On October 27, 312, Constantine prepared for battle against Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber River into Rome. According to tradition, Constantine looked up into the sky to see a blazing cross of light with an inscription that read, “in hoc signo vinces” (in this sign you shall conquer). Although Constantine was not a Christian, the sign of the cross—a prominent Christian symbol—led him to believe this to be a sign from the Christian god, and he ordered his troops to inscribe the monogram of Christ on their shields. When the two armies clashed the next day, Constantine’s army won a decisive victory. Maxentius was pushed into the Tiber and drowned during the battle. Constantine credited his success to the protection
