber and body dragged out of the Tyber and beheaded the head was then paraded beheaded the head was then paraded beheaded the head was then paraded through the city as a warning to through the city as a warning to through the city as a warning to everyone of what happens to the enemies everyone of what happens to the enemies everyone of what happens to the enemies of con of con of con then it was put in a box and sent to then it was put in a box and sent to then it was put in a box and sent to North Africa so that the locals there North Africa so that the locals there North Africa so that the locals there would understand completely that would understand completely that would understand completely that Constantine was now in charge that it Constantine was now in charge that it Constantine was now in charge that it was best not to mess with was best not to mess with was best not to mess with him finally Constantine officially him finally Constantine officially him finally Constantine officially brought an end to the institution that brought an end to the institution that brought an end to the institution that had been so instrumental in shaping the had been so instrumental in shaping the had been so instrumental in shaping the course of Roman course of Roman course of Roman history 300 years after being formally history 300 years after being formally history 300 years after being formally organized the petorian guard was organized the petorian guard was organized the petorian guard was abolished for good abolished for good abolished for good the remaining Guardsmen that is those

the remaining Guardsmen that is those the remaining Guardsmen that is those who had not died fighting for Max cenus who had not died fighting for Max cenus who had not died fighting for Max cenus were reassigned to post all over the were reassigned to post all over the were reassigned to post all over the Empire and their Camp the site of so Empire and their Camp the site of so Empire and their Camp the site of so many pivotal events over the centuries many pivotal events over the centuries many pivotal events over the centuries was was was demolished it was nothing less than the demolished it was nothing less than the demolished it was nothing less than the end of an era so as I said at the beginning in all era so as I said at the beginning in all of this there is nothing of the of this there is nothing of the of this there is nothing of the legendary Triumph of Christianity over legendary Triumph of Christianity over legendary Triumph of Christianity over paganism that is usually associated ated paganism that is usually associated ated paganism that is usually associated ated with Constantine's victory at the with Constantine's victory at the with Constantine's victory at the milvian bridge all of that would come milvian bridge all of that would come milvian bridge all of that would come later after Constantine was firmly later after Constantine was firmly later after Constantine was firmly entrenched in entrenched in entrenched in power for now the theme of Constantine's power for now the theme of Constantine's power for now the theme of Constantine's victory was simply that he had freed victory was simply that he had freed victory was simply that he had freed Rome from the Tyrant Mac cenes an Rome from the Tyrant Mac cenes an Rome from the Tyrant Mac cenes an exaggerated caricature of Max cenis was exaggerated caricature of Max cenis was exaggerated caricature of Max cenis was drawn up painting him as a vile and drawn up painting him as a vile and drawn up painting him as a vile and illegal dictator but the overt Christian illegal dictator but the overt Christian illegal dictator but the overt Christian themes would not be played up until themes would not be played up until themes would not be played up until later that said however it cannot be later that said however it cannot be later that said however it cannot be denied that at this point at a minimum denied that at this point at a minimum denied that at this point at a minimum Constantine was hugely sympathetic to Constantine was hugely sympathetic to Constantine was hugely sympathetic to the Christian the Christian the Christian cause the Edict of Milan which we will cause the Edict of Milan which we will cause the Edict of Milan which we will talk about next week for example will be talk about next week for example will be talk about next week for example will be issued just months after his victory at issued just months after his victory at issued just months after his victory at the milvian bridge showing that the milvian bridge showing that the milvian bridge showing that Constantine was not just sympathetic but Constantine was not just sympathetic but Constantine was not just sympathetic but that he was ready to act on that that he was ready to act on that that he was ready to act on that sympathy at the first sympathy at the first sympathy at the first opportunity at the other end of the opportunity at the other end of the opportunity at the other end of the spectrum it can plausibly be claimed spectrum it can plausibly be claimed spectrum it can plausibly be claimed that at this point Constantine was that at this point Constantine was that at this point Constantine was already a True Believer but one who who already a True Believer but one who who already a True Believer but one who who understood that sudden proclamations of understood that sudden proclamations of understood that sudden proclamations of his own Christianity might do more harm

his own Christianity might do more harm his own Christianity might do more harm to the cause than good as it would to the cause than good as it would to the cause than good as it would alienate a pagan population ready to be alienate a pagan population ready to be alienate a pagan population ready to be sympathetic and tolerant but not yet sympathetic and tolerant but not yet sympathetic and tolerant but not yet ready to convert or perhaps more ready to convert or perhaps more ready to convert or perhaps more importantly have their Emperor importantly have their Emperor importantly have their Emperor convert his snubbing of the capital line convert his snubbing of the capital line convert his snubbing of the capital line Jupiter is telling as is the statue he Jupiter is telling as is the statue he Jupiter is telling as is the statue he had erected in the Forum which showed had erected in the Forum which showed had erected in the Forum which showed him triumphantly holding the labarum him triumphantly holding the labarum him triumphantly holding the labarum which was understood by Constantine to which was understood by Constantine to which was understood by Constantine to be a Christian symbol of power be a Christian symbol of power be a Christian symbol of power these actions hint that there was these actions hint that there was these actions hint that there was something more than vague monotheism at something more than vague monotheism at something more than vague monotheism at work behind the curtain but also that he work behind the curtain but also that he work behind the curtain but also that he was not yet ready to reveal his whole hand next week after heading to Milan to hand next week after heading to Milan to cement the alliance between Constantine cement the alliance between Constantine cement the alliance between Constantine and linius and discuss the and linius and discuss the and linius and discuss the aforementioned Edict of Milan we will aforementioned Edict of Milan we will aforementioned Edict of Milan we will head east to see how maximinus Dia is head east to see how maximinus Dia is head east to see how maximinus Dia is handling all of this and I can assure handling all of this and I can assure handling all of this and I can assure you he is not happy about any of you he is not happy about any of you he is not happy about any of it isolated in the East it will be make it isolated in the East it will be make it isolated in the East it will be make or break time for the man who was or break time for the man who was or break time for the man who was supposed to be the senior member of the supposed to be the senior member of the supposed to be the senior member of the Imperial College but who was no longer Imperial College but who was no longer Imperial College but who was no longer recognized as such by his brother recognized as such by his brother recognized as such by his brother Emperors unfortunately for maximinus Emperors unfortunately for maximinus Emperors unfortunately for maximinus though despite his best efforts it will though despite his best efforts it will though despite his best efforts it will turn out to be break time and in less turn out to be break time and in less turn out to be break time and in less than a year what had once been ruled by than a year what had once been ruled by than a year what had once been ruled by four will be down to rule by two with four will be down to rule by two with four will be down to rule by two with Constantine in charge of the West and Constantine in charge of the West and Constantine in charge of the West and Linus the east Linus the east Linus the east I wonder how long that is going to last

I wonder how long that is going to last I wonder how long that is going to last [Music] hello and welcome to the history of Rome hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 134 and then there were episode 134 and then there were episode 134 and then there were two when Constantine defeated Max sensis two when Constantine defeated Max sensis two when Constantine defeated Max sensis in the Autumn of 312 ad the question of in the Autumn of 312 ad the question of in the Autumn of 312 ad the question of who would rule the Western Empire was who would rule the Western Empire was who would rule the Western Empire was settled for a generation and it would settled for a generation and it would settled for a generation and it would not be until after the death of not be until after the death of not be until after the death of Constantine in 337 that it would be Constantine in 337 that it would be Constantine in 337 that it would be raised raised raised again but in the East the picture was again but in the East the picture was again but in the East the picture was still cloudy and it would take another still cloudy and it would take another still cloudy and it would take another decade of on again off again Civil War decade of on again off again Civil War decade of on again off again Civil War to clear things to clear things to clear things up as it stood on the morning after up as it stood on the morning after up as it stood on the morning after Constantine's Triumph there were two men Constantine's Triumph there were two men Constantine's Triumph there were two men vying for power in the East maximinus vying for power in the East maximinus vying for power in the East maximinus daia and daia and daia and linius the two rival augusty hated each linius the two rival augusty hated each linius the two rival augusty hated each other maximinus thought Linus an other maximinus thought Linus an other maximinus thought Linus an unworthy usurper and Linus thought unworthy usurper and Linus thought unworthy usurper and Linus thought maximinus a British Tyrant it would not maximinus a British Tyrant it would not maximinus a British Tyrant it would not take long for the tense piece the two take long for the tense piece the two take long for the tense piece the two men had agreed to at the helispot in 311 men had agreed to at the helispot in 311 men had agreed to at the helispot in 311 ad to devolve into open ad to devolve into open ad to devolve into open War following the summit at the

War following the summit at the War following the summit at the hellespont maxim Minista took up hellespont maxim Minista took up hellespont maxim Minista took up residence in nicomedia which had become residence in nicomedia which had become residence in nicomedia which had become the deao capital for whoever was the the deao capital for whoever was the the deao capital for whoever was the senior Eastern Augustus which Max senior Eastern Augustus which Max senior Eastern Augustus which Max amminus most assuredly considered amminus most assuredly considered amminus most assuredly considered himself to himself to himself to be he immediately set himself to the be he immediately set himself to the be he immediately set himself to the task of consolidating his power Base by task of consolidating his power Base by task of consolidating his power Base by issuing edicts lessening the tax burden issuing edicts lessening the tax burden issuing edicts lessening the tax burden for the citizens of Asia Minor he for the citizens of Asia Minor he for the citizens of Asia Minor he already had a firm grip on the Far East already had a firm grip on the Far East already had a firm grip on the Far East but the provinces of Anatolia were new but the provinces of Anatolia were new but the provinces of Anatolia were new territory for maximinus and he wanted to territory for maximinus and he wanted to territory for maximinus and he wanted to make sure everyone's first impression of make sure everyone's first impression of make sure everyone's first impression of him was a good one and indeed it was him was a good one and indeed it was him was a good one and indeed it was Everyone likes a tax Everyone likes a tax Everyone likes a tax break but this initial generosity was break but this initial generosity was break but this initial generosity was followed up by the return of a policy followed up by the return of a policy followed up by the return of a policy that just about everyone had been glad that just about everyone had been glad that just about everyone had been glad to see retired once and for all the to see retired once and for all the to see retired once and for all the great persecution maximinus was one of those persecution maximinus was one of those few people in the Empire who had been few people in the Empire who had been few people in the Empire who had been dismayed when garius pulled the plug on dismayed when garius pulled the plug on dismayed when garius pulled the plug on the persecution as he was in that the persecution as he was in that the persecution as he was in that hardcore minority of advisers who had hardcore minority of advisers who had hardcore minority of advisers who had always wanted to push the persecution always wanted to push the persecution always wanted to push the persecution harder and harder and harder and further now that he ruled in his own further now that he ruled in his own further now that he ruled in his own right maximinus had no intention of right maximinus had no intention of right maximinus had no intention of letting the wish of some dead Emperor letting the wish of some dead Emperor letting the wish of some dead Emperor get in his way and just months after get in his way and just months after get in his way and just months after garas had canceled it the great garas had canceled it the great garas had canceled it the great persecution was fired right back persecution was fired right back persecution was fired right back up but despite the fact that he was now up but despite the fact that he was now up but despite the fact that he was now the unquestioned ruler of the East Max the unquestioned ruler of the East Max the unquestioned ruler of the East Max Amin still had trouble getting the Amin still had trouble getting the Amin still had trouble getting the persecution ution back up and running to persecution ution back up and running to persecution ution back up and running to his liking and rather than Tales of mass his liking and rather than Tales of mass his liking and rather than Tales of mass murders and large scale destruction of

murders and large scale destruction of murders and large scale destruction of property we instead see more isolated property we instead see more isolated property we instead see more isolated incidents in maximus's persecution for incidents in maximus's persecution for incidents in maximus's persecution for example the bishop of Alexandria will be example the bishop of Alexandria will be example the bishop of Alexandria will be executed in November of 311 and after executed in November of 311 and after executed in November of 311 and after being tried by the emperor personally a being tried by the emperor personally a being tried by the emperor personally a church scholar named Lucian of Antioch church scholar named Lucian of Antioch church scholar named Lucian of Antioch will be killed after he refused to will be killed after he refused to will be killed after he refused to renounce his faith in January of renounce his faith in January of renounce his faith in January of 312 for the rest of his life Max am 312 for the rest of his life Max am 312 for the rest of his life Max am minus Main ained his bitter hatred of minus Main ained his bitter hatred of minus Main ained his bitter hatred of the Christians and had he beaten Linus a the Christians and had he beaten Linus a the Christians and had he beaten Linus a pre-battle vow he made to Jupiter that pre-battle vow he made to Jupiter that pre-battle vow he made to Jupiter that we'll get to in a moment likely would we'll get to in a moment likely would we'll get to in a moment likely would have resulted in something close to have resulted in something close to have resulted in something close to genocide but happily for the Christians genocide but happily for the Christians genocide but happily for the Christians of the Empire the rest of maxam minus' of the Empire the rest of maxam minus' of the Empire the rest of maxam minus' life was taken up with more pressing life was taken up with more pressing life was taken up with more pressing matters and he never was able to devote matters and he never was able to devote matters and he never was able to devote himself exclusively to their persecution himself exclusively to their persecution himself exclusively to their persecution as he no doubt would have love to as he no doubt would have love to as he no doubt would have love to do one of those pressing matters came to do one of those pressing matters came to do one of those pressing matters came to his attention over the of 311 312 namely his attention over the of 311 312 namely his attention over the of 311 312 namely that an alliance had likely been forged that an alliance had likely been forged that an alliance had likely been forged between linius and between linius and between linius and Constantine as we discussed two weeks Constantine as we discussed two weeks Constantine as we discussed two weeks ago this Alliance spelled trouble for ago this Alliance spelled trouble for ago this Alliance spelled trouble for maximinus Di and maxentius both so maximinus Di and maxentius both so maximinus Di and maxentius both so maximinus sent envoice promising to use maximinus sent envoice promising to use maximinus sent envoice promising to use his power of senior Augustus his power of senior Augustus his power of senior Augustus self-proclaimed power of course to self-proclaimed power of course to self-proclaimed power of course to recognize maxent's legitimacy in recognize maxent's legitimacy in recognize maxent's legitimacy in exchange for Military exchange for Military exchange for Military Support the move towards friendship with Support the move towards friendship with Support the move towards friendship with Maxis was necessary given the cir Maxis was necessary given the cir Maxis was necessary given the cir circumstances but ultimately in the circumstances but ultimately in the circumstances but ultimately in the grand scheme of things it turned out to grand scheme of things it turned out to grand scheme of things it turned out to be little more than a footnote in the be little more than a footnote in the be little more than a footnote in the history books because in less than a

history books because in less than a history books because in less than a year maxentius would be dead and year maxentius would be dead and year maxentius would be dead and Constantine would rule the West this would have been bad enough for West this would have been bad enough for Max am menis but his problems were Max am menis but his problems were Max am menis but his problems were exacerbated by another pressing matter exacerbated by another pressing matter exacerbated by another pressing matter the SIDS were getting Shifty the SIDS were getting Shifty the SIDS were getting Shifty again forced AE East to deal with the again forced AE East to deal with the again forced AE East to deal with the Persians when maximinus learned of Persians when maximinus learned of Persians when maximinus learned of Constantine's Victory he was bogged down Constantine's Victory he was bogged down Constantine's Victory he was bogged down in the serious in desert so right at the in the serious in desert so right at the in the serious in desert so right at the moment when he found out that his moment when he found out that his moment when he found out that his enemies were triumphant maximinus was as enemies were triumphant maximinus was as enemies were triumphant maximinus was as far away from being able to do anything far away from being able to do anything far away from being able to do anything about it as he could have possibly been with maximinus busy fighting the been with maximinus busy fighting the cits a Constantine and Linus felt like cits a Constantine and Linus felt like cits a Constantine and Linus felt like they had more than enough time over the they had more than enough time over the they had more than enough time over the winter of 312 313 to meet in person winter of 312 313 to meet in person winter of 312 313 to meet in person cement their Alliance and make a plan cement their Alliance and make a plan cement their Alliance and make a plan for how they were going to deal with for how they were going to deal with for how they were going to deal with their brother in the East the main their brother in the East the main their brother in the East the main upshot of their meeting was the upshot of their meeting was the upshot of their meeting was the publication of one of the more famous publication of one of the more famous publication of one of the more famous edicts ever edicts ever edicts ever issued Constantine left Rome in January issued Constantine left Rome in January issued Constantine left Rome in January 313 and headed up to the more convenient 313 and headed up to the more convenient 313 and headed up to the more convenient Imperial headquarters of Milan when Imperial headquarters of Milan when Imperial headquarters of Milan when Linus finally showed up in March the Linus finally showed up in March the Linus finally showed up in March the first order of business was tying the first order of business was tying the first order of business was tying the families of the two augusty together and families of the two augusty together and families of the two augusty together and the marriage between Linus and the marriage between Linus and the marriage between Linus and Constantine sister Constantia was Constantine sister Constantia was Constantine sister Constantia was finally finally finally officiated now that they were one big officiated now that they were one big officiated now that they were one big happy family the two augusty got down to happy family the two augusty got down to happy family the two augusty got down to the business of figuring out what their the business of figuring out what their the business of figuring out what their Alliance really meant in the main at Alliance really meant in the main at Alliance really meant in the main at least for now it meant joining forces to

least for now it meant joining forces to least for now it meant joining forces to dispense with the hated Maxim Min dispense with the hated Maxim Min dispense with the hated Maxim Min Dia they decided or more likely Dia they decided or more likely Dia they decided or more likely Constantine decided that the best way to Constantine decided that the best way to Constantine decided that the best way to simultaneously provoke maximinus simultaneously provoke maximinus simultaneously provoke maximinus militarily while isolating him militarily while isolating him militarily while isolating him politically would be to hammer him for politically would be to hammer him for politically would be to hammer him for his Hardline anti-christian his Hardline anti-christian his Hardline anti-christian policies to this end they issued a joint policies to this end they issued a joint policies to this end they issued a joint resolution con concerning the status of resolution con concerning the status of resolution con concerning the status of Christians in the Empire that has become Christians in the Empire that has become Christians in the Empire that has become known as the Edict of known as the Edict of known as the Edict of Milan the edict is famous because it Milan the edict is famous because it Milan the edict is famous because it essentially legalized Christianity in essentially legalized Christianity in essentially legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire over the centuries the the Roman Empire over the centuries the the Roman Empire over the centuries the Christians had been alternatively Christians had been alternatively Christians had been alternatively tolerated or persecuted but their tolerated or persecuted but their tolerated or persecuted but their religion had never been strictly religion had never been strictly religion had never been strictly speaking speaking speaking legal when garius attempted to end the legal when garius attempted to end the legal when garius attempted to end the persecution his deathbed edict basically persecution his deathbed edict basically persecution his deathbed edict basically just said well I give up let's stop p just said well I give up let's stop p just said well I give up let's stop p excuting them but it went no further excuting them but it went no further excuting them but it went no further than than than that the Edict of Milan on the other that the Edict of Milan on the other that the Edict of Milan on the other hand firmly established not only the hand firmly established not only the hand firmly established not only the Christian right to worship but it also Christian right to worship but it also Christian right to worship but it also directed provincial authorities to directed provincial authorities to directed provincial authorities to restore all confiscated wealth and restore all confiscated wealth and restore all confiscated wealth and property to the victims of the property to the victims of the property to the victims of the persecution so the same officials who persecution so the same officials who persecution so the same officials who had so recently been kicking down doors had so recently been kicking down doors had so recently been kicking down doors and Wrecking lives were now ordered to and Wrecking lives were now ordered to and Wrecking lives were now ordered to go back hat in hand and return to the go back hat in hand and return to the go back hat in hand and return to the Christians everything that had been Christians everything that had been Christians everything that had been seized seized seized even in the tolerant West this was a even in the tolerant West this was a even in the tolerant West this was a clear break with precedent usually in clear break with precedent usually in clear break with precedent usually in these situations Christians felt lucky these situations Christians felt lucky these situations Christians felt lucky to just not be harassed anymore but to

to just not be harassed anymore but to to just not be harassed anymore but to have everything that had been stolen have everything that had been stolen have everything that had been stolen restored to them by the authorities at restored to them by the authorities at restored to them by the authorities at the direction of the emperor well that the direction of the emperor well that the direction of the emperor well that was was was new as momentous an event as it was new as momentous an event as it was new as momentous an event as it was though and it was a momentous event when though and it was a momentous event when though and it was a momentous event when the Edict of Milan was issued in March the Edict of Milan was issued in March the Edict of Milan was issued in March of 312 it was initially more Theory than of 312 it was initially more Theory than of 312 it was initially more Theory than in practice especially in the East where in practice especially in the East where in practice especially in the East where Max Amin's ideology of persecution Max Amin's ideology of persecution Max Amin's ideology of persecution continued to Reign which moral continued to Reign which moral continued to Reign which moral imperatives aside was kind of the imperatives aside was kind of the imperatives aside was kind of the point though I have no doubt that point though I have no doubt that point though I have no doubt that Constantine wrote the edict in part for Constantine wrote the edict in part for Constantine wrote the edict in part for moral reasons he was also acting for moral reasons he was also acting for moral reasons he was also acting for political political political reasons by issuing an edict that struck reasons by issuing an edict that struck reasons by issuing an edict that struck directly at one of Max am minus' core directly at one of Max am minus' core directly at one of Max am minus' core principles Constantine and Linus were principles Constantine and Linus were principles Constantine and Linus were painting maximinus into a corner painting maximinus into a corner painting maximinus into a corner either he could comply with the edict either he could comply with the edict either he could comply with the edict signaling at least tacitly that he was signaling at least tacitly that he was signaling at least tacitly that he was indeed still the junior member of the indeed still the junior member of the indeed still the junior member of the tetrarchy and could be pushed around or tetrarchy and could be pushed around or tetrarchy and could be pushed around or he could refuse to comply which would he could refuse to comply which would he could refuse to comply which would give his Western Brothers a convenient give his Western Brothers a convenient give his Western Brothers a convenient justification for justification for justification for war there is little doubt that war there is little doubt that war there is little doubt that Constantine and Linus fully expected the Constantine and Linus fully expected the Constantine and Linus fully expected the latter and indeed maximinus would give latter and indeed maximinus would give latter and indeed maximinus would give them what they wanted but probably them what they wanted but probably them what they wanted but probably sooner than they would have sooner than they would have sooner than they would have hoped Max Amin you see was already hoped Max Amin you see was already hoped Max Amin you see was already spitting mad before he even heard of the spitting mad before he even heard of the spitting mad before he even heard of the edict promulgation because of the edict promulgation because of the edict promulgation because of the contents of a very polite letter contents of a very polite letter contents of a very polite letter Constantine had sent him following the Constantine had sent him following the Constantine had sent him following the Battle of the mvan

Battle of the mvan Battle of the mvan bridge what was in this very polite bridge what was in this very polite bridge what was in this very polite letter that got him so hot well first letter that got him so hot well first letter that got him so hot well first maximinus was informed that the senate maximinus was informed that the senate maximinus was informed that the senate had gone ahead and declared Constantine had gone ahead and declared Constantine had gone ahead and declared Constantine the senior Augustus a declaration the senior Augustus a declaration the senior Augustus a declaration Constantine hoped wouldn't cause any Constantine hoped wouldn't cause any Constantine hoped wouldn't cause any rupture in their friendship because I rupture in their friendship because I rupture in their friendship because I look forward to working with you blah look forward to working with you blah look forward to working with you blah blah blah blah blah blah blah that alone was probably enough to start that alone was probably enough to start that alone was probably enough to start a a a war if there was one thing Max amminus war if there was one thing Max amminus war if there was one thing Max amminus was super sensitive about it was his was super sensitive about it was his was super sensitive about it was his standing within the Imperial College and standing within the Imperial College and standing within the Imperial College and here was his Prestige being undermined here was his Prestige being undermined here was his Prestige being undermined yet yet yet again but the letter went on and again but the letter went on and again but the letter went on and requested maximus's cooperation with a requested maximus's cooperation with a requested maximus's cooperation with a few changes Constantine wanted to make few changes Constantine wanted to make few changes Constantine wanted to make as to how The Empire was as to how The Empire was as to how The Empire was governed and here probably is where the governed and here probably is where the governed and here probably is where the war was really war was really war was really sparked Constantine essentially sent sparked Constantine essentially sent sparked Constantine essentially sent maximinus a rough draft of the Edict of maximinus a rough draft of the Edict of maximinus a rough draft of the Edict of Milan and demanded that Christians in Milan and demanded that Christians in Milan and demanded that Christians in the East be allowed to worship freely the East be allowed to worship freely the East be allowed to worship freely and that their confiscated property be and that their confiscated property be and that their confiscated property be return to them this naturally Redline return to them this naturally Redline return to them this naturally Redline maximinus as Constantine no doubt maximinus as Constantine no doubt maximinus as Constantine no doubt expected that it would probably around March of 313 just would probably around March of 313 just as Constantine and ly kinus were meeting as Constantine and ly kinus were meeting as Constantine and ly kinus were meeting in Milan maximinus wrapped up his in Milan maximinus wrapped up his in Milan maximinus wrapped up his operation in the East and then raced operation in the East and then raced operation in the East and then raced West at full speed to prepare for West at full speed to prepare for West at full speed to prepare for war the March is described as a brutal war the March is described as a brutal war the March is described as a brutal one with Max am menus pushing his man one with Max am menus pushing his man one with Max am menus pushing his man and pack animals to the Limit because he and pack animals to the Limit because he and pack animals to the Limit because he was determined to secure control of all was determined to secure control of all was determined to secure control of all of his territory before his adversaries of his territory before his adversaries of his territory before his adversaries could make their move this meant

could make their move this meant could make their move this meant marching them at an absurd marching them at an absurd marching them at an absurd Pace the hard drive West paid off though Pace the hard drive West paid off though Pace the hard drive West paid off though and Max amminus did indeed reach the and Max amminus did indeed reach the and Max amminus did indeed reach the boser before his Rivals were really boser before his Rivals were really boser before his Rivals were really ready for him to be there not only that ready for him to be there not only that ready for him to be there not only that but along the way Max amminus had AC but along the way Max amminus had AC but along the way Max amminus had AC crewed an army of about 7 ,000 men crewed an army of about 7 ,000 men crewed an army of about 7 ,000 men enough to do battle against the enough to do battle against the enough to do battle against the strongest of strongest of strongest of armies so they can make all the private armies so they can make all the private armies so they can make all the private demands they want and issue all the demands they want and issue all the demands they want and issue all the public edicts they want but let see them public edicts they want but let see them public edicts they want but let see them make me comply with any of make me comply with any of make me comply with any of it upon his arrival in nicomedia it upon his arrival in nicomedia it upon his arrival in nicomedia maximinus recognized that he had perhaps maximinus recognized that he had perhaps maximinus recognized that he had perhaps caught his enemies flat-footed so he caught his enemies flat-footed so he caught his enemies flat-footed so he took the initiative to cross the bossus took the initiative to cross the bossus took the initiative to cross the bossus and lay Siege to the port of Byzantium and lay Siege to the port of Byzantium and lay Siege to the port of Byzantium which was garrisoned by a Detachment of which was garrisoned by a Detachment of which was garrisoned by a Detachment of Linus's Linus's Linus's Army the though the city's location made Army the though the city's location made Army the though the city's location made it easy to defend something Constantine it easy to defend something Constantine it easy to defend something Constantine had probably already taken note of the had probably already taken note of the had probably already taken note of the soldiers Manning the walls were vastly soldiers Manning the walls were vastly soldiers Manning the walls were vastly outnumbered by Maxim minus' Army and outnumbered by Maxim minus' Army and outnumbered by Maxim minus' Army and they surrendered after about a week and they surrendered after about a week and they surrendered after about a week and a half maximinus then moved on to the a half maximinus then moved on to the a half maximinus then moved on to the city of heraclea which also fell after a city of heraclea which also fell after a city of heraclea which also fell after a brief Siege while Max the minus was engaged in Siege while Max the minus was engaged in these Siege operations his adversaries these Siege operations his adversaries these Siege operations his adversaries were scrambling to were scrambling to were scrambling to respond in all likelihood both respond in all likelihood both respond in all likelihood both Constantine and Linus thought that there Constantine and Linus thought that there Constantine and Linus thought that there would be plenty of time to prepare for would be plenty of time to prepare for would be plenty of time to prepare for Max am minus' return from the East Max am minus' return from the East Max am minus' return from the East plenty of time anyway to rearrange the plenty of time anyway to rearrange the plenty of time anyway to rearrange the danu troop deployments so that linius danu troop deployments so that linius danu troop deployments so that linius could have the men he needed to fight could have the men he needed to fight could have the men he needed to fight the war and this would be Linus's War

the war and this would be Linus's War the war and this would be Linus's War without leaving some huge gaping hole in without leaving some huge gaping hole in without leaving some huge gaping hole in the Border the Border the Border defenses but that idea was premised on defenses but that idea was premised on defenses but that idea was premised on the notion that maxam minus was still the notion that maxam minus was still the notion that maxam minus was still out on the Eastern edge of out on the Eastern edge of out on the Eastern edge of Syria when linius received word that Syria when linius received word that Syria when linius received word that maximinus was on the March and not just maximinus was on the March and not just maximinus was on the March and not just on the March but on the double time on the March but on the double time on the March but on the double time March it is probable that he hadn't even March it is probable that he hadn't even March it is probable that he hadn't even left Milan left Milan left Milan yet with maximinus barreling West Linus yet with maximinus barreling West Linus yet with maximinus barreling West Linus dashed back across the Alps and began at dashed back across the Alps and began at dashed back across the Alps and began at once to gather an army but he was once to gather an army but he was once to gather an army but he was hamstrung by his conflicting hamstrung by his conflicting hamstrung by his conflicting priorities he wanted to crush maximinus priorities he wanted to crush maximinus priorities he wanted to crush maximinus yes but it would have been Madness to yes but it would have been Madness to yes but it would have been Madness to just call up huge swaths of the Border just call up huge swaths of the Border just call up huge swaths of the Border troops which would leave the danu troops which would leave the danu troops which would leave the danu undefended by the time maximinus crossed undefended by the time maximinus crossed undefended by the time maximinus crossed over the Bost and besieged Byzantium over the Bost and besieged Byzantium over the Bost and besieged Byzantium then Linus stood at the head of an army then Linus stood at the head of an army then Linus stood at the head of an army just 30,000 strong the best he could do just 30,000 strong the best he could do just 30,000 strong the best he could do on short on short on short notice when maximinus moved on to notice when maximinus moved on to notice when maximinus moved on to heraclea Linus moved on to Adrien opal heraclea Linus moved on to Adrien opal heraclea Linus moved on to Adrien opal he was outnumbered almost 2:1 but the he was outnumbered almost 2:1 but the he was outnumbered almost 2:1 but the war he himself had just sought to war he himself had just sought to war he himself had just sought to provoke had come to his doorstep and provoke had come to his doorstep and provoke had come to his doorstep and there was nothing he could do about it now in late April 313 ad linius Advanced now in late April 313 ad linius Advanced Southeast and and maximinus advanced Southeast and and maximinus advanced Southeast and and maximinus advanced Northwest and the two armies met on the Northwest and the two armies met on the Northwest and the two armies met on the plains beside a town that I have no hope plains beside a town that I have no hope plains beside a town that I have no hope at all of pronouncing correctly at all of pronouncing correctly at all of pronouncing correctly zerum beyond the fact that it is about zerum beyond the fact that it is about zerum beyond the fact that it is about to host a key Battle of the tetrarchy to host a key Battle of the tetrarchy to host a key Battle of the tetrarchy running Civil War zerum is also famous

running Civil War zerum is also famous running Civil War zerum is also famous for being a likely candidate as the spot for being a likely candidate as the spot for being a likely candidate as the spot where aelian was assassinated some 38 where aelian was assassinated some 38 where aelian was assassinated some 38 years earlier and O by the way has it years earlier and O by the way has it years earlier and O by the way has it only been 38 years since the death of only been 38 years since the death of only been 38 years since the death of aelion like the battle of the Milan aelion like the battle of the Milan aelion like the battle of the Milan Bridge the battle between linius and Bridge the battle between linius and Bridge the battle between linius and maximinus at zerum would be cast as a maximinus at zerum would be cast as a maximinus at zerum would be cast as a battle between paganism and monotheism battle between paganism and monotheism battle between paganism and monotheism and prior to the battle both generals and prior to the battle both generals and prior to the battle both generals allegedly made this pretty allegedly made this pretty allegedly made this pretty explicit maximinus vowed to Jupiter that explicit maximinus vowed to Jupiter that explicit maximinus vowed to Jupiter that if he won the battle that he would wipe if he won the battle that he would wipe if he won the battle that he would wipe Christianity off the face of the Earth Christianity off the face of the Earth Christianity off the face of the Earth for good while linius distributed to his for good while linius distributed to his for good while linius distributed to his troops a prayer to the quote great holy troops a prayer to the quote great holy troops a prayer to the quote great holy God that was to be recited by his men as God that was to be recited by his men as God that was to be recited by his men as soon as they were lined up for battle soon as they were lined up for battle soon as they were lined up for battle the prayer was supposed to have been the prayer was supposed to have been the prayer was supposed to have been dictated to Linus in a Dream by God but dictated to Linus in a Dream by God but dictated to Linus in a Dream by God but TD Barnes a noted scholar on the era TD Barnes a noted scholar on the era TD Barnes a noted scholar on the era whose excellent book Constantine and whose excellent book Constantine and whose excellent book Constantine and youus has been helping me out quite a youus has been helping me out quite a youus has been helping me out quite a bit lately surmises that if the story is bit lately surmises that if the story is bit lately surmises that if the story is true then the prayer was likely written true then the prayer was likely written true then the prayer was likely written not by God but by Constantine now the two Emperors knew Constantine now the two Emperors knew full well that they were about to fight full well that they were about to fight full well that they were about to fight a great battle the only question was a great battle the only question was a great battle the only question was when said battle was going to take when said battle was going to take when said battle was going to take place when it came to deciding this place when it came to deciding this place when it came to deciding this question there was the typical jockeying question there was the typical jockeying question there was the typical jockeying for the most opportune moment on the for the most opportune moment on the for the most opportune moment on the most auspicious day and it appears that most auspicious day and it appears that most auspicious day and it appears that Linus was waiting for May the 1st to Linus was waiting for May the 1st to Linus was waiting for May the 1st to attack why may the 1st because that attack why may the 1st because that attack why may the 1st because that would be the eth anniversary of

would be the eth anniversary of would be the eth anniversary of maximus's elevation to the purple and maximus's elevation to the purple and maximus's elevation to the purple and linius was apparently looking to linius was apparently looking to linius was apparently looking to duplicate Constantine's feet of taking duplicate Constantine's feet of taking duplicate Constantine's feet of taking Max CIS down on his Max CIS down on his Max CIS down on his anniversary when Max amminus by whatever anniversary when Max amminus by whatever anniversary when Max amminus by whatever means heard why linius was stalling he means heard why linius was stalling he means heard why linius was stalling he decided to attack on April the 30th decided to attack on April the 30th decided to attack on April the 30th because he said his 8th anniversary was because he said his 8th anniversary was because he said his 8th anniversary was better suited for holding a Triumph than better suited for holding a Triumph than better suited for holding a Triumph than for fighting a bloody battle maximinus for fighting a bloody battle maximinus for fighting a bloody battle maximinus got his way and the Battle of zerum took got his way and the Battle of zerum took got his way and the Battle of zerum took place on April the 30th 313 ad now one of the interesting things ad now one of the interesting things about the war between Linus and about the war between Linus and about the war between Linus and maximinus is that throughout all of this maximinus is that throughout all of this maximinus is that throughout all of this maximinus was actually trying to avoid maximinus was actually trying to avoid maximinus was actually trying to avoid battle not because he didn't think he battle not because he didn't think he battle not because he didn't think he could win after all he had a two to1 could win after all he had a two to1 could win after all he had a two to1 advantage in the Manpower department but advantage in the Manpower department but advantage in the Manpower department but because he wanted to win a different because he wanted to win a different because he wanted to win a different way see as much as maximinus is painted way see as much as maximinus is painted way see as much as maximinus is painted as a villain and given his ruthless as a villain and given his ruthless as a villain and given his ruthless treatment of the Christians I think it's treatment of the Christians I think it's treatment of the Christians I think it's hard not to agree that the shoe fits hard not to agree that the shoe fits hard not to agree that the shoe fits maximinus himself thought that he was maximinus himself thought that he was maximinus himself thought that he was right thought that in a world gone mad right thought that in a world gone mad right thought that in a world gone mad he was the only one left defending the he was the only one left defending the he was the only one left defending the old Roman way old Roman way old Roman way he thought that Christianity was a he thought that Christianity was a he thought that Christianity was a genuine threat to the Empire and that it genuine threat to the Empire and that it genuine threat to the Empire and that it dangerously disrupted the all-important dangerously disrupted the all-important dangerously disrupted the all-important connection between Rome and her Patron connection between Rome and her Patron connection between Rome and her Patron deities to not eradicate the Christians deities to not eradicate the Christians deities to not eradicate the Christians then was criminally negligent behavior then was criminally negligent behavior then was criminally negligent behavior and here were his two brother Emperors and here were his two brother Emperors and here were his two brother Emperors not only defending their rights but

not only defending their rights but not only defending their rights but actively promoting them it was actively promoting them it was actively promoting them it was crazy so what Max ainus was hoping for crazy so what Max ainus was hoping for crazy so what Max ainus was hoping for was that the men under Linus's Banner was that the men under Linus's Banner was that the men under Linus's Banner would come to their senses that they would come to their senses that they would come to their senses that they would see that they were hugely would see that they were hugely would see that they were hugely outnumbered see that they were fighting outnumbered see that they were fighting outnumbered see that they were fighting for the wrong side and defect To His for the wrong side and defect To His for the wrong side and defect To His Banner defect and Mass to the only man Banner defect and Mass to the only man Banner defect and Mass to the only man who was still defending the honor of who was still defending the honor of who was still defending the honor of Jupiter greatest and Jupiter greatest and Jupiter greatest and best Constantine was not the only one best Constantine was not the only one best Constantine was not the only one playing at politics Max am menus wanted playing at politics Max am menus wanted playing at politics Max am menus wanted a bloodless Victory premised on the a bloodless Victory premised on the a bloodless Victory premised on the notion that he was the good guy not notion that he was the good guy not notion that he was the good guy not linius and certainly not Constantine who linius and certainly not Constantine who linius and certainly not Constantine who had blatantly turned their backs on all had blatantly turned their backs on all had blatantly turned their backs on all that was deep decent and Pious in the that was deep decent and Pious in the that was deep decent and Pious in the world unable in the end to avoid battle world unable in the end to avoid battle world unable in the end to avoid battle maximinus appears even with armor dawned maximinus appears even with armor dawned maximinus appears even with armor dawned and sword drawn to have stuck to this and sword drawn to have stuck to this and sword drawn to have stuck to this desire for defection rather than desire for defection rather than desire for defection rather than Bloodshed giving him his Bloodshed giving him his Bloodshed giving him his victory as linius took the initiative victory as linius took the initiative victory as linius took the initiative and attacked rather than just sit back and attacked rather than just sit back and attacked rather than just sit back and be overwhelmed maximinus maintained and be overwhelmed maximinus maintained and be overwhelmed maximinus maintained an almost strictly defensive posture an almost strictly defensive posture an almost strictly defensive posture hoping that Linus's men would see that hoping that Linus's men would see that hoping that Linus's men would see that their cause was hopeless and that the their cause was hopeless and that the their cause was hopeless and that the Great holy God was a ridiculous sham but Great holy God was a ridiculous sham but Great holy God was a ridiculous sham but he was sorely he was sorely he was sorely disappointed the men under Linus's disappointed the men under Linus's disappointed the men under Linus's command did not give up and they did not command did not give up and they did not command did not give up and they did not defect and by waiting for something that defect and by waiting for something that defect and by waiting for something that was never going to happen maximinus was never going to happen maximinus was never going to happen maximinus didn't order his men to really fight didn't order his men to really fight didn't order his men to really fight back until it was too late Linus's Army back until it was too late Linus's Army back until it was too late Linus's Army was already all over them and pretty

was already all over them and pretty was already all over them and pretty soon it became apparent that they were soon it became apparent that they were soon it became apparent that they were going to win this going to win this going to win this battle that being so maximinus decided battle that being so maximinus decided battle that being so maximinus decided to at least prevent them from winning to at least prevent them from winning to at least prevent them from winning the war the war the war he ditched his Imperial robes for slave he ditched his Imperial robes for slave he ditched his Imperial robes for slave of clothes and fled to the of clothes and fled to the of clothes and fled to the east about half his army made good their east about half his army made good their east about half his army made good their escape while the other half was rounded escape while the other half was rounded escape while the other half was rounded up by Linus's men and most of them as is up by Linus's men and most of them as is up by Linus's men and most of them as is often the case in Roman civil wars were often the case in Roman civil wars were often the case in Roman civil wars were immediately enrolled into the ranks of immediately enrolled into the ranks of immediately enrolled into the ranks of the army they had just been fighting the army they had just been fighting the army they had just been fighting moments before the defeated maximinus fled back before the defeated maximinus fled back to nicomedia but he knew he had no to nicomedia but he knew he had no to nicomedia but he knew he had no chance to hold the city with Linus right chance to hold the city with Linus right chance to hold the city with Linus right on his heels so he simply grabbed his on his heels so he simply grabbed his on his heels so he simply grabbed his family and a few close advisers and family and a few close advisers and family and a few close advisers and continued on East like kenas predictably continued on East like kenas predictably continued on East like kenas predictably men took nicomedia without a fight a few men took nicomedia without a fight a few men took nicomedia without a fight a few days days days later but though things look bad for Max later but though things look bad for Max later but though things look bad for Max amminus he was not licked amminus he was not licked amminus he was not licked yet as he made his Way Southeast across yet as he made his Way Southeast across yet as he made his Way Southeast across Anatolia he gathered up the remnants of Anatolia he gathered up the remnants of Anatolia he gathered up the remnants of the army that had been beaten at Calum the army that had been beaten at Calum the army that had been beaten at Calum and appears to have called in and appears to have called in and appears to have called in reinforcements from the troops stationed reinforcements from the troops stationed reinforcements from the troops stationed in in in Syria surveying the landscape maximinus Syria surveying the landscape maximinus Syria surveying the landscape maximinus then came to the same conclusion that so then came to the same conclusion that so then came to the same conclusion that so many generals before him and so many many generals before him and so many many generals before him and so many generals after him would come to that generals after him would come to that generals after him would come to that the best place to make a stand would be the best place to make a stand would be the best place to make a stand would be at the cian gates he fortified the pass at the cian gates he fortified the pass at the cian gates he fortified the pass and waited for Linus's pursuing Army Linus himself though would not be Army Linus himself though would not be there in person to finish the job having there in person to finish the job having there in person to finish the job having decided to remain in nicomedia and keep

decided to remain in nicomedia and keep decided to remain in nicomedia and keep a close eye on the a close eye on the a close eye on the capital instead he entrusted his army to capital instead he entrusted his army to capital instead he entrusted his army to subordinates and sent them off to hunt subordinates and sent them off to hunt subordinates and sent them off to hunt down Maxim down Maxim down Maxim men it did not take long for them to men it did not take long for them to men it did not take long for them to find the fugitive Augustus and the find the fugitive Augustus and the find the fugitive Augustus and the subsequent Battle At The csian Gates subsequent Battle At The csian Gates subsequent Battle At The csian Gates though smaller than the previous though smaller than the previous though smaller than the previous engagement at zerum turned out to be the engagement at zerum turned out to be the engagement at zerum turned out to be the more decisive more decisive more decisive engagement Linus's Army broke through engagement Linus's Army broke through engagement Linus's Army broke through the fortifications and maximinus was the fortifications and maximinus was the fortifications and maximinus was again forced to take again forced to take again forced to take flight he made for the city of Tarsus flight he made for the city of Tarsus flight he made for the city of Tarsus but this time he had no ready access to but this time he had no ready access to but this time he had no ready access to reinforcements dropped behind the city reinforcements dropped behind the city reinforcements dropped behind the city walls and protected by only a token walls and protected by only a token walls and protected by only a token Garrison Max am minus' time appeared to Garrison Max am minus' time appeared to Garrison Max am minus' time appeared to be at be at be at hand shortly after being treed by hand shortly after being treed by hand shortly after being treed by Linus's Army word came over the wall Linus's Army word came over the wall Linus's Army word came over the wall that maximinus Dia was that maximinus Dia was that maximinus Dia was dead whether it was suicide or some dead whether it was suicide or some dead whether it was suicide or some fluke disease we will never know but fluke disease we will never know but fluke disease we will never know but maximinus was in his early 40s and had maximinus was in his early 40s and had maximinus was in his early 40s and had been first Caesar then self-proclaimed been first Caesar then self-proclaimed been first Caesar then self-proclaimed Augustus then full Augustus for just Augustus then full Augustus for just Augustus then full Augustus for just over eight years like kinas now the master of the years like kinas now the master of the Eastern Empire remained in nicomedia for Eastern Empire remained in nicomedia for Eastern Empire remained in nicomedia for about a month before heading off in the about a month before heading off in the about a month before heading off in the direction of Antioch on a tour of his direction of Antioch on a tour of his direction of Antioch on a tour of his new new new provinces once he got to Syria Linus provinces once he got to Syria Linus provinces once he got to Syria Linus quickly let everyone know that there was quickly let everyone know that there was quickly let everyone know that there was a new sheriff in a new sheriff in a new sheriff in town he not only ordered the Edict of town he not only ordered the Edict of town he not only ordered the Edict of Milan strictly enforced but also went Milan strictly enforced but also went Milan strictly enforced but also went after known persecutors with a ruthless

after known persecutors with a ruthless after known persecutors with a ruthless Gusto anti-christians who had for the Gusto anti-christians who had for the Gusto anti-christians who had for the last decade wielded their sadistic power last decade wielded their sadistic power last decade wielded their sadistic power unchecked were suddenly rounded up and unchecked were suddenly rounded up and unchecked were suddenly rounded up and either exiled or executed depending on either exiled or executed depending on either exiled or executed depending on the severity of their the severity of their the severity of their crimes this purge obviously had a crimes this purge obviously had a crimes this purge obviously had a political purpose as the staunchest political purpose as the staunchest political purpose as the staunchest opponents of the Christians were also opponents of the Christians were also opponents of the Christians were also the staunchest supporters of Maxim menus the staunchest supporters of Maxim menus the staunchest supporters of Maxim menus but it was also a visible signal to but it was also a visible signal to but it was also a visible signal to everyone that a new day was Dawning in addition to this one part Dawning in addition to this one part religious one part political Purge religious one part political Purge religious one part political Purge linius also engaged in a 100% political linius also engaged in a 100% political linius also engaged in a 100% political Purge of any potential dynastic Purge of any potential dynastic Purge of any potential dynastic Rivals it goes without saying that Rivals it goes without saying that Rivals it goes without saying that maximus's memory was damned and his maximus's memory was damned and his maximus's memory was damned and his family was rounded up and executed but family was rounded up and executed but family was rounded up and executed but Linus also Tracked Down the son of seas Linus also Tracked Down the son of seas Linus also Tracked Down the son of seas who had been serving with maximinus and who had been serving with maximinus and who had been serving with maximinus and had him killed as well he also intended had him killed as well he also intended had him killed as well he also intended to dispose of dian's wife and daughter to dispose of dian's wife and daughter to dispose of dian's wife and daughter who were being held back in nicomedia who were being held back in nicomedia who were being held back in nicomedia but they managed to escape before the but they managed to escape before the but they managed to escape before the execution order came through it would execution order came through it would execution order came through it would take 15 months of searching before the take 15 months of searching before the take 15 months of searching before the two women women were finally tracked two women women were finally tracked two women women were finally tracked down and beheaded in a public down and beheaded in a public down and beheaded in a public execution killing women and children was execution killing women and children was execution killing women and children was not a nice thing to do but clearly not a nice thing to do but clearly not a nice thing to do but clearly linius had read his mackelli later in 33 linius and mackelli later in 33 linius and Constantine formalized their power Constantine formalized their power Constantine formalized their power sharing agreement with Constantine sharing agreement with Constantine sharing agreement with Constantine taking the west and linius the East taking the west and linius the East taking the west and linius the East their territories divided roughly by the

their territories divided roughly by the their territories divided roughly by the Adriatic it would not take long before Adriatic it would not take long before Adriatic it would not take long before relations between the two men began to relations between the two men began to relations between the two men began to deteriorate as I said last week in deteriorate as I said last week in deteriorate as I said last week in practically everything Constantine ever practically everything Constantine ever practically everything Constantine ever did points to him wanting from the did points to him wanting from the did points to him wanting from the get-go to be sole get-go to be sole get-go to be sole Emperor one Emperor ruling one Empire Emperor one Emperor ruling one Empire Emperor one Emperor ruling one Empire serving one serving one serving one God now that Max SES and maximinus Dia God now that Max SES and maximinus Dia God now that Max SES and maximinus Dia were disposed of linius was no longer a were disposed of linius was no longer a were disposed of linius was no longer a helpful partner in Constantine's quest helpful partner in Constantine's quest helpful partner in Constantine's quest for power but was instead an obstacle in for power but was instead an obstacle in for power but was instead an obstacle in the way next week the brothers-in-law will waste next week the brothers-in-law will waste no time getting on each other's nerves no time getting on each other's nerves no time getting on each other's nerves and Constantine will waste no time and Constantine will waste no time and Constantine will waste no time digging up a pretext for war but before we go this week I want to war but before we go this week I want to pass along a quick birthday message to pass along a quick birthday message to pass along a quick birthday message to Devout listener Derek who just turned 30 Devout listener Derek who just turned 30 Devout listener Derek who just turned 30 yesterday Derek happy birthday now stop yesterday Derek happy birthday now stop yesterday Derek happy birthday now stop listening to this podcast and go take listening to this podcast and go take listening to this podcast and go take care of your lovely wife and newborn care of your lovely wife and newborn care of your lovely wife and newborn daughter daughter daughter [Music] hello and welcome to the history of

hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode Rome episode Rome episode 135 Brothers in name only following the defeat and death of only following the defeat and death of maximinus diet in the summer of 313 ad maximinus diet in the summer of 313 ad maximinus diet in the summer of 313 ad the Roman Empire was backed down to two the Roman Empire was backed down to two the Roman Empire was backed down to two Emperors for the first time in 20 years Emperors for the first time in 20 years Emperors for the first time in 20 years but unlike the previous partnership but unlike the previous partnership but unlike the previous partnership between Diocesan and maximan the between Diocesan and maximan the between Diocesan and maximan the partnership between Constantine and partnership between Constantine and partnership between Constantine and linas was not premised on cooperation linas was not premised on cooperation linas was not premised on cooperation and mutual respect so much as on and mutual respect so much as on and mutual respect so much as on hostility and mutual hostility and mutual hostility and mutual suspicion their joint Reign was not suspicion their joint Reign was not suspicion their joint Reign was not about working together to solve the about working together to solve the about working together to solve the problems of the Empire it was instead problems of the Empire it was instead problems of the Empire it was instead about putting themselves in the best about putting themselves in the best about putting themselves in the best position possible to take the other out position possible to take the other out position possible to take the other out as soon as an opportunity presented as soon as an opportunity presented as soon as an opportunity presented itself the two men resembled no one so itself the two men resembled no one so itself the two men resembled no one so much as Octavian and Anthony they were much as Octavian and Anthony they were much as Octavian and Anthony they were vowed allies legally brothers-in-law and vowed allies legally brothers-in-law and vowed allies legally brothers-in-law and ready to Slit each other's throats at ready to Slit each other's throats at ready to Slit each other's throats at the drop of a hat the drop of a hat the drop of a hat and of course in the end the climax of and of course in the end the climax of and of course in the end the climax of their drama played out the same as well their drama played out the same as well their drama played out the same as well with the man in the west utterly with the man in the west utterly with the man in the west utterly crushing the man in the East but just crushing the man in the East but just crushing the man in the East but just like that old drama this new drama would like that old drama this new drama would like that old drama this new drama would take more than a decade to play out Linus did not have long to savor his out Linus did not have long to savor his victory over maximinus before the victory over maximinus before the victory over maximinus before the responsibilities he had won for himself responsibilities he had won for himself responsibilities he had won for himself came knocking after arriving in Antioch came knocking after arriving in Antioch came knocking after arriving in Antioch to consolidate his rule over Syria to consolidate his rule over Syria to consolidate his rule over Syria linius appears who have been dragged linius appears who have been dragged linius appears who have been dragged straight away into hostilities with straight away into hostilities with straight away into hostilities with Rome's Persian neighbor to the

Rome's Persian neighbor to the Rome's Persian neighbor to the east there is very little detail in the east there is very little detail in the east there is very little detail in the record about what exactly was going on record about what exactly was going on record about what exactly was going on between the Romans and the cids at this between the Romans and the cids at this between the Romans and the cids at this point in history but one thing was clear point in history but one thing was clear point in history but one thing was clear whatever fight maximinus Dia had been whatever fight maximinus Dia had been whatever fight maximinus Dia had been embroiled in when Constantine knocked embroiled in when Constantine knocked embroiled in when Constantine knocked off maxentius it was far from off maxentius it was far from off maxentius it was far from over but though we don't know the exact over but though we don't know the exact over but though we don't know the exact circumstances if we take historical circumstances if we take historical circumstances if we take historical precedents and combine them with one precedents and combine them with one precedents and combine them with one major contemporaneous event major contemporaneous event major contemporaneous event historians reckon that once again the historians reckon that once again the historians reckon that once again the two empires were feuding over two empires were feuding over two empires were feuding over Armenia that one major contemporaneous Armenia that one major contemporaneous Armenia that one major contemporaneous event occurred in the late summer or event occurred in the late summer or event occurred in the late summer or early fall of 314 ad maybe 6 to9 months early fall of 314 ad maybe 6 to9 months early fall of 314 ad maybe 6 to9 months after linius began campaigning in the after linius began campaigning in the after linius began campaigning in the desert a new king of Armenia was desert a new king of Armenia was desert a new king of Armenia was crowned the establishment of a new crowned the establishment of a new crowned the establishment of a new monarch over the Border Kingdom at this monarch over the Border Kingdom at this monarch over the Border Kingdom at this particular moment is why historians particular moment is why historians particular moment is why historians suspect Rome and Persia were fighting suspect Rome and Persia were fighting suspect Rome and Persia were fighting over Armenia over Armenia over Armenia but that said there is nothing but that said there is nothing but that said there is nothing particularly major about Armenia getting particularly major about Armenia getting particularly major about Armenia getting a new king it happened all the a new king it happened all the a new king it happened all the time what made it a major event is that time what made it a major event is that time what made it a major event is that the new king trades had recently been the new king trades had recently been the new king trades had recently been baptized a Christian and when he took baptized a Christian and when he took baptized a Christian and when he took over the throne he declared that the over the throne he declared that the over the throne he declared that the kingdom of Armenia would henceforth kingdom of Armenia would henceforth kingdom of Armenia would henceforth recognize Christianity as its official recognize Christianity as its official recognize Christianity as its official religion this of course was the first religion this of course was the first religion this of course was the first time in history that any government time in history that any government time in history that any government recognized Christianity as its state recognized Christianity as its state recognized Christianity as its state religion which I think you'll agree is a religion which I think you'll agree is a religion which I think you'll agree is a major event

indeed while linius was thus absorbed in indeed while linius was thus absorbed in the East Constantine handled all the East Constantine handled all the East Constantine handled all Imperial business in the Imperial business in the Imperial business in the West after satisfying himself that West after satisfying himself that West after satisfying himself that maximinus was dead and that he would not maximinus was dead and that he would not maximinus was dead and that he would not have to like invade Alyria or something have to like invade Alyria or something have to like invade Alyria or something Constantine headed back North to Gaul Constantine headed back North to Gaul Constantine headed back North to Gaul and established a headquarters at and established a headquarters at and established a headquarters at Trier he spent most of the next year Trier he spent most of the next year Trier he spent most of the next year dealing with the routine matters of dealing with the routine matters of dealing with the routine matters of government petitions here skirmishes government petitions here skirmishes government petitions here skirmishes with the Germans there etc etc but in with the Germans there etc etc but in with the Germans there etc etc but in the summer of 314 a Constantine dealt the summer of 314 a Constantine dealt the summer of 314 a Constantine dealt with his own major turning point in the with his own major turning point in the with his own major turning point in the history of history of history of Christianity this Turning Point sprang Christianity this Turning Point sprang Christianity this Turning Point sprang from an internal disagreement within the from an internal disagreement within the from an internal disagreement within the church which led to one side appealing church which led to one side appealing church which led to one side appealing to the emperor to resolve the to the emperor to resolve the to the emperor to resolve the argument for the first 300 years of argument for the first 300 years of argument for the first 300 years of Christianity's existence the Imperial Christianity's existence the Imperial Christianity's existence the Imperial government was not just a separate government was not just a separate government was not just a separate institution it was practically the exact institution it was practically the exact institution it was practically the exact opposite of everything Christianity opposite of everything Christianity opposite of everything Christianity stood for but now that Constantine was stood for but now that Constantine was stood for but now that Constantine was in power that was all about to change in power that was all about to change in power that was all about to change and it is the donatists who get the and it is the donatists who get the and it is the donatists who get the credit or the blame depending on your credit or the blame depending on your credit or the blame depending on your point of view for first inviting the point of view for first inviting the point of view for first inviting the emperor into the church the stage for this invitation was church the stage for this invitation was set by the great set by the great set by the great persecution essentially what happened is persecution essentially what happened is persecution essentially what happened is that while the persecution was going on that while the persecution was going on that while the persecution was going on the Christians wound up breaking down the Christians wound up breaking down the Christians wound up breaking down into two camps those who complied with into two camps those who complied with into two camps those who complied with the Imperial authorities and those who the Imperial authorities and those who the Imperial authorities and those who resisted resisted resisted now that the persecution was over the now that the persecution was over the now that the persecution was over the Christian leadership was faced with the Christian leadership was faced with the Christian leadership was faced with the question of what to do with the question of what to do with the question of what to do with the collaborating clergymen who were called

collaborating clergymen who were called collaborating clergymen who were called tratores or men who had handed over tratores or men who had handed over tratores or men who had handed over which gives us the root of our English which gives us the root of our English which gives us the root of our English word word word traitor could they just return as if traitor could they just return as if traitor could they just return as if nothing had happened or did they need to nothing had happened or did they need to nothing had happened or did they need to be rebap tized or what and more be rebap tized or what and more be rebap tized or what and more importantly should they be allowed to importantly should they be allowed to importantly should they be allowed to return at return at return at all you'll recall that following the all you'll recall that following the all you'll recall that following the dcan persecution the church faced a dcan persecution the church faced a dcan persecution the church faced a similar situation and eventually came similar situation and eventually came similar situation and eventually came down solidly on the side of readmit down solidly on the side of readmit down solidly on the side of readmit without the need for rebaptism and without the need for rebaptism and without the need for rebaptism and declared the opposing view declared the opposing view declared the opposing view heretical you'll also recall that when heretical you'll also recall that when heretical you'll also recall that when we discussed what became known as the we discussed what became known as the we discussed what became known as the Novation heresy that I said it was a Novation heresy that I said it was a Novation heresy that I said it was a precursor to the much larger fight that precursor to the much larger fight that precursor to the much larger fight that would follow dian's great persecution would follow dian's great persecution would follow dian's great persecution well here we well here we well here we are a faction within the church centered are a faction within the church centered are a faction within the church centered in North Africa and led by but not in North Africa and led by but not in North Africa and led by but not founded by the bishop donatus believe founded by the bishop donatus believe founded by the bishop donatus believe that collaborating members of the clergy that collaborating members of the clergy that collaborating members of the clergy should not be allowed to maintain their should not be allowed to maintain their should not be allowed to maintain their positions and that any sacraments they positions and that any sacraments they positions and that any sacraments they celebrated should be considered celebrated should be considered celebrated should be considered invalid the position of these so-called invalid the position of these so-called invalid the position of these so-called donaus was considered unnecessarily donaus was considered unnecessarily donaus was considered unnecessarily harsh by the majority of the Christian harsh by the majority of the Christian harsh by the majority of the Christian clergy possibly because many of them clergy possibly because many of them clergy possibly because many of them could be accused of being traitorous and could be accused of being traitorous and could be accused of being traitorous and a far more lenient course was a far more lenient course was a far more lenient course was plotted I don't want to dive too deeply plotted I don't want to dive too deeply plotted I don't want to dive too deeply into the minutia of the arguments into the minutia of the arguments into the minutia of the arguments because doctrinal disputes like this because doctrinal disputes like this because doctrinal disputes like this quickly turn into black holes of quickly turn into black holes of quickly turn into black holes of esoteric theology but suffice it to say esoteric theology but suffice it to say esoteric theology but suffice it to say that it was a very complex issue the two

that it was a very complex issue the two that it was a very complex issue the two sides dug in and the problem seemed sides dug in and the problem seemed sides dug in and the problem seemed intractable after an anti- donaus Deacon intractable after an anti- donaus Deacon intractable after an anti- donaus Deacon was elected to serve as the bishop of was elected to serve as the bishop of was elected to serve as the bishop of Carthage under highly suspicious Carthage under highly suspicious Carthage under highly suspicious circumstances it should be noted Bishop circumstances it should be noted Bishop circumstances it should be noted Bishop donatus of numidia decided to outflank donatus of numidia decided to outflank donatus of numidia decided to outflank his enemies in the church and played an his enemies in the church and played an his enemies in the church and played an unprecedented trump card unprecedented trump card unprecedented trump card he appealed directly to Constantine and he appealed directly to Constantine and he appealed directly to Constantine and asked the emperor to help settle the matter now before we get too far along I matter now before we get too far along I do want to point out that this was not do want to point out that this was not do want to point out that this was not completely Uncharted Territory it is completely Uncharted Territory it is completely Uncharted Territory it is often said that the fight over the often said that the fight over the often said that the fight over the donatist heresy and the subsequent donatist heresy and the subsequent donatist heresy and the subsequent council at ARL was the first time the council at ARL was the first time the council at ARL was the first time the church invited the emperor in to help church invited the emperor in to help church invited the emperor in to help solve their problems but there was solve their problems but there was solve their problems but there was actually a precedent for this set during actually a precedent for this set during actually a precedent for this set during the reign of the reign of the reign of aelian there was too much else going on aelian there was too much else going on aelian there was too much else going on for me to talk about it at the time but for me to talk about it at the time but for me to talk about it at the time but as Queen Zenobia was extending her as Queen Zenobia was extending her as Queen Zenobia was extending her influence into Syria she made common influence into Syria she made common influence into Syria she made common cause with a controversial Bishop named cause with a controversial Bishop named cause with a controversial Bishop named Paul of samasa who agreed to turn his Paul of samasa who agreed to turn his Paul of samasa who agreed to turn his flock in her direction if she supported flock in her direction if she supported flock in her direction if she supported his claim to the Bishop Rick of his claim to the Bishop Rick of his claim to the Bishop Rick of Antioch once PA meyra Was Defeated a Antioch once PA meyra Was Defeated a Antioch once PA meyra Was Defeated a delegation of Christian leaders delegation of Christian leaders delegation of Christian leaders approached aelion and asked him to expel approached aelion and asked him to expel approached aelion and asked him to expel Paul from the Paul from the Paul from the city since their religious aims city since their religious aims city since their religious aims coincided with his political names coincided with his political names coincided with his political names aelian granted the request and Paul was aelian granted the request and Paul was aelian granted the request and Paul was exiled that so far as I can tell is exiled that so far as I can tell is exiled that so far as I can tell is actually the first time an emperor got actually the first time an emperor got actually the first time an emperor got in the middle of what was really an in the middle of what was really an in the middle of what was really an internal dispute between rival Christian

internal dispute between rival Christian internal dispute between rival Christian factions but that all being said no factions but that all being said no factions but that all being said no Emperor had ever gotten involved with Emperor had ever gotten involved with Emperor had ever gotten involved with doctrinal issues so Constantine is doctrinal issues so Constantine is doctrinal issues so Constantine is definitely about to set off into definitely about to set off into definitely about to set off into Uncharted Territory on that front it should be noted though that front it should be noted though that when Constantine accepted the petition when Constantine accepted the petition when Constantine accepted the petition of the donatus it was not because he was of the donatus it was not because he was of the donatus it was not because he was itching to stick his nose into church itching to stick his nose into church itching to stick his nose into church business but because as Emperor he felt business but because as Emperor he felt business but because as Emperor he felt like he had a responsibility to ensure like he had a responsibility to ensure like he had a responsibility to ensure that Justice was that Justice was that Justice was done indeed the petition delivered to done indeed the petition delivered to done indeed the petition delivered to the emperor had nothing to do with the emperor had nothing to do with the emperor had nothing to do with doctrinal disputes but instead focused doctrinal disputes but instead focused doctrinal disputes but instead focused exclusively on the alleged Crimes of the exclusively on the alleged Crimes of the exclusively on the alleged Crimes of the controversial new bishop of controversial new bishop of controversial new bishop of Carthage the donaus strategy was to Carthage the donaus strategy was to Carthage the donaus strategy was to smear their rival Bishop get the recent smear their rival Bishop get the recent smear their rival Bishop get the recent election results tossed out and then get election results tossed out and then get election results tossed out and then get a new Pro donatist candidate elected to a new Pro donatist candidate elected to a new Pro donatist candidate elected to the Bishop Rick of the Bishop Rick of the Bishop Rick of Carthage but despite the fact that he Carthage but despite the fact that he Carthage but despite the fact that he agreed in the interest of justice that agreed in the interest of justice that agreed in the interest of justice that the donaus should be heard that did not the donaus should be heard that did not the donaus should be heard that did not mean that Constantine was eager to jump mean that Constantine was eager to jump mean that Constantine was eager to jump into internal Church politics with both into internal Church politics with both into internal Church politics with both feet so he ordered the matter be feet so he ordered the matter be feet so he ordered the matter be arbitrated by the bishop of Rome and a arbitrated by the bishop of Rome and a arbitrated by the bishop of Rome and a panel of three other impartial bishops panel of three other impartial bishops panel of three other impartial bishops from Gaul who would be selected by the from Gaul who would be selected by the from Gaul who would be selected by the emperor personally to a fair emperor personally to a fair emperor personally to a fair result but before the trial took place result but before the trial took place result but before the trial took place the bishop of Rome a staunch anti- the bishop of Rome a staunch anti- the bishop of Rome a staunch anti- donatist and friend of the accused donatist and friend of the accused donatist and friend of the accused packed the judge's table with 15 more packed the judge's table with 15 more packed the judge's table with 15 more Bishops all from Italy and all in his

Bishops all from Italy and all in his Bishops all from Italy and all in his pocket as soon as the proceedings began pocket as soon as the proceedings began pocket as soon as the proceedings began it became clear that the whole thing was it became clear that the whole thing was it became clear that the whole thing was now a now a now a setup the council not only ruled against setup the council not only ruled against setup the council not only ruled against the donaus on The Limited issue of the donaus on The Limited issue of the donaus on The Limited issue of whether the bishop of Carthage was a whether the bishop of Carthage was a whether the bishop of Carthage was a guilty man but they also ruled against guilty man but they also ruled against guilty man but they also ruled against them on the broader issue of their them on the broader issue of their them on the broader issue of their doctrinal beliefs which the council doctrinal beliefs which the council doctrinal beliefs which the council declared declared declared heretical the donatists were of course heretical the donatists were of course heretical the donatists were of course outraged and appealed to Constantine a outraged and appealed to Constantine a outraged and appealed to Constantine a second second second time when the emperor was filled in on time when the emperor was filled in on time when the emperor was filled in on the details of the trial he agreed that the details of the trial he agreed that the details of the trial he agreed that the donaus had been treated unfairly and the donaus had been treated unfairly and the donaus had been treated unfairly and agreed that their case should be retried agreed that their case should be retried agreed that their case should be retried this time before a council composed to this time before a council composed to this time before a council composed to Bishops from every province in the Bishops from every province in the Bishops from every province in the Western Empire a council that was to be Western Empire a council that was to be Western Empire a council that was to be called by Constantine himself called by Constantine himself called by Constantine himself when the subsequent Council of ARL when the subsequent Council of ARL when the subsequent Council of ARL convened in August of 314 though the convened in August of 314 though the convened in August of 314 though the outcome for the donaus was the same outcome for the donaus was the same outcome for the donaus was the same their charges against the bishop of their charges against the bishop of their charges against the bishop of Carthage were tossed out and their Carthage were tossed out and their Carthage were tossed out and their beliefs were declared beliefs were declared beliefs were declared heretical the donaus appealed to heretical the donaus appealed to heretical the donaus appealed to Constantine a third time and like most Constantine a third time and like most Constantine a third time and like most major court cases there were a few more major court cases there were a few more major court cases there were a few more procedural twists and turns before the procedural twists and turns before the procedural twists and turns before the matter was finally settled for good but matter was finally settled for good but matter was finally settled for good but in the end the decision of the Council in the end the decision of the Council in the end the decision of the Council of ARL stood the accused Bishop was EX of ARL stood the accused Bishop was EX of ARL stood the accused Bishop was EX erated and the donaus were declared erated and the donaus were declared erated and the donaus were declared Heretics when the donaus continued to Heretics when the donaus continued to Heretics when the donaus continued to pester the emperor about the issue pester the emperor about the issue pester the emperor about the issue though Constantine finally lost his though Constantine finally lost his though Constantine finally lost his temper he had been at the council though temper he had been at the council though temper he had been at the council though he sat as a lay person and saw nothing

he sat as a lay person and saw nothing he sat as a lay person and saw nothing UNT about the process the donaus had had UNT about the process the donaus had had UNT about the process the donaus had had their day in court and they had lost it their day in court and they had lost it their day in court and they had lost it was time to get over it drop their was time to get over it drop their was time to get over it drop their complaint and get on board with the program which brings us to the last two program which brings us to the last two points I want to make about the whole points I want to make about the whole points I want to make about the whole Affair first it gives us an initial Affair first it gives us an initial Affair first it gives us an initial Glimpse at what Constantine's religious Glimpse at what Constantine's religious Glimpse at what Constantine's religious priorities really were specifically how priorities really were specifically how priorities really were specifically how much weight he put in the idea of much weight he put in the idea of much weight he put in the idea of unity as we go forward we will see again unity as we go forward we will see again unity as we go forward we will see again and again that Constantine liked and again that Constantine liked and again that Constantine liked Christianity supported Christianity and Christianity supported Christianity and Christianity supported Christianity and believed in Christianity but that it believed in Christianity but that it believed in Christianity but that it drove him crazy how much Christians drove him crazy how much Christians drove him crazy how much Christians fought with each fought with each fought with each other Constantine didn't care what wound other Constantine didn't care what wound other Constantine didn't care what wound up Orthodoxy and what wound up heresy up Orthodoxy and what wound up heresy up Orthodoxy and what wound up heresy though there is good reason to believe though there is good reason to believe though there is good reason to believe he actually supported the anti- donatist he actually supported the anti- donatist he actually supported the anti- donatist position just as long as everyone agreed position just as long as everyone agreed position just as long as everyone agreed what was what he seemed genuinely afraid what was what he seemed genuinely afraid what was what he seemed genuinely afraid that Discord within the church imperiled that Discord within the church imperiled that Discord within the church imperiled all their all their all their souls this fear would culminate with the souls this fear would culminate with the souls this fear would culminate with the Council of NAA when Constantine pushed Council of NAA when Constantine pushed Council of NAA when Constantine pushed for all doctrinal disputes to be settled for all doctrinal disputes to be settled for all doctrinal disputes to be settled once and for once and for once and for all this fear would also lead to the all this fear would also lead to the all this fear would also lead to the second point of I want to make now that second point of I want to make now that second point of I want to make now that donatism had been given a fair hearing donatism had been given a fair hearing donatism had been given a fair hearing and still been declared heretical it was and still been declared heretical it was and still been declared heretical it was time for it to be purged from the system time for it to be purged from the system time for it to be purged from the system in order to maintain the all-important in order to maintain the all-important in order to maintain the all-important unity and purity of the unity and purity of the unity and purity of the church so following the Council of ARL church so following the Council of ARL church so following the Council of ARL we see Constantine nodding in approval

we see Constantine nodding in approval we see Constantine nodding in approval as the first instances of Christian onch as the first instances of Christian onch as the first instances of Christian onch Christian violence begin to break out in Christian violence begin to break out in Christian violence begin to break out in North North North Africa and then when the donaus Africa and then when the donaus Africa and then when the donaus persisted we see him threatening to come persisted we see him threatening to come persisted we see him threatening to come down there himself and show everyone how down there himself and show everyone how down there himself and show everyone how it was it was it was done but he wouldn't get the chance as done but he wouldn't get the chance as done but he wouldn't get the chance as war with Lyin interrupted his dabbling war with Lyin interrupted his dabbling war with Lyin interrupted his dabbling for now in the controversies of the church after he left ARL in the late church after he left ARL in the late summer of 314 Constantine returned to summer of 314 Constantine returned to summer of 314 Constantine returned to Trier to keep an eye on the Ry Frontier Trier to keep an eye on the Ry Frontier Trier to keep an eye on the Ry Frontier and linius returned from the East to and linius returned from the East to and linius returned from the East to keep an eye on the danu keep an eye on the danu keep an eye on the danu frontier at some point after the first frontier at some point after the first frontier at some point after the first of the year though we really don't know of the year though we really don't know of the year though we really don't know when a a subtle new Wrinkle in the when a a subtle new Wrinkle in the when a a subtle new Wrinkle in the balance of power was introduced as balance of power was introduced as balance of power was introduced as Constantia gave birth to Linus's first Constantia gave birth to Linus's first Constantia gave birth to Linus's first child a son who will call linius the child a son who will call linius the child a son who will call linius the younger though the baby linius was just younger though the baby linius was just younger though the baby linius was just that a baby most historians believe that that a baby most historians believe that that a baby most historians believe that Constantine immediately detected a Constantine immediately detected a Constantine immediately detected a threat to his long-term dynastic threat to his long-term dynastic threat to his long-term dynastic Ambitions so the Western Emperor set in Ambitions so the Western Emperor set in Ambitions so the Western Emperor set in motion a series of events that would motion a series of events that would motion a series of events that would eventually lead first to murder and then eventually lead first to murder and then eventually lead first to murder and then to war though over the course of the last war though over the course of the last few years the tetrarchy as an few years the tetrarchy as an few years the tetrarchy as an institution had withered as no institution had withered as no institution had withered as no replacement candidates had been elevated replacement candidates had been elevated replacement candidates had been elevated to replace garus or maximist Dia at some to replace garus or maximist Dia at some to replace garus or maximist Dia at some point in 3:15 Constantine suddenly point in 3:15 Constantine suddenly point in 3:15 Constantine suddenly proposed resurrecting the idea of Junior proposed resurrecting the idea of Junior proposed resurrecting the idea of Junior Imperial Imperial Imperial colleagues specifically he sent a

colleagues specifically he sent a colleagues specifically he sent a message to linius suggesting a man named message to linius suggesting a man named message to linius suggesting a man named basanis be elevated to the rank of basanis be elevated to the rank of basanis be elevated to the rank of Caesar but one additional Caesar does Caesar but one additional Caesar does Caesar but one additional Caesar does not a tetrarchy make which is why not a tetrarchy make which is why not a tetrarchy make which is why Scholars OS that in addition to the Scholars OS that in addition to the Scholars OS that in addition to the documented proposal to elevate basanis documented proposal to elevate basanis documented proposal to elevate basanis that Constantine further intended to that Constantine further intended to that Constantine further intended to elevate his son Crispus at the same elevate his son Crispus at the same elevate his son Crispus at the same time though we have no proof of it the time though we have no proof of it the time though we have no proof of it the supposition makes sense on its own supposition makes sense on its own supposition makes sense on its own merits and conveniently fits with merits and conveniently fits with merits and conveniently fits with Constantine's General political posture Constantine's General political posture Constantine's General political posture During the During the During the period Crispus had been born sometime period Crispus had been born sometime period Crispus had been born sometime between 299 and 305 while Constantine between 299 and 305 while Constantine between 299 and 305 while Constantine was in the east at dian's court and his was in the east at dian's court and his was in the east at dian's court and his story mirrors that of his story mirrors that of his story mirrors that of his father he was the son of Constantine and father he was the son of Constantine and father he was the son of Constantine and a woman named minina whose relationship a woman named minina whose relationship a woman named minina whose relationship with Constantine like that of with Constantine like that of with Constantine like that of Constantine's own mother Helena with his Constantine's own mother Helena with his Constantine's own mother Helena with his father constantius is a bit father constantius is a bit father constantius is a bit murky minina may have been an informal murky minina may have been an informal murky minina may have been an informal mistress she may have been a legal wife mistress she may have been a legal wife mistress she may have been a legal wife who was divorced to make way for fosta who was divorced to make way for fosta who was divorced to make way for fosta or she may have been a legal wife who or she may have been a legal wife who or she may have been a legal wife who died before died before died before 307 like Constantine himself then by 307 like Constantine himself then by 307 like Constantine himself then by 3:15 ad Crispus stood at as the son of a 3:15 ad Crispus stood at as the son of a 3:15 ad Crispus stood at as the son of a previous marriage who was very possibly previous marriage who was very possibly previous marriage who was very possibly illegitimate but perhaps drawing from illegitimate but perhaps drawing from illegitimate but perhaps drawing from his own experience Constantine never his own experience Constantine never his own experience Constantine never wavered in his recognition of Crispus wavered in his recognition of Crispus wavered in his recognition of Crispus and always acknowledged and supported and always acknowledged and supported and always acknowledged and supported the boy as his rightful Heir as we are the boy as his rightful Heir as we are the boy as his rightful Heir as we are seeing right now in his attempt to make seeing right now in his attempt to make seeing right now in his attempt to make a Caesar of the boy

teenager the presumption here is that teenager the presumption here is that Constantine was looking to overwhelm any Constantine was looking to overwhelm any Constantine was looking to overwhelm any claim to power the baby Linus might put claim to power the baby Linus might put claim to power the baby Linus might put forward Someday by packing a REV forward Someday by packing a REV forward Someday by packing a REV tetrarchy with his own tetrarchy with his own tetrarchy with his own people basanis you see was not just a people basanis you see was not just a people basanis you see was not just a respected Senator he was also respected Senator he was also respected Senator he was also Constantine's Constantine's Constantine's brother-in-law but Constantine didn't brother-in-law but Constantine didn't brother-in-law but Constantine didn't want to be too obvious in his dynastic want to be too obvious in his dynastic want to be too obvious in his dynastic maneuverings which is why of all his maneuverings which is why of all his maneuverings which is why of all his possible May relations the Western possible May relations the Western possible May relations the Western Augustus specifically nominated bosis Augustus specifically nominated bosis Augustus specifically nominated bosis because bis's brother was a man named because bis's brother was a man named because bis's brother was a man named sakio who was a close friend of sakio who was a close friend of sakio who was a close friend of Linus hopefully Linus would agree to the Linus hopefully Linus would agree to the Linus hopefully Linus would agree to the proposal believing that he was getting a proposal believing that he was getting a proposal believing that he was getting a Caesar he could trust and thus accepted Caesar he could trust and thus accepted Caesar he could trust and thus accepted tetrarchy essentially composed of tetrarchy essentially composed of tetrarchy essentially composed of Constantine's extended Constantine's extended Constantine's extended family and if you count linius who was family and if you count linius who was family and if you count linius who was himself Constantine's brother-in-law himself Constantine's brother-in-law himself Constantine's brother-in-law then you could say that the whole then you could say that the whole then you could say that the whole tetrarchy would be composed of tetrarchy would be composed of tetrarchy would be composed of Constantine's extended Constantine's extended Constantine's extended family but the Eastern Augustus was not family but the Eastern Augustus was not family but the Eastern Augustus was not buying what Constantine was selling according to Constantine's later selling according to Constantine's later version of events it was a good thing version of events it was a good thing version of events it was a good thing for him that linia shot down bis's for him that linia shot down bis's for him that linia shot down bis's nomination because as it turned out the nomination because as it turned out the nomination because as it turned out the wouldbe Caesar was not nearly as loyal wouldbe Caesar was not nearly as loyal wouldbe Caesar was not nearly as loyal to Constantine as the Western Augustus to Constantine as the Western Augustus to Constantine as the Western Augustus had had had supposed according to Constantine's supposed according to Constantine's supposed according to Constantine's later story not long after refusing the later story not long after refusing the later story not long after refusing the proposal to renew the tetrarchy Linus proposal to renew the tetrarchy Linus proposal to renew the tetrarchy Linus had actually talked his friend seio into had actually talked his friend seio into had actually talked his friend seio into talking his brother basanis into talking his brother basanis into talking his brother basanis into initiating a plot to kill Constantine

initiating a plot to kill Constantine initiating a plot to kill Constantine and that bosis had agreed to the and that bosis had agreed to the and that bosis had agreed to the plan no one really believes today that plan no one really believes today that plan no one really believes today that bosis was actually involved in a bosis was actually involved in a bosis was actually involved in a conspiracy against his brother-in-law conspiracy against his brother-in-law conspiracy against his brother-in-law but over the winter of 315 316 but over the winter of 315 316 but over the winter of 315 316 Constantine's agents allegedly caught Constantine's agents allegedly caught Constantine's agents allegedly caught bosis red-handed and the wouldbe bosis red-handed and the wouldbe bosis red-handed and the wouldbe Assassin was Assassin was Assassin was executed so if there was no plot why did executed so if there was no plot why did executed so if there was no plot why did Constantine suddenly turn on the man he Constantine suddenly turn on the man he Constantine suddenly turn on the man he had been ready to make Caesar just the had been ready to make Caesar just the had been ready to make Caesar just the year year year before the answer appears to lie in the before the answer appears to lie in the before the answer appears to lie in the fact that after 8 years of marriage fact that after 8 years of marriage fact that after 8 years of marriage aosta was finally pregnant aosta was finally pregnant aosta was finally pregnant with another air on the way and of with another air on the way and of with another air on the way and of course the child would be a boy Banus course the child would be a boy Banus course the child would be a boy Banus became Expendable so Constantine used became Expendable so Constantine used became Expendable so Constantine used him as a convenient conduit through him as a convenient conduit through him as a convenient conduit through which to accuse linius of murderous which to accuse linius of murderous which to accuse linius of murderous treachery after fosta gave birth to treachery after fosta gave birth to treachery after fosta gave birth to Constantine's Second Son of course it Constantine's Second Son of course it Constantine's Second Son of course it was a son the ill-fated Constantine II was a son the ill-fated Constantine II was a son the ill-fated Constantine II Constantine the stepped up his rhetoric Constantine the stepped up his rhetoric Constantine the stepped up his rhetoric and demanded that Linus hand over seio and demanded that Linus hand over seio and demanded that Linus hand over seio so that he too could be tried for so that he too could be tried for so that he too could be tried for attempted redecide but Linus refused to attempted redecide but Linus refused to attempted redecide but Linus refused to hand over his old friend and diplomatic hand over his old friend and diplomatic hand over his old friend and diplomatic relations between the two Emperors broke relations between the two Emperors broke relations between the two Emperors broke down in the fall of 316 Constantine down in the fall of 316 Constantine down in the fall of 316 Constantine convenient pretext for war now in hand convenient pretext for war now in hand convenient pretext for war now in hand led a force of about 20,000 over the led a force of about 20,000 over the led a force of about 20,000 over the Alps and into Alyria to confront Alps and into Alyria to confront Alps and into Alyria to confront linius hearing that his brother Emperor linius hearing that his brother Emperor linius hearing that his brother Emperor was on the March linius mustered 35,000 was on the March linius mustered 35,000 was on the March linius mustered 35,000 troops and marched West ready to do some

troops and marched West ready to do some troops and marched West ready to do some confronting of his confronting of his confronting of his own the two Emperors met on October 8 own the two Emperors met on October 8 own the two Emperors met on October 8 316 ad on an open plane near the 316 ad on an open plane near the 316 ad on an open plane near the panonian C of kibali and after some panonian C of kibali and after some panonian C of kibali and after some brief skirmishing the two infantries got brief skirmishing the two infantries got brief skirmishing the two infantries got down to down to down to business both Emperors were no doubt business both Emperors were no doubt business both Emperors were no doubt hoping that this would prove to be their hoping that this would prove to be their hoping that this would prove to be their final battle for control of the Roman final battle for control of the Roman final battle for control of the Roman Empire but both were Empire but both were Empire but both were disappointed after a slug Fest that disappointed after a slug Fest that disappointed after a slug Fest that lasted all day Constantine finally led a lasted all day Constantine finally led a lasted all day Constantine finally led a cavalry charge right before Sundown that cavalry charge right before Sundown that cavalry charge right before Sundown that decisively routed Linus's Army but the decisively routed Linus's Army but the decisively routed Linus's Army but the Breakthrough came too late in the day Breakthrough came too late in the day Breakthrough came too late in the day and darkness ended hosti hostilities and darkness ended hosti hostilities and darkness ended hosti hostilities before Constantine could finish the before Constantine could finish the before Constantine could finish the job under the cover of night Linus job under the cover of night Linus job under the cover of night Linus gathered up what was left of his army gathered up what was left of his army gathered up what was left of his army and drove them first North to serium and and drove them first North to serium and and drove them first North to serium and then East to Adrien opal to then East to Adrien opal to then East to Adrien opal to regroup it seems that it was at this regroup it seems that it was at this regroup it seems that it was at this point just after the battle of kibali point just after the battle of kibali point just after the battle of kibali that linius elevated one of his generals that linius elevated one of his generals that linius elevated one of his generals a man named Aurelius Valerius veence to a man named Aurelius Valerius veence to a man named Aurelius Valerius veence to the rank of full Co the rank of full Co the rank of full Co Agustus vein had been serving as the Agustus vein had been serving as the Agustus vein had been serving as the theater commander of the danu frontier theater commander of the danu frontier theater commander of the danu frontier and it appears that with his legitimacy and it appears that with his legitimacy and it appears that with his legitimacy badly shaken by Constantine's victory badly shaken by Constantine's victory badly shaken by Constantine's victory that Linus wanted to secure the Loyalty that Linus wanted to secure the Loyalty that Linus wanted to secure the Loyalty of veilance before the general defected of veilance before the general defected of veilance before the general defected to Constantine's to Constantine's to Constantine's side the now co-emperors based in Adrien side the now co-emperors based in Adrien side the now co-emperors based in Adrien opal then quickly raised a new Army and opal then quickly raised a new Army and opal then quickly raised a new Army and at some point during the winter of 316 at some point during the winter of 316 at some point during the winter of 316 317 the peace talks that had been 317 the peace talks that had been 317 the peace talks that had been ongoing since cabali broke down and the ongoing since cabali broke down and the ongoing since cabali broke down and the armies of east and west met again this

armies of east and west met again this armies of east and west met again this time at the thracian town of Maria time at the thracian town of Maria time at the thracian town of Maria both Emperors hoped that this would be both Emperors hoped that this would be both Emperors hoped that this would be their final battle but alas again it was their final battle but alas again it was their final battle but alas again it was not like the battle of kibali the battle not like the battle of kibali the battle not like the battle of kibali the battle of Maria was an extremely hardfought of Maria was an extremely hardfought of Maria was an extremely hardfought Affair that once again saw Constantine Affair that once again saw Constantine Affair that once again saw Constantine get the upper hand but once again saw a get the upper hand but once again saw a get the upper hand but once again saw a night fall before he could finish the night fall before he could finish the night fall before he could finish the job then once again Linus and veence job then once again Linus and veence job then once again Linus and veence gathered up their battered Army and gathered up their battered Army and gathered up their battered Army and retreated under the cover of night but retreated under the cover of night but retreated under the cover of night but they were not running scared and their they were not running scared and their they were not running scared and their line of retreat led the so far perfect line of retreat led the so far perfect line of retreat led the so far perfect Golden Boy Constantine to finally make a Golden Boy Constantine to finally make a Golden Boy Constantine to finally make a mistake the most obvious fallback mistake the most obvious fallback mistake the most obvious fallback position for Linus's Army at this point position for Linus's Army at this point position for Linus's Army at this point was Byzantium and this was so obvious was Byzantium and this was so obvious was Byzantium and this was so obvious that Constantine just assumed that that Constantine just assumed that that Constantine just assumed that that's where his rival Augustus was that's where his rival Augustus was that's where his rival Augustus was headed more than ready to end this thing headed more than ready to end this thing headed more than ready to end this thing Constantine plunged East hoping to take Constantine plunged East hoping to take Constantine plunged East hoping to take down Linus before he could fully down Linus before he could fully down Linus before he could fully solidify his solidify his solidify his defenses but linius and Veil had not in defenses but linius and Veil had not in defenses but linius and Veil had not in fact headed to fact headed to fact headed to antium guessing that this is what antium guessing that this is what antium guessing that this is what Constantine was guessing that they'd do Constantine was guessing that they'd do Constantine was guessing that they'd do they instead withdrew North into the they instead withdrew North into the they instead withdrew North into the hills once Constantine blew past their hills once Constantine blew past their hills once Constantine blew past their position they dropped back down and position they dropped back down and position they dropped back down and neatly cut off his Supply and neatly cut off his Supply and neatly cut off his Supply and communication lines to the West it did communication lines to the West it did communication lines to the West it did not take long for Constantine to realize not take long for Constantine to realize not take long for Constantine to realize his his his mistake both sides stalled for time as mistake both sides stalled for time as mistake both sides stalled for time as like kenas and veence waited for like kenas and veence waited for like kenas and veence waited for Constantine to recognize how dire his Constantine to recognize how dire his Constantine to recognize how dire his position was and as Constantine waited

position was and as Constantine waited position was and as Constantine waited to see if his Porters could somehow SLI to see if his Porters could somehow SLI to see if his Porters could somehow SLI through the enemy through the enemy through the enemy blockade as soon as a much needed blockade as soon as a much needed blockade as soon as a much needed shipment of supplies was captured though shipment of supplies was captured though shipment of supplies was captured though Constantine threw in the towel and came Constantine threw in the towel and came Constantine threw in the towel and came to the to the to the table on March the 1st 316 ad the two table on March the 1st 316 ad the two table on March the 1st 316 ad the two sides came together and hammered out a sides came together and hammered out a sides came together and hammered out a piece now Constantine was in a tight piece now Constantine was in a tight piece now Constantine was in a tight spot but he had still whipped Lenas spot but he had still whipped Lenas spot but he had still whipped Lenas twice in a row so it's not like he was twice in a row so it's not like he was twice in a row so it's not like he was negotiating with a gun to his head he negotiating with a gun to his head he negotiating with a gun to his head he knew that Linus wanted this over even knew that Linus wanted this over even knew that Linus wanted this over even more than he did which is why more than he did which is why more than he did which is why Constantine was able to negotiate such a Constantine was able to negotiate such a Constantine was able to negotiate such a favorable settlement for favorable settlement for favorable settlement for himself in fact his only real concession himself in fact his only real concession himself in fact his only real concession to like kinus was that the Eastern to like kinus was that the Eastern to like kinus was that the Eastern Augustus would not be deposed just yet Augustus would not be deposed just yet Augustus would not be deposed just yet other than that though Constantine other than that though Constantine other than that though Constantine dictated the terms and linius accepted dictated the terms and linius accepted dictated the terms and linius accepted them first the Eastern Augustus would them first the Eastern Augustus would them first the Eastern Augustus would unequivocally recognize the Western unequivocally recognize the Western unequivocally recognize the Western Augustus as the senior Augustus as the senior Augustus as the senior Augustus up until now it had been a Augustus up until now it had been a Augustus up until now it had been a little unclear who outranked who little unclear who outranked who little unclear who outranked who Constantine had had himself declared Constantine had had himself declared Constantine had had himself declared maximum Augustus by the Senate but there maximum Augustus by the Senate but there maximum Augustus by the Senate but there was no getting around the fact that was no getting around the fact that was no getting around the fact that linius had been Augustus longer and so linius had been Augustus longer and so linius had been Augustus longer and so enjoyed a natural enjoyed a natural enjoyed a natural seniority now the issue was put to bed seniority now the issue was put to bed seniority now the issue was put to bed Constantine was the top Constantine was the top Constantine was the top dog second all the territory west of dog second all the territory west of dog second all the territory west of thce was seated to Constantine giving thce was seated to Constantine giving thce was seated to Constantine giving him control over Greece which was nice him control over Greece which was nice him control over Greece which was nice but more importantly giving him control but more importantly giving him control but more importantly giving him control over all the legions stationed along the over all the legions stationed along the over all the legions stationed along the danu

danu danu finally there was the small matter of finally there was the small matter of finally there was the small matter of veilance nowhere in Constantine's veilance nowhere in Constantine's veilance nowhere in Constantine's dynastic plans was there room for some dynastic plans was there room for some dynastic plans was there room for some random General inserted into the random General inserted into the random General inserted into the Imperial College without his approval Imperial College without his approval Imperial College without his approval veilance was to be deposed and veilance was to be deposed and veilance was to be deposed and executed linius agreed to everything and executed linius agreed to everything and executed linius agreed to everything and veence who had enjoyed the novelty of veence who had enjoyed the novelty of veence who had enjoyed the novelty of calling himself Augustus for maybe three calling himself Augustus for maybe three calling himself Augustus for maybe three or four months was stripped of his Rank or four months was stripped of his Rank or four months was stripped of his Rank and and and killed the last little bit of business killed the last little bit of business killed the last little bit of business to attend to was to finally address the to attend to was to finally address the to attend to was to finally address the long-term future of the Imperial long-term future of the Imperial long-term future of the Imperial Dynasty Constantine had tried to restart Dynasty Constantine had tried to restart Dynasty Constantine had tried to restart the tetrarchy on his own terms and like the tetrarchy on his own terms and like the tetrarchy on his own terms and like kinus had tried to elevate a new emperor kinus had tried to elevate a new emperor kinus had tried to elevate a new emperor on his own terms so now both men agreed on his own terms so now both men agreed on his own terms so now both men agreed to a simple compromise that would to a simple compromise that would to a simple compromise that would hopefully settle things chrispus hopefully settle things chrispus hopefully settle things chrispus Constantine II and Linus the younger Constantine II and Linus the younger Constantine II and Linus the younger would all be elevated to the rank of would all be elevated to the rank of would all be elevated to the rank of Caesar now since Crispus was at most 17 Caesar now since Crispus was at most 17 Caesar now since Crispus was at most 17 years old and possibly as young as 11 years old and possibly as young as 11 years old and possibly as young as 11 and Constantine II and linius the Young and Constantine II and linius the Young and Constantine II and linius the Young were both babies this compromise does were both babies this compromise does were both babies this compromise does not represent a return to the tetrarchy not represent a return to the tetrarchy not represent a return to the tetrarchy so much as it hearkens back to the old so much as it hearkens back to the old so much as it hearkens back to the old days when a Roman Emperor would give his days when a Roman Emperor would give his days when a Roman Emperor would give his son the title Caesar to signal that he son the title Caesar to signal that he son the title Caesar to signal that he was the official heir to the was the official heir to the was the official heir to the throne though the idea of the tetrarchy throne though the idea of the tetrarchy throne though the idea of the tetrarchy was not entirely done for yet as was not entirely done for yet as was not entirely done for yet as evidenced by the fact that when linius evidenced by the fact that when linius evidenced by the fact that when linius and Constantine next went to war each and Constantine next went to war each and Constantine next went to war each was supported by a Caesar clearly the was supported by a Caesar clearly the was supported by a Caesar clearly the tetrarchy is about to be relegated to tetrarchy is about to be relegated to tetrarchy is about to be relegated to the dust bin of History

the peace would hold for the next seven the peace would hold for the next seven years though clearly neither Emperor years though clearly neither Emperor years though clearly neither Emperor thought it would last forever as thought it would last forever as thought it would last forever as evidenced by the fact that while linius evidenced by the fact that while linius evidenced by the fact that while linius made his Capital at nicomedia made his Capital at nicomedia made his Capital at nicomedia Constantine made his at Constantine made his at Constantine made his at serium both men campaigned against serium both men campaigned against serium both men campaigned against Rome's enemies to the North in order to Rome's enemies to the North in order to Rome's enemies to the North in order to justify the location of their respective justify the location of their respective justify the location of their respective headquarters but there was no missing headquarters but there was no missing headquarters but there was no missing the obvious fact that they were the obvious fact that they were the obvious fact that they were basically living right next door to each basically living right next door to each basically living right next door to each other the first time either Emperor other the first time either Emperor other the first time either Emperor slipped up the other was going to slipped up the other was going to slipped up the other was going to pounce next week though Constantine will pounce next week though Constantine will pounce next week though Constantine will eventually be able to stand the suspense eventually be able to stand the suspense eventually be able to stand the suspense no longer and instead of waiting for no longer and instead of waiting for no longer and instead of waiting for linius to slip up he will simply start linius to slip up he will simply start linius to slip up he will simply start poking Linus in the eye with a stick poking Linus in the eye with a stick poking Linus in the eye with a stick after enduring the prodding for a bit after enduring the prodding for a bit after enduring the prodding for a bit linius will finally snap and demand that linius will finally snap and demand that linius will finally snap and demand that Constantine stop poking him in the eye Constantine stop poking him in the eye Constantine stop poking him in the eye with a stick at which point Constantine with a stick at which point Constantine with a stick at which point Constantine will say well why don't you make me and will say well why don't you make me and will say well why don't you make me and then Linus will say okay here I come then Linus will say okay here I come then Linus will say okay here I come this time it would be their final battle this time it would be their final battle this time it would be their final battle [Music]