Constantius II Flavius Julius
317 – 361 · Generation XVII · Roman emperor (r. AD 337–361) · Constantinian
Constantius II (AD 317 – AD 361). Roman emperor (r. AD 337–361). Married Faustina around AD 360. Outlasted both brothers to rule alone; died marching against his own cousin Julian. His accession was sealed in blood — a massacre of uncles and cousins that ancient writers laid at his door. The reign that followed was spent holding a fracturing empire together: a long, inconclusive war with Shapur II’s Persia over the fortresses of Mesopotamia, and a civil war against the usurper Magnentius, won at Mursa Major — among the bloodiest battles ever fought between Roman armies — and at Mons Seleucus. He raised his cousin Gallus to Caesar and executed him three years later, then promoted Julian in his place. In church matters he pressed a compromise creed between Arianism and Nicaea on reluctant councils, banned pagan sacrifice yet left the old priesthoods standing, and visited Rome just once. Falling ill at Mopsuestia, he is said to have named Julian his heir with his final breath.
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 → Constantius II Flavius Julius.
Parents
- Constantine the Great (272 – 337)
- Fausta Flavia Maxima (289 – 326)
Siblings
- Crispus Flavius Julius (300 – 326) (half)
- Constantine II Flavius Claudius (316 – 340)
- Constantina Flavia Julia (318 – 354)
- Constans Flavius Julius (320 – 350)
- Helena the Younger (325 – 360)
Partners
- Married Faustina of Constantinople (340 – 366) in 360 — one child together
Children
- Constantia Postuma (361 – 383)
Life
- 317 — Born
- 360 — Married Faustina
- 361 — Died