356 • C H R I S T I A N I T Y A N D T H E F O R M A T I O N O F E U R O P E
all faiths now free to practice openly, but also Constantine himself patronized
Christianity. While battling his political enemies in 312, Constantine had had a
vision of a cross with the inscription In hoc signo vinces, or "In this sign, conquer."
He interpreted this to mean that following Christian teachings and worshiping the
Christian god would lead him to victory. He won the battle and converted to
the Christian faith. His Triumphal Arch (15.1), a monument erected to commemo-
rate his victories, pictures the battle that secured his imperial title as well as scenes
of past emperors' triumphs and personifications of victory. The relief sculpture is
15.1 Arch of Constantine, Rome.
312–15 c.e. Marble.
Peter Noyce/Alamy Stock Photo
15.2 Constantine and his court,
from the Arch of Constantine.
funkyfood London - Paul Williams/Alamy
Stock Photo
