Slag bij de Milvische brug 1683

Pietro Aquila created this engraving, “Slag bij de Milvische brug,” around the turn of the 18th century. It depicts the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, which, according to early Christian historians, led to Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Aquila’s print visualizes a pivotal moment in the history of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity. Consider the cultural context of Rome during the artist’s lifetime. What did it mean to represent this historic battle in the heart of the Catholic world? How does Aquila navigate the complex relationship between the classical past and the Christian present? In what ways does this artwork seek to legitimize the power and authority of the Church through its depiction of historical events? These are the kinds of questions that we as historians can investigate, using a range of sources from religious texts to archaeological findings to uncover the complex meanings embedded within this print.