Constans
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Bronze coin bearing the profile of Constans |
Flavius Julius Constans (
320 -
350), was a
Roman Emperor who ruled from
337 to
350. Constans was the third and youngest son of
Constantine I and
Fausta, Constantine's second wife.
From 337, he was a joint ruler with his brothers
Constantius II and
Constantine II. Constantine II attempted to take advantage of his youth and inexperience by invading
Italy in
340, but Constans defeated Constantine II at
Aquileia, where the older brother died.
In
341-
2, Constans led a successful campaign against
Franks.
The writer
Julius Firmicus Maternus mentioned that Constans visited
Britain in the early months of
343, but did not explain why. The speed of his trip, paired with the fact he crossed the
English Channel during the dangerous winter months, suggests it was in response to a military emergency of some kind.
Most of the
Constantinian dynasty members were interested somehow in religion. Constans promulgated an edict banning Pagan sacrifices in 341. In the contrast between the Orthodox and Arian factions, Constans supported the formers, while Constantius the latters. Constans even called for the
Council of Serdica to settle the contrast of the Orthodox
Athanasius of Alexandria and the Arian
Paul of Constantinople.
In
350, the general
Magnentius declared himself emperor with the support of the troops on the
Rhine frontier, and later the entire Western portion of the Roman Empire. Constans lacked any support beyond his immediate household, and was forced to flee for his life. Magnentius' supporters cornered him in a fortification in southeastern
Gaul, where he was killed.
*
DiMaio, Michael, "Constans I (337-350 A.D.)",
De Imperatoribus Romanis site.
