HistoryData
war312

312 AD battle in the Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy

January 1, 0312

An intermediate engagement in Constantine's 312 AD Italian campaign, bridging his victory at Turin and the major battle near Verona.

Quick Facts

Year
312
Category
war

Key Facts

Year
312 AD
Season
Summer
Conflict
Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy
Preceded by
Battle of Augusta Taurinorum (Turin)
Followed by
Battle near Verona

Location

Map of Brescia, ItalyMap of Brescia, ItalyBrescia, Italy

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Maxentius declared war on Constantine, claiming to avenge the death of his father Maximian, who had committed suicide after being defeated by Constantine. This prompted Constantine to launch a large-scale invasion of northern Italy, advancing through the Po Valley and engaging Maxentian forces in a sequence of battles.

Event

The Battle of Brescia was fought in the summer of 312 in the town of Brixia (modern Brescia) in northern Italy, between the forces of Constantine the Great and those of Maxentius. It followed Constantine's earlier victory at Augusta Taurinorum and was one of several engagements as Constantine pushed deeper into Italy.

Consequence

Following the clash at Brescia, Constantine continued his advance eastward, leading to the penultimate confrontation between the two emperors near Verona. This sequence of victories progressively weakened Maxentius's hold on northern Italy and set the stage for the decisive Battle of the Milvian Bridge later in 312.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Constantine the Great
Key Commanders

Constantine the Great.

Side B

1 belligerent

Maxentius
Key Commanders

Maxentius (represented by commanders).

Outcome
Victory for Constantine; he advanced toward Verona

Timeline Context

Timeline around 312312309310311313314315312 battle at Augusta Taurinorum that was won by Constantine the Great4th-century battle for control of Romebattle-of-brescia-312