Editing Maxentius (section)

==== Turin ====
[[File:Battle of Constantine and Maxentius (detail-of-fresco-in-Vatican-Stanze) c1650 by Lazzaro Baldi after Giulio Romano at the University of Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|left|''Battle of [[Constantine the Great|Constantine]] and Maxentius'' (detail of fresco in the Vatican Museums) c. 1650 by [[Lazzaro Baldi]] after [[Giulio Romano (painter)|Giulio Romano]] at the University of Edinburgh]]

As early as weather permitted,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> late in the spring of 312,<ref name="Odahl, 101">Odahl, 101.</ref> Constantine crossed the Alps with a quarter of his army,{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} a force equivalent to something less than forty thousand men.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Having crossed the [[Cottian Alps]] at the [[Mont Cenis]] pass,<ref name="Odahl, 101"/> he first came to Segusium ([[Susa (TO)|Susa]], [[Italy]]), a heavily fortified town containing a military garrison, which shut its gates to him. Constantine ordered his forces to set its gates on fire and scale its walls, and took the town quickly. Constantine forbade the plunder of the town and advanced into northern Italy.<ref>Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 41; Odahl, 101.</ref>

At the approach to the west of the important city of Augusta Taurinorum ([[Turin]], Italy), Constantine encountered a large force of heavily armed Maxentian cavalry,<ref>Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 41; Odahl, 101–02.</ref> labeled ''[[clibanarii]]'' or ''[[cataphract]]i'' in the ancient sources. In the ensuing [[Battle of Turin (312)|battle]] Constantine spread his forces into a line, allowing Maxentius' cavalry to ride into the middle of his forces. As his forces broadly encircled the enemy cavalry, Constantine's own cavalry charged at the sides of the Maxentian cataphracts, beating them with iron-tipped clubs. Many Maxentian cavalrymen were dismounted, while most others were variously incapacitated by the blows. Constantine then commanded his foot soldiers to advance against the surviving Maxentian infantry, cutting them down as they fled.<ref>''Panegyrici Latini'' 12(9).5–6; 4(10).21–24; Odahl, 102, 317–18.</ref> Victory, the panegyrist who speaks of the events declares, came easily.<ref>''Panegyrici Latini'' 12(9).8.1; 4(10).25.1; Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 41, 305.</ref> Turin refused to give refuge to the retreating forces of Maxentius. It opened its gates to Constantine instead. Other cities of the north Italian plain, recognizing Constantine's quick and clement victories, sent him embassies of congratulation for his victory. He moved on to Milan, where he was met with open gates and jubilant rejoicing. He resided there until the middle of the summer of 312 before moving on.<ref>Barnes, ''Constantine and Eusebius'', 41–42; Odahl, 103.</ref>