After the retirement of the last great persecutor of the Christian church, Diocletian, General Constantine challenged Maxentius for the rule of the Roman Empire.
On his way to Rome with his troops in October, 312 A. D., Constantine wondered how he might defeat his opponent. Maxentius relied on magical enchantments to win his battles. But Constantine had seen the pagan gods fail to protect their worshippers.
Constantine’s father believed there was only one God over all. Considering his battle plans, Constantine knelt to pray to his father’s God, pleading with Him to tell him who He was and to ask Him to stretch His hand out to help his army win its battle.
With this troops, Constantine saw a cross glow in bright colors across the big sky with the words In hoc signo vinces (In this sign you will win). All were amazed.
That night Constantine’s dream confirmed Jesus Christ would lead him into battle. The cross was inscribed on each soldier’s armor. And they won even though largely outnumbered.
The Milvian Bridge, where Constantine’s battle with Maxentius took place, remains today in Rome over the Tiber River.
Constantine’s mother, Helena, was known as a devout Christian, and she took up the task of finding and restoring historical Christian sites. She also sponsored other churches to be built. Even though disputed, Helena is credited by some as finding the true cross of Jesus.
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