ABSTRACT
After his forces had routed Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge on 28 October 312, Constantine entered Rome the following day to be greeted by the familiar protocol of imperial victory.1 The traditional imagery of panegyric depicts senators and people thronging to hail their new-found liberator, who responded with the expected displays of triumphal generosity. Days of shows and games provided the opportunity for the populace to feast their eyes upon their benefactor, and bask in his liberality; while the Senate listened with appropriate gratification to imperial speeches denouncing the fallen régime, and restoring lost fortunes and ancient dignity (see principally Pan. Lat. 12(9).19-20, 4(10), 33-4). In the name of the whole of Italy, Constantine was accorded a golden shield and crown to honour his victory (Pan. Lat. 12(9).25.4). This official mood stands prominently reflected to this day in the surviving arch dedicated by a grateful SPQR to the liberator urbis who, in true Augustan fashion, had avenged the state on the tyrant and all his faction, and where scenes of traditional military success are complemented by reliefs which depict the emperor greeting, and bestowing largesse upon, his new Roman subjects arrayed before him.2
