![]() This dramatic change in artistic style allows a connection to be made between the era of Constantine and the prosperous times shown within the spolia while simultaneously showing the transformation in the ruling class to allow a bright future for all in Rome. When viewed side by side on the Arch, the Constantinian art appears completely flat compared with the scenes from the past. The frames taken from the past are extremely detailed and realistic, whereas the Constantinian frames they flank are disproportioned, lacking depth and stiff. In the case of Constantine’s Arch, the spolia are used to show a juxtaposition of new and old art. The Arch is studied largely because of its use of spolia - pieces of art taken from monuments and statues of the past and reused on a new piece - to convey Constantine’s political messages to the Roman citizens. This particular arch is also seen as relatively more political than artistic when compared with monuments of the past which is why it is of much interest. By showing himself as a benevolent ruler, Constantine hoped to gain the citizens’ loyalty which would compel them to follow him into a new golden age by choice, rather than because of oppression. One of the main differences shown in Constantine’s Arch relative to memorials of past emperors is Constantine’s use of propaganda to show himself as a kind, charismatic ruler, rather than a divine dictator. This declaration of Sunday as God’s day is the first major implication of the Empire’s movement toward becoming wholly Christian. On March 7, 321, Sunday was declared an official day of rest on which markets were taken down and offices were closed, as we still observe today. His victory marked the final obstacle Christians had to overcome in order to practice their religion freely within the Roman Empire. While in the past military victories were seen as acts of the divine emperor, Constantine’s conquest was viewed as an act of God. By associating themselves with the Christian God, Constantine and his soldiers were perceived as fighting for Christianity and with the blessing of God. It is said that before the battle, Constantine saw a crucifixion cross of light above the sun that read, “By this conquer.” Constantine in turn commanded his troops to adorn their shields with the chi-rho emblem of Christians. The Arch of Constantine was built to commemorate Constantine’s victory over the aforementioned Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, which allowed Constantine to take full power of the western empire. Had he forced Christianity upon the citizens in a revolutionary manner, he would have been no better to the people than the tyrant he had replaced. Constantine believed that rapid change would disturb the empire, and especially upset those that wished to maintain the status quo and continue to practice ancient beliefs. This move allowed the empire a religious grace period in which people could understand the change that was happening and follow by choice. Moreover, Constantine’s Arch itself contains no direct Christian references. Paganism was not banned at the time Constantine came to power, in fact the coins minted during the first several years of his rule still showed the figures of ancient Roman gods. One of Constantine’s most ingenious political moves was his allowance of religions other than Christianity. For this he has been termed both Constantine the Great as well as Saint Constantine by different sects of the Christian church. This not only reversed the persecution of Christians that had been occurring under previous emperors, but it also allowed peoples of other religions to practice freely within the empire. The most notable of Constantine’s achievements was his signing and implication of the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted religious tolerance throughout the empire. This is our first glimpse into the consistent theme of Constantine’s rule, the benevolent emperor.Ĭonstantine’s predecessor, Maxentius, was a tyrant of the Diocletian system who oppressed Christians in the empire. ![]() Constantine made many prominent legal reforms during his rule including mandating better treatment of prisoners within Rome, banning of the gladiatorial games and limiting the rights of slave masters. ![]() During his rule, Constantine made many significant revisions to the empire including transforming the city of Byzantium into Constantinople which would become the new capital of the Roman Empire as well as would remain the capital of the Byzantium Empire for over 1000 years. He is well known for being the first of the Christian emperors in Rome and instigating the shift of power from divine emperors of the past, to the church. The reign of Emperor Constantine from the year 306 to his death in 337 was a period of drastic change throughout the Roman Empire.
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