Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 2.djvu/48

 30 THE DECLINE AND FALL CFIAP. lieutenants of Maxentius in the plains of Turin. Its ^^^ • principal strength consisted in a species of heavy ca- valry, which the Romans, since the decline of their discijiline, had borrowed from the nations of the east. The horses, as well as the men, were clothed in com- plete armour, the joints of which were artfully adapted to the motions of their bodies. The aspect of this cavalry was formidable, their weight almost irresisti- ble ; and as on this occasion their generals had drawn them up in a compact column or wedge, with a sharp point, and with spreading flanks, they flattered them- selves that they should easily break and trample down the army of Constantine. They might perhaps have succeeded in their design, had not their experienced adversary embraced the same method of defence, which in similar circumstances had been practised by Aure- lian. The skilful evolutions of Constantine divided and baffled this massy column of cavalry. The troops of Maxentius fled in confusion towards Turin ; and as the gates of the city were shut against them, very few escaped the sword of the victorious pursuers. By this important service, Turin deserved to experience the clemency and even favour of the conqueror. He made his entry into the imperial palace of Milan ; and almost all the cities of Italy between the Alps and the Po not only acknowledged the power, but embraced with zeal the party of Constantine''. Siege and From Milan to Rome, the Tamilian and Flaminian battle of hiffhwavs offered an easy march of about four hun- erona. o ./ .' dred miles ; but though Constantine was impatient to encounter the tyrant, he prudently directed his oper- ations against another army of Italians, who, by their strength and position, might either oppose his pro- gress, or, in case of a misfortune, might intercept his retreat. Ruricius Pompeianus, a general distinguished by his valour and ability, had under his command the ^ Zosimus as well as Eusebius hasten from the passage of the Alps to the decisive action near Rome. We must apply to the two panegyrics for the intermediate actions of Constantine.