What I heard is that Maxentius and Constantine were fighting, as the BBC article said. Maxentius had his clan and the support of the Mithraic elements in the army. These made for a powerful group.
Constantine needed allies and put together a coalition that included Christians.
During, or before the battle, Constantine had to pay a considerable political price to his new allies, the Christians. He did this by finding some clouds in the sky, and saying that they formed the shape of a cross. If he won, therefore, he would support those who favored the cross over those who favored the Mithraic emblems (which may have been horns, but which by that time were, I think, lightning bolts).
This story I think sounds more plausible. Constantine WAS a man of his times, and was certainly not above playing his political cards. At the time of his reign Christians made up around 20% of the population, a very sizable minority. However, an important thing to consider is that Constantine never converted to Christianity except on his deathbed. He did, however, recognize the religion and encourage it as much as he could.
One influence on the man that cannot be ignored, either, was his mother, a devout Christian.
Damon.
------------------------------------------------------------ Damon Agretto [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." Now Building: Esci/Italeri's M60A1 Patton ------------------------------------------------------------
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