In 312, before the climactic Battle of Milvian Bridge that secured the imperial office for Constantine, he received a vision that caused him to take a Christian symbol as the standard of his troops in battle. This symbol, the so-called "Chi-Rho," was created from the first two letters of the name "Christ" in Greek. Beginning with the so-called Edict of Milan (313) and throughout his reign, Constantine issued legislation favorable to Christianity. His aim was to unite the church and to bind the church to the state by the closest ties possible. He presided as emperor over the Council of Nicea I (325) which attempted to settle the Arian controversy. Constantine was baptized shortly before his death.