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With its magnificent, very rare detail and bi-color earthen patina, this is a stunning ancient Roman bronze coin from the early Christian days of the Roman Empire. This coin was minted during the rule of a descendant emperor from the lineage of Constantine the Great, the first ruler of the Roman Empire to convert to Christianity. The high polished, cast 14 karat yellow gold pendant setting showcases the ancient patina color wonderfully. Perfect for either a man or woman to wear this piece of genuine Ancient Roman history.
ADD THE DISPLAYED MEDIUM FORSANTINA GOLD CHAIN
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No event in the history of the Western world was probably more pivotal than that of the Christian conversion of the emperor Constantine. Constantine the Great, as he is famously known, was the first ruler of the Roman Empire to convert to Christianity. His conversion resulted from a miraculous event that took place on the battlefield. Constantine was encamped with his army at the Milvian Bridge, heavily outnumbered by the armies of his challenger Maxentius, across the river.
The following historical account was recorded at that time by an ancient writer as follows: "Constantine was praying to his father's god, beseeching him to tell him who he was and imploring him to stretch out his right hand to help him in his present difficulties. While he was fervently praying, an incredible sign appeared to him from heaven. (It would be hard to believe his account if it had been told by anyone else. But the victorious emperor long afterwards declared it to the writer of this history -- when I was honored to meet and talk with him and he even confirmed his statement by an oath. Thus, who could doubt him, especially since time has established its truth?). He said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and an inscription that said 'Conquer by This' attached to it. Seeing this, he and his army, which followed him on an expedition and witnessed the miracle, were struck with amazement. "He said that he doubted within himself what importance the vision might hold. He continued to ponder its meaning through until he fell asleep. While sleeping, the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign he had seen earlier in the heavens. God commanded him to make a likeness of that sign which he had seen in the heavens and to use it as a safeguard in all encounters with his enemies."
Immediately, Constantine placed the sign of Christ on his standards and had it painted on his shields. Constantine won the day with a decisive victory and Maxentius, thrown from the Milvian Bridge, was drowned when the weight of his armor caused him to sink into the mud and ooze at the bottom of the River Tiber. His body was recovered the day after the battle. From this point on, Christianity became the official religion of the Empire and the capitol was moved from Rome to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul, Turkey).
Upon the death of Constantine the Great in 337 A.D., the Empire was divided among his three sons. Constantine II, who was the oldest son, ruled most of Western Europe. The second son, Constantius II, was awarded the entire Eastern Empire. The youngest, Constans, ruled Italy and North Africa with Constantine II serving as co-emperor. The reforms of their father, Constantine the Great, were maintained under the sons' rule including their dedicated faith and continuation of Christianity as the State religion.