Edict of Milan 313
1700 years ago Constantine the Great met Licinius in Milan and agreed to the edict of Milan, officially
granting full tolerance to all religions in the Empire including Christianity, in order for “any Divinity
whatsoever in the seat of the heavens may be propitious and kindly disposed to us and all who are placed
under our rule”.This anniversary is being celebrated with an important exhibition in Milan, which now –
in an extended Roman version – has opened in Rome. The exhibition showcases more than 200 pieces of
rare and beautiful art from the 4th century.
Coin 313
The exhibition opens with a section telling the story of the members of the family of Constantine.
Afterwards follow a section dedicated to Rome and the famous Battle of the Milvian Bridge, with portraits
of the protagonists, Maxentius and Constantine. Now follows a study of the recently excavated
Sessorium, the imperial seat in Rome on the Palatine, where the mother of Constantine, Helena resided.
The central part of the exhibition tells about the religious and political revolution triggered by the end of
the persecutions against the Christians, analysing portraits, coins and works of art from the army, the
church and the imperial court. Sophisticated luxury artefacts that belonged to the elite of the empire or
the churches testify to the official adoption of Christianity as a recognised cult.
The exhibition ends with a section devoted to the Constantine monuments in Rome: the homes, baths,
basilicas, mausoleums and their unique decorations. Reconstructions of some buildings are presented in
3D graphics updated in the light of recent excavations.
Finally, an computer graphics allow visitors to study the high-resolution images of the Arch of
Constantine in order to get know the events narrated in the frieze (which famously does not tell the story
of how Constantine was later told to gain victory under the sign of the Cross).
Costantino 313 d.C
11.04.2013 – 15.09.2013
Colosseum, Rome
Costantino313 – Pinterest
The Edict of Milan
READ MORE:
Costantino 313 d. C. L’editto di Milano e il tempo della tolleranza. Catalogo della mostra
By G. Sena Chiesa (Ed)
Mondadori Electa 2012