MAXENTIUS HIDES IMPERIAL SCEPTERS

WILL RETRIEVE THEM AFTER HE WINS BATTLE

October 27, 312 A.D.

Rome

Emperor Maxentius, preparing to meet Constantine in battle tomorrow, has hidden the royal scepters somewhere in Rome. He has told no one where they are hidden. This is merely a precaution; he’s the odds-on favorite to win. After he is successful in battle, he will return to Rome and take the scepters from their hiding place, where they will continue to be wielded by Roman emperors for centuries to come, just as Rome will continue to be our imperial capital.

February 18, 2023

On October 28, 312 A.D., Constantine defeated Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Before the battle, Maxentius hid the symbols of imperial power in Rome. They were not found until the year 2006.

Constantine then moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to a new city, which he named after himself: Constantinople. The objects are now back in Rome, on display in the Museo Nazionale Romano.