Constantine II (emperor)
A young boy named Constantine arrived in the city of Arles during the year 316. He was the second son born to Emperor Constantine I and his wife Fausta. The family connection extended back to Emperor Maximian through Fausta's lineage. On the first day of March in 317, officials declared him Caesar at the city of Serdica. This title marked his entry into imperial power structures before he reached one year of age. His father kept him close by his side for many years until 328. That year saw the establishment of a separate court within Trier. The move signaled a shift from childhood dependency to independent rule.
The army marched against Sarmatian forces during the winter months of 323. Young Constantine accompanied his father on this expedition to the field. Coins struck after the campaign celebrated their victory over these enemies. An inscription dated between 328 and 330 recorded victories won by generals under his command against the Alamanni people. The Roman military engaged Goths again during the winter of 332. Constantine served as field commander for that operation. Reports claimed 100,000 Goths were slain while their ruler Ariaric surrendered. Festival games began in Rome to honor his role in these successful campaigns. Public advertisements highlighted his capability to lead armies effectively.
Minted coins from Trier featured the image of Flavia Maximiana Theodora. These pieces appeared shortly after the deaths of Dalmatius and Hannibalianus in May 337. Most examples originated at Constantine II's capital city rather than elsewhere. Scholars believe he designed and produced the initial batch himself. He convinced his brothers to issue similar currency featuring her likeness. David Woods theorized his wife might have been a granddaughter of Theodora through marriage. This connection could explain why he prioritized her memory over others. The coinage served as political messaging regarding family legitimacy and alliances.
Emperor Constantine I died in May 337 leaving behind multiple male relatives. His younger brother Constantius II ordered the killings of numerous potential rivals immediately afterward. Soldiers murdered Dalmatius and Hannibalianus on those orders. Constantine II did not appear directly involved in the bloodshed according to records. Burgess noted numismatic evidence suggesting the three brothers agreed on a common response to the crisis. They viewed Dalmatius as an interloper rather than a legitimate ruler. The army eliminated these threats to secure succession for Constantine I's sons. The event reshaped the power dynamics within the imperial family permanently.
Three brothers gathered together in Pannonia on the 9th of September 337 to divide territories. Constantine received control over Gaul, Britannia, and Hispania. He gained little from the removal of Dalmatius compared to his siblings. Age granted him seniority claims within the imperial college structure. He believed this entitled him to control over Constans who was still a teenager. Campaigns against Alamanni continued successfully into 338 despite tensions. Legislative intervention occurred through an edict issued to the proconsul of Africa in 339. This document addressed matters within Constans's territory without permission. Disputes grew over jurisdictional boundaries and authority levels between the brothers.
Constantine launched an invasion into Italy during April 340 to claim territory. Constans resided at Naissus when he sent troops to confront the aggressor. An ambush near Aquileia resulted in Constantine's death. His brother Constans took control of the entire realm afterward. Inhabitants remained largely unaffected by the change in leadership. Legislation repealed all acts of the deceased emperor shortly after the event. The state branded him as public enemy and personal enemy of the regime. Libanius later delivered a panegyric omitting Constantine completely from the narrative. Historians view this omission as if he had never existed at all.
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Common questions
When was Constantine II born and where did he arrive as a child?
Constantine II arrived in the city of Arles during the year 316. He was the second son born to Emperor Constantine I and his wife Fausta.
What military campaigns did Constantine II lead against Goths and Alamanni?
The Roman military engaged Goths again during the winter of 332 with Constantine serving as field commander for that operation. An inscription dated between 328 and 330 recorded victories won by generals under his command against the Alamanni people.
Why did Constantine II mint coins featuring Flavia Maximiana Theodora after May 337?
Minted coins from Trier featured the image of Flavia Maximiana Theodora shortly after the deaths of Dalmatius and Hannibalianus in May 337. Scholars believe he designed and produced the initial batch himself to prioritize her memory over others through political messaging regarding family legitimacy.
How were territories divided among the three brothers on the 9th of September 337?
Three brothers gathered together in Pannonia on the 9th of September 337 to divide territories. Constantine received control over Gaul, Britannia, and Hispania while gaining little from the removal of Dalmatius compared to his siblings.
When and where did Constantine II die during his invasion of Italy?
Constantine launched an invasion into Italy during April 340 to claim territory. An ambush near Aquileia resulted in Constantine's death when Constans resided at Naissus and sent troops to confront the aggressor.