Constantine II Flavius Claudius
316 – 340 · Generation XVII · Roman emperor (r. AD 337–340) · Constantinian
Constantine II (AD 316 – AD 340). Roman emperor (r. AD 337–340). Invaded his youngest brother’s territory three years into the joint reign and died in an ambush at Aquileia. Proclaimed caesar by his father shortly after his birth, he was associated through his career with victories over the Sarmatians, Alamanni and Goths, collected the victory titles to match, and held the consulship four times. Constantine had meant his sons to share power with their cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus, but the brothers refused the arrangement, and a purge of male relatives ordered by Constantius II cleared the field before the three ascended together. His own portion was Gaul, Hispania and Britain — too little for a man convinced that primogeniture gave him rights over his youngest brother, and his attempt to enforce that claim cost him his life. Rome formally condemned his memory afterwards, and Constans absorbed his territories.
One of 10 people of Constantinian (246–363) in this archive. Constantine’s house — the first Christian emperors, and a new capital in the east.
Line of descent: Constantius Chlorus → Constantine the Great → Constantine II Flavius Claudius.
Parents
- Constantine the Great (272 – 337)
- Fausta Flavia Maxima (289 – 326)
Siblings
- Crispus Flavius Julius (300 – 326) (half)
- Constantius II Flavius Julius (317 – 361)
- Constantina Flavia Julia (318 – 354)
- Constans Flavius Julius (320 – 350)
- Helena the Younger (325 – 360)