ABSTRACT
One of the few criticisms of Constantine made in the century after his death pointed at his ambition. Once on the throne, it was only natural for him to try to build up the strength, wealth, and security of his dominions. Whatever his intentions at first, it became obvious within a few years that the support he enjoyed and the stability of his rule gave him the power to expand. In the summer of 312, despite all urging to the contrary, Constantine moved toward Italy. He was in his thirties, strong and confident, befriended by the gods. With him rode and marched some forty thousand. What Constantine discarded, Maxentius could still use. Maxentius needed all the help he could get from the living or the dead. When the grain fleet from Carthage was held back and famine pinched the populace, they rioted, fought the soldiers, and opened a civilian-military split among Maxentiu's subjects.
