Constantius II
317 – 361 · Generation IV · Emperor (r. 337–361) · Constantinian
Constantius (AD 317 – 361). Emperor (r. 337–361). Married Faustina. Son of Constantine I; sole emperor from 353. Made Caesar at seven and Augustus alongside his brothers, he promptly secured his position by overseeing a massacre of male relatives, then took the eastern share of the empire – Greece, Thrace, the Asian provinces, and Egypt. A costly, inconclusive war with Persia consumed his first decade. When the usurper Magnentius killed Constans, Constantius broke him at Mursa Major and Mons Seleucus and became sole ruler. He raised his cousin Gallus to Caesar and executed him three years later, then promoted Gallus’s half-brother Julian. A promoter of Arianism, he banned pagan sacrifices, and his armies beat the Alamanni and campaigned across the Danube. When Julian claimed the top rank, civil war loomed – but Constantius died of fever at Mopsuestia, allegedly naming Julian his heir.
One of 8 people of Constantinian (246–366) in this archive. The house that founded Constantinople and ruled from it.
Line of descent: Constantius I → Constantine I → Constantius II.
Parents
- Constantine I (272 – 337)
- Fausta (289 – 326)
Siblings
- Constantine II (316 – 340)
- Constans I (320 – 350)
- Helena (326 – 360)
Partners
- Married Faustina (326 – ?) — one child together
Children
- Constantia (361 – 383)