Posted on Jan 18, 2021
Roman Emperor Constans (337–350) - About History
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On January 18, 350, Roman Emperor Constans was deposed by General Magnentius who proclaimed himself the new Emperor. From the article:
"Flavius Julius Constans was a Roman Emperor, Caesar from 333 to 337, and August from 337 to 350. Constans was the youngest son of Emperor Constantine I the Great. In 333 he received the title of Caesar. After the death of his father, Constans received an inheritance: Italy, Illyricum, and Africa. In 340 he had a conflict with his brother Constantine II, who was killed as a result, after which Constans received his possessions: Spain, Gaul, and Britain. The Emperor fought with the Sarmatians on the Danube, the Franks on the Rhine and the Picts and Scots in Britain. As an advocate of orthodox views, Constans supported the side of Athanasius the Great in the Arian Church dispute and fought against pagans, Jews and Donatists in Africa. However, as a result of a conspiracy under the leadership of Commander Magnetius, the Emperor was overthrown in 350.
Life
At the time of death, Constans was thirty years old, he was born around 320. Constans’s father was the Roman Emperor Constantine I the Great; his mother was Flavius Fausta. He was the third and youngest son born of this marriage. On the maternal line, Constans was the grandson of one of the founders of the tetrarchy, Maximian, and on the paternal side Constantius I Chlorus. Constans was brought up as a Christian.
On December 25, 333, Constans was proclaimed Caesar by his father; most likely in Constantinople. Then the young Caesar lived for some time at the court of Constantine I; but around 335, he was sent to Italy, which he was given under his administration. Later, perhaps in 336, but at least shortly before the death of his father, Constans was betrothed to the daughter of the Prefect of Pretoria, gourd Flavia Ablabia, a political marriage. However, the marriage did not take place, just after the death of Constantin.
Governing body
After the death of Constantine I the Great on May 22, 337, and the killing by the soldiers of virtually all of his relatives who might have claimed the throne, Constans and his two brothers, Constantine II and Constantius II, on September 9, 337, were proclaimed Augustus by the army. Initially, the territory of the Praetorian prefecture of Italy and Africa was imparted to Constans. Constans was dissatisfied with this, so the brothers met in the Pannonian town of Viminacium in the summer of 338, to review the boundaries of their lands. They also revised and expandedthe legislation of the Constantine time.
Under the new deal, Constans received not only the dioceses of Macedonia, Dacia, and Pannonia, but also the diocese of Thrace, together with Constantinople. However, when the relationship between Constans and Constantine II deteriorated, since they first disputed over the right of the second to be the senior August, Constans in 339 gave Constantius II Constantinople and part of Thrace, counting on this gift to support him in the dispute. In principle, Constans’ possessions were a buffer between the domains of Constantine II and Constantius II. Also, Constantine II received custody of his underage co-regent. He adopted laws binding on the possessions of both brothers and appointed viceroys in the province of Constans. Perhaps, Constantius II also did not like the fact that, in the hands of his elder brother, power over three-quarters of the territory of the Roman Empire was concentrated.
Meanwhile, in the fall of 338, Constans won a victory over the Sarmatians in the Danube provinces. This success strengthened his self-confidence, and he demanded complete independence, and began to independently enact legislation for his territory.
Irritated by the fact that Constans received Illyria and Thrace, Constantine demanded that he give him the African provinces as compensation for the rich region he acquired. He also demanded concession to Italy, but Constans refused. In addition, he enlisted the support of Constantius II, transferring to him some of the territories, and served along with him as counsel in 339.
As a result, in 340, Constantine II invaded Italy. Constans sent against him the advanced corps of Illyrian troops. His army made an ambush near Aquileia and destroyed the detachment of Constantine II and the sovereign himself. As a result, he annexed the possessions of his brother – Spain, Gaul, and Britain.
Joint government
Constans became the last legitimate Roman emperor to visit Britain. The brothers were united in resolving political issues, but religious differences between them were great. The theme of religion remained dominant in domestic politics. Although both emperors were Christians, Constantius, like many of his compatriots in the East, was a supporter of Arianism. Constans, however, was an adherent to orthodox Christianity, based on the symbol of faith adopted by the Council of Nicaea.
Constant conflicts with the Persians weakened the position of Constantius II, and in 345/346, Constans openly threatened to start a war if he did not agree with the return of Athanasius to the post of bishop of Alexandria. He wrote him a conciliatory letter, in which he said that he would fulfill his desire. As a sign of reconciliation, the brothers became consuls in 346.
Under Constans, the persecution of Jews was encouraged. The emperor, together with Constantius II, issued a law prohibiting pagan sacrifices, but already in 343, under pressure from the pagan nobility of Rome, Constans was forced to suspend the law.
Death
Although the first part of Constans’ rule was quite successful, he gradually began to lose his authority. The Emperor apparently tried to gather as much money as he could squeeze out of his people. In addition, ancient sources tell stories that Constans openly showed disdain for the soldiers. The Emperor was also condemned for homosexual inclinations.
A conspiracy led by the commander of the bodyguards, Magnetius, rose against him, and they killed him. The conspirators instantly welcomed Magnetius as the new Emperor. The soldiers hesitated to take the oath of allegiance to the new sovereign but soon did.
Religious politics was one of the main directions of his government. Events of that time show that religion and politics at that time were strongly interrelated. Despite his young age – he ruled 13 years and at the age of 27 was killed, Constans can be considered a worthy successor to Constantine I the Great. Victories over external enemies, and political mastery in relations with his brother Constantius, testify to the abilities that would enable him to conquer the entire Roman Empire at one point. But tense relations with the army and, possibly, incorrectly selected advisers prevented him from doing that."
"Flavius Julius Constans was a Roman Emperor, Caesar from 333 to 337, and August from 337 to 350. Constans was the youngest son of Emperor Constantine I the Great. In 333 he received the title of Caesar. After the death of his father, Constans received an inheritance: Italy, Illyricum, and Africa. In 340 he had a conflict with his brother Constantine II, who was killed as a result, after which Constans received his possessions: Spain, Gaul, and Britain. The Emperor fought with the Sarmatians on the Danube, the Franks on the Rhine and the Picts and Scots in Britain. As an advocate of orthodox views, Constans supported the side of Athanasius the Great in the Arian Church dispute and fought against pagans, Jews and Donatists in Africa. However, as a result of a conspiracy under the leadership of Commander Magnetius, the Emperor was overthrown in 350.
Life
At the time of death, Constans was thirty years old, he was born around 320. Constans’s father was the Roman Emperor Constantine I the Great; his mother was Flavius Fausta. He was the third and youngest son born of this marriage. On the maternal line, Constans was the grandson of one of the founders of the tetrarchy, Maximian, and on the paternal side Constantius I Chlorus. Constans was brought up as a Christian.
On December 25, 333, Constans was proclaimed Caesar by his father; most likely in Constantinople. Then the young Caesar lived for some time at the court of Constantine I; but around 335, he was sent to Italy, which he was given under his administration. Later, perhaps in 336, but at least shortly before the death of his father, Constans was betrothed to the daughter of the Prefect of Pretoria, gourd Flavia Ablabia, a political marriage. However, the marriage did not take place, just after the death of Constantin.
Governing body
After the death of Constantine I the Great on May 22, 337, and the killing by the soldiers of virtually all of his relatives who might have claimed the throne, Constans and his two brothers, Constantine II and Constantius II, on September 9, 337, were proclaimed Augustus by the army. Initially, the territory of the Praetorian prefecture of Italy and Africa was imparted to Constans. Constans was dissatisfied with this, so the brothers met in the Pannonian town of Viminacium in the summer of 338, to review the boundaries of their lands. They also revised and expandedthe legislation of the Constantine time.
Under the new deal, Constans received not only the dioceses of Macedonia, Dacia, and Pannonia, but also the diocese of Thrace, together with Constantinople. However, when the relationship between Constans and Constantine II deteriorated, since they first disputed over the right of the second to be the senior August, Constans in 339 gave Constantius II Constantinople and part of Thrace, counting on this gift to support him in the dispute. In principle, Constans’ possessions were a buffer between the domains of Constantine II and Constantius II. Also, Constantine II received custody of his underage co-regent. He adopted laws binding on the possessions of both brothers and appointed viceroys in the province of Constans. Perhaps, Constantius II also did not like the fact that, in the hands of his elder brother, power over three-quarters of the territory of the Roman Empire was concentrated.
Meanwhile, in the fall of 338, Constans won a victory over the Sarmatians in the Danube provinces. This success strengthened his self-confidence, and he demanded complete independence, and began to independently enact legislation for his territory.
Irritated by the fact that Constans received Illyria and Thrace, Constantine demanded that he give him the African provinces as compensation for the rich region he acquired. He also demanded concession to Italy, but Constans refused. In addition, he enlisted the support of Constantius II, transferring to him some of the territories, and served along with him as counsel in 339.
As a result, in 340, Constantine II invaded Italy. Constans sent against him the advanced corps of Illyrian troops. His army made an ambush near Aquileia and destroyed the detachment of Constantine II and the sovereign himself. As a result, he annexed the possessions of his brother – Spain, Gaul, and Britain.
Joint government
Constans became the last legitimate Roman emperor to visit Britain. The brothers were united in resolving political issues, but religious differences between them were great. The theme of religion remained dominant in domestic politics. Although both emperors were Christians, Constantius, like many of his compatriots in the East, was a supporter of Arianism. Constans, however, was an adherent to orthodox Christianity, based on the symbol of faith adopted by the Council of Nicaea.
Constant conflicts with the Persians weakened the position of Constantius II, and in 345/346, Constans openly threatened to start a war if he did not agree with the return of Athanasius to the post of bishop of Alexandria. He wrote him a conciliatory letter, in which he said that he would fulfill his desire. As a sign of reconciliation, the brothers became consuls in 346.
Under Constans, the persecution of Jews was encouraged. The emperor, together with Constantius II, issued a law prohibiting pagan sacrifices, but already in 343, under pressure from the pagan nobility of Rome, Constans was forced to suspend the law.
Death
Although the first part of Constans’ rule was quite successful, he gradually began to lose his authority. The Emperor apparently tried to gather as much money as he could squeeze out of his people. In addition, ancient sources tell stories that Constans openly showed disdain for the soldiers. The Emperor was also condemned for homosexual inclinations.
A conspiracy led by the commander of the bodyguards, Magnetius, rose against him, and they killed him. The conspirators instantly welcomed Magnetius as the new Emperor. The soldiers hesitated to take the oath of allegiance to the new sovereign but soon did.
Religious politics was one of the main directions of his government. Events of that time show that religion and politics at that time were strongly interrelated. Despite his young age – he ruled 13 years and at the age of 27 was killed, Constans can be considered a worthy successor to Constantine I the Great. Victories over external enemies, and political mastery in relations with his brother Constantius, testify to the abilities that would enable him to conquer the entire Roman Empire at one point. But tense relations with the army and, possibly, incorrectly selected advisers prevented him from doing that."
Roman Emperor Constans (337–350) - About History
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The Life and Times of Constans
In this episode we look at Constans, youngest son of Constantine the Great and Emperor of the western provinces of Rome during the mid 4th century.
Thank you my friend SGT (Join to see) for making us aware that on January 18, 350, Roman Emperor Constans was deposed by General Magnentius who proclaimed himself the new Emperor.
The Life and Times of Constans
In this episode we look at Constans, youngest son of Constantine the Great and Emperor of the western provinces of Rome during the mid 4th century.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLIQqpquWrI
Images:
1. Bust of Emperor Constans in the Louvre
2. Constans 337-350 AD AE Follis Vot in Wreath Ancient Roman Coin.jpg
3. Gold medallion of Constans, equivalent to 9 solidi. Aquileia, 342 AD - Bode Museum
Background from {[https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/16027c.htm]}
Roman emperor (337-361), born in Illyria, 7 Aug., 317; died at the Springs of Mopsus (Mopsokrene near Tarsus), 3 Nov., 361. He was the son of Constantine the Great and his first wife Fausta. On 8 Nov., 324, he was made Cæsar. After the death of the father (337) he received the Provinces of Egypt, Oriens, Asia, and Pontus, and became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire after the death of his brothers Constantine II (340) and Constans I (350) and of Magnentius (353). He was not successful in his wars, in which the Persians were his chief foe. As regards his religious policy he commanded in 353 the closing of the heathen temples and the abolishment of sacrifices under penalty of death, but these edicts were not rigidly executed. Even less logical were his actions in leaving the higher schools and the instruction of the higher classes of society in the hands of the pagan philosophers, and in continuing to fill the positions in the priesthood in the ancient manner. Won over to Arianism by the Eusebians, he acted as its protector, persecuted the orthodox Catholic bishops, and used violence against the synods. He showed especial hatred towards St. Athanasius. For a time, however, he assumed a friendly manner towards the saint, because after the murder of his brother Constans by the usurper Magnentius he had to exercise caution in order to maintain his position, and he was glad to make use of the influence of Athanasius over the common people. But, after the overthrow of Magnentius the emperor at once altered his conduct, and listened willingly to the accusation of the Eusebians against Athanasius. Pope Liberius called the Synod of Arles (353) to adjust the matter, but Constantius terrified the bishops, so that Athanasius was declared guilty and deposed.
At another synod held at Milan in 355 the emperor was present behind a curtain and finally rushed into the assembly with drawn sword. Consequently this synod also passed such decrees as he desired. Whoever was not compliant was exiled or thrown into prison. Pope Liberius, however, had not confirmed these decrees, and as he resolutely refused to give his approval he was banished to Ber a in Thrace; several Italian bishops, as well as Hosius of Córdova and Hilary of Poitiers, were also exiled. Athanasius fled into the wilderness. From this time Constantius deposed bishops according to his whims, and appointed in their stead others who were his tools. He was a mouthpiece for the most contradictory dogmas and formulæ for example, he favoured both the Anomæans and the Semi-Arians. It is true that at the Synod of Constantinople (360) he avoided showing himself an open partisan of the strict Arians, but soon after, when Meletius of Antioch was deposed, he openly accepted their confession of faith. He seemed to have clearly in mind only one aim: the destruction of Catholic doctrine.
Hilary of Poitiers is not unjust when he describes Constantius ("Contra Constantium imperatorem", P.L., X, 578 sqq.) as excessively presumptuous, ruthless towards God and the Church, and, although apparently a Christian, yet an enemy of Jesus Christ; one who drew up confessions of faith yet who lived contrary to the faith, like an "impious person who does not know what is sacred, who drives the good from the dioceses in order to give these to the wicked, who by intrigues encourages discord, who hates yet wishes to avoid suspicion, who lies but wishes no one to see it, who is outwardly friendly but within lacks all kindness of heart, who in reality does only what he wishes yet wishes to conceal from everyone what it is that he wishes". Constantius died of an illness while engaged in a campaign against his nephew Julian; shortly before his death he had been baptized by the Arian Bishop Euzoios.
Sources
DE BROGLIE, L'Église et l'empire romain aux siècles III et IV; HERGENRÖTHER, Handbuch der allgemeinen Kirchengeschichte, I (Freiburg, 1911), 360 sq.; DURUY, Histoire des Romains, VII (Paris, 1885), 214-327.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D GySgt Thomas Vick SGT Denny Espinosa SSG Stephen Rogerson SPC Matthew Lamb LTC (Join to see)Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO2 (Join to see) SSG Franklin Briant TSgt David L. SMSgt David A Asbury SGT John Melvin SPC Michael Terrell SSG Jeffrey Leake CPL Michael Peck
The Life and Times of Constans
In this episode we look at Constans, youngest son of Constantine the Great and Emperor of the western provinces of Rome during the mid 4th century.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLIQqpquWrI
Images:
1. Bust of Emperor Constans in the Louvre
2. Constans 337-350 AD AE Follis Vot in Wreath Ancient Roman Coin.jpg
3. Gold medallion of Constans, equivalent to 9 solidi. Aquileia, 342 AD - Bode Museum
Background from {[https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/16027c.htm]}
Roman emperor (337-361), born in Illyria, 7 Aug., 317; died at the Springs of Mopsus (Mopsokrene near Tarsus), 3 Nov., 361. He was the son of Constantine the Great and his first wife Fausta. On 8 Nov., 324, he was made Cæsar. After the death of the father (337) he received the Provinces of Egypt, Oriens, Asia, and Pontus, and became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire after the death of his brothers Constantine II (340) and Constans I (350) and of Magnentius (353). He was not successful in his wars, in which the Persians were his chief foe. As regards his religious policy he commanded in 353 the closing of the heathen temples and the abolishment of sacrifices under penalty of death, but these edicts were not rigidly executed. Even less logical were his actions in leaving the higher schools and the instruction of the higher classes of society in the hands of the pagan philosophers, and in continuing to fill the positions in the priesthood in the ancient manner. Won over to Arianism by the Eusebians, he acted as its protector, persecuted the orthodox Catholic bishops, and used violence against the synods. He showed especial hatred towards St. Athanasius. For a time, however, he assumed a friendly manner towards the saint, because after the murder of his brother Constans by the usurper Magnentius he had to exercise caution in order to maintain his position, and he was glad to make use of the influence of Athanasius over the common people. But, after the overthrow of Magnentius the emperor at once altered his conduct, and listened willingly to the accusation of the Eusebians against Athanasius. Pope Liberius called the Synod of Arles (353) to adjust the matter, but Constantius terrified the bishops, so that Athanasius was declared guilty and deposed.
At another synod held at Milan in 355 the emperor was present behind a curtain and finally rushed into the assembly with drawn sword. Consequently this synod also passed such decrees as he desired. Whoever was not compliant was exiled or thrown into prison. Pope Liberius, however, had not confirmed these decrees, and as he resolutely refused to give his approval he was banished to Ber a in Thrace; several Italian bishops, as well as Hosius of Córdova and Hilary of Poitiers, were also exiled. Athanasius fled into the wilderness. From this time Constantius deposed bishops according to his whims, and appointed in their stead others who were his tools. He was a mouthpiece for the most contradictory dogmas and formulæ for example, he favoured both the Anomæans and the Semi-Arians. It is true that at the Synod of Constantinople (360) he avoided showing himself an open partisan of the strict Arians, but soon after, when Meletius of Antioch was deposed, he openly accepted their confession of faith. He seemed to have clearly in mind only one aim: the destruction of Catholic doctrine.
Hilary of Poitiers is not unjust when he describes Constantius ("Contra Constantium imperatorem", P.L., X, 578 sqq.) as excessively presumptuous, ruthless towards God and the Church, and, although apparently a Christian, yet an enemy of Jesus Christ; one who drew up confessions of faith yet who lived contrary to the faith, like an "impious person who does not know what is sacred, who drives the good from the dioceses in order to give these to the wicked, who by intrigues encourages discord, who hates yet wishes to avoid suspicion, who lies but wishes no one to see it, who is outwardly friendly but within lacks all kindness of heart, who in reality does only what he wishes yet wishes to conceal from everyone what it is that he wishes". Constantius died of an illness while engaged in a campaign against his nephew Julian; shortly before his death he had been baptized by the Arian Bishop Euzoios.
Sources
DE BROGLIE, L'Église et l'empire romain aux siècles III et IV; HERGENRÖTHER, Handbuch der allgemeinen Kirchengeschichte, I (Freiburg, 1911), 360 sq.; DURUY, Histoire des Romains, VII (Paris, 1885), 214-327.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D GySgt Thomas Vick SGT Denny Espinosa SSG Stephen Rogerson SPC Matthew Lamb LTC (Join to see)Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO2 (Join to see) SSG Franklin Briant TSgt David L. SMSgt David A Asbury SGT John Melvin SPC Michael Terrell SSG Jeffrey Leake CPL Michael Peck
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LTC Stephen F.
Murder of Constans I and Gratians
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53nLJmDqeCQ
Images:
1. Map of the Roman Empire under the Tetrarchy, showing the dioceses and the four tetrarchs’ zones of influence.
2. Solidus of Constans marked - constans p·f· augustus on the obverse, with the emperor holding a vexillum with a chi-rho and crowned by Victory on the reverse,.
3. Division of the Roman Empire among the Caesars appointed by Constantine I: from left to right, the territories of Constantine II, Constans, Dalmatius and Constantius II. After the death of Constantine I (May 337), this was the formal division of the Empire, until Dalmatius was killed and his territory divided between Constans and Constantius.
Background from {[ https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Constans]}
Constans (Latin language: Flavius Julius Constans Augustus;[1] c. 323[1][2] – 350) was Roman Emperor from 337 to 350. He defeated his brother Constantine II in 340, but anger in the army over his personal life and preference for his barbarian bodyguards led the general Magnentius to rebel, resulting in the assassination of Constans in 350.
Career
Constans was the third and youngest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, his father's second wife.[3] He was educated at the court of his father at Constantinople under the tutelage of the poet Aemilius Magnus Arborius.[1] On 25 December 333, Constantine I elevated Constans to the rank of Caesar at Constantinople.[1] Constans became engaged to Olympias, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect Ablabius, but the marriage never came to pass.[3] With Constantine’s death in 337, Constans and his two brothers, Constantine II and Constantius II, divided the Roman world between themselves[4] and disposed of virtually all relatives who could possibly have a claim to the throne.[5] The army proclaimed them Augusti on September 9, 337.[1] Almost immediately, Constans was required to deal with a Sarmatian invasion in late 337, over whom he won a resounding victory.[3]
[14] Dominated by favourites and openly preferring his select bodyguard, he lost the support of the legions.[7] In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself emperor at Augustodunum with the support of the troops on the Rhine frontier, and later the western provinces of the Empire.[15] Constans was enjoying himself nearby when he was notified of the elevation of Magnentius.[7] Lacking any support beyond his immediate household,[7] he was forced to flee for his life. As he was trying to reach either Italy or Spain, supporters of Magnentius cornered him in a fortification in Vicus Helena (now Elne) in the Pyrenees, southwestern Gaul,[16] where he was killed after seeking sanctuary in a temple.[12]
Constans was initially under the guardianship of Constantine II. The original settlement assigned Constans the praetorian prefectures of Italy and Africa.[6] Constans was unhappy with this division, so the brothers met at Viminacium in 338 to revise the boundaries.[6] Constans managed to extract the prefecture of Illyricum and the diocese of Thrace,[6] provinces that were originally to be ruled by his cousin Dalmatius, as per Constantine I’s proposed division after his death.[5] Constantine II soon complained that he had not received the amount of territory that was his due as the eldest son.[7] Annoyed that Constans had received Thrace and Macedonia after the death of Dalmatius, Constantine demanded that Constans hand over the African provinces, which he agreed to do in order to maintain a fragile peace.[7][8] Soon, however, they began quarreling over which parts of the African provinces belonged to Carthage, and thus Constantine, and which belonged to Italy, and therefore Constans.[9] This led to growing tensions between the two brothers, which were only heightened by Constans finally coming of age and Constantine refusing to give up his guardianship. In 340 Constantine II invaded Italy.[8] Constans, at that time in Dacia, detached and sent a select and disciplined body of his Illyrian troops, stating that he would follow them in person with the remainder of his forces.[7] Constantine was eventually trapped at Aquileia, where he died, leaving Constans to inherit all of his brother’s former territories – Hispania, Britannia and Gaul.[4]
Constans began his reign in an energetic fashion.[4] In 341-42, he led a successful campaign against the Franks, and in the early months of 343 he visited Britain.[3] The source for this visit, Julius Firmicus Maternus, does not provide a reason, but the quick movement and the danger involved in crossing the channel in the dangerous winter months suggests it was in response to a military emergency, possibly to repel the Picts and Scots.[3]
Regarding religion, Constans was tolerant of Judaism and promulgated an edict banning pagan sacrifices in 341.[3] He suppressed Donatism in Africa and supported Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, which was championed by his brother Constantius. Although Constans called the Council of Sardica in 343 to settle the conflict,[10] it was a complete failure,[11] and by 346 the two emperors were on the point of open warfare over the dispute.[12] The conflict was only resolved by an interim agreement which allowed each emperor to support their preferred clergy within their own spheres of influence.[12]
The Roman historian Eutropius says he "indulged in great vices" in reference to his homosexuality; and Aurelius Victor that he had a reputation for scandalous behaviour with "handsome barbarian hostages".[3][12] Nevertheless, Constans did sponsor a decree alongside Constantius II that ruled that marriage based on unnatural sex should be punished meticulously. Boswell believed the decree outlawed homosexual marriages only[13] It may also be that Constans was not expressing his own feeling when promulgating the legislation, but rather trying to placate public outrage at his own indecencies.
Death
In the final years of his reign, Constans developed a reputation for cruelty and misrule.[14] Dominated by favourites and openly preferring his select bodyguard, he lost the support of the legions.[7] In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself emperor at Augustodunum with the support of the troops on the Rhine frontier, and later the western provinces of the Empire.[15] Constans was enjoying himself nearby when he was notified of the elevation of Magnentius.[7] Lacking any support beyond his immediate household,[7] he was forced to flee for his life. As he was trying to reach either Italy or Spain, supporters of Magnentius cornered him in a fortification in Vicus Helena (now Elne) in the Pyrenees, southwestern Gaul,[16] where he was killed after seeking sanctuary in a temple.[12]
See also
Itineraries of the Roman emperors, 337–361
Sources
Primary sources
Zosimus, Historia Nova, Book 2 Historia Nova
Aurelius Victor, Epitome de Caesaribus
Eutropius, Breviarium ab urbe condita
Secondary sources
DiMaio, Michael; Frakes, Robert, Constans I (337–350 A.D.), in De Imperatoribus Romanis (D.I.R.), An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors
Jones, A.H.M., Martindale, J.R. The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, Vol. I: AD260-395, Cambridge University Press, 1971
Canduci, Alexander (2010). "Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Immortal Emperors". Pier 9. ISBN 978-1-74196-598-8.
Gibbon. Edward Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire (1888)
References
1. ↑ Jump up to:1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Jones, p. 220
2. ↑ Victor, 41:23
3. ↑ Jump up to:3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 DiMaio, Constans I (337–350 A.D.)
4. ↑ Jump up to:4.0 4.1 4.2 Eutropius, 10:9
5. ↑ Jump up to:5.0 5.1 Victor, 41:20
6. ↑ Jump up to:6.0 6.1 6.2 Canduci, pg. 130
7. ↑ Jump up to:7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Gibbon, Ch. 18
8. ↑ Jump up to:8.0 8.1 Victor, 41:21
9. ↑ Zosimus, 2:41-42
10. ↑ Socrates Scholasticus, Church History, book 2, chapter 20.
11. ↑ Catholic Encyclopedia, 1930, Patrick J. Healy, Sardica
12. ↑ Jump up to:12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Canduci, pg. 131
13. ↑ Boswell, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexualit, 1980
14. ↑ Zosimus, 2:42
15. ↑ Eutropius, 10:9:4
16. ↑ Victor, 41:21:23
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53nLJmDqeCQ
Images:
1. Map of the Roman Empire under the Tetrarchy, showing the dioceses and the four tetrarchs’ zones of influence.
2. Solidus of Constans marked - constans p·f· augustus on the obverse, with the emperor holding a vexillum with a chi-rho and crowned by Victory on the reverse,.
3. Division of the Roman Empire among the Caesars appointed by Constantine I: from left to right, the territories of Constantine II, Constans, Dalmatius and Constantius II. After the death of Constantine I (May 337), this was the formal division of the Empire, until Dalmatius was killed and his territory divided between Constans and Constantius.
Background from {[ https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Constans]}
Constans (Latin language: Flavius Julius Constans Augustus;[1] c. 323[1][2] – 350) was Roman Emperor from 337 to 350. He defeated his brother Constantine II in 340, but anger in the army over his personal life and preference for his barbarian bodyguards led the general Magnentius to rebel, resulting in the assassination of Constans in 350.
Career
Constans was the third and youngest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, his father's second wife.[3] He was educated at the court of his father at Constantinople under the tutelage of the poet Aemilius Magnus Arborius.[1] On 25 December 333, Constantine I elevated Constans to the rank of Caesar at Constantinople.[1] Constans became engaged to Olympias, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect Ablabius, but the marriage never came to pass.[3] With Constantine’s death in 337, Constans and his two brothers, Constantine II and Constantius II, divided the Roman world between themselves[4] and disposed of virtually all relatives who could possibly have a claim to the throne.[5] The army proclaimed them Augusti on September 9, 337.[1] Almost immediately, Constans was required to deal with a Sarmatian invasion in late 337, over whom he won a resounding victory.[3]
[14] Dominated by favourites and openly preferring his select bodyguard, he lost the support of the legions.[7] In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself emperor at Augustodunum with the support of the troops on the Rhine frontier, and later the western provinces of the Empire.[15] Constans was enjoying himself nearby when he was notified of the elevation of Magnentius.[7] Lacking any support beyond his immediate household,[7] he was forced to flee for his life. As he was trying to reach either Italy or Spain, supporters of Magnentius cornered him in a fortification in Vicus Helena (now Elne) in the Pyrenees, southwestern Gaul,[16] where he was killed after seeking sanctuary in a temple.[12]
Constans was initially under the guardianship of Constantine II. The original settlement assigned Constans the praetorian prefectures of Italy and Africa.[6] Constans was unhappy with this division, so the brothers met at Viminacium in 338 to revise the boundaries.[6] Constans managed to extract the prefecture of Illyricum and the diocese of Thrace,[6] provinces that were originally to be ruled by his cousin Dalmatius, as per Constantine I’s proposed division after his death.[5] Constantine II soon complained that he had not received the amount of territory that was his due as the eldest son.[7] Annoyed that Constans had received Thrace and Macedonia after the death of Dalmatius, Constantine demanded that Constans hand over the African provinces, which he agreed to do in order to maintain a fragile peace.[7][8] Soon, however, they began quarreling over which parts of the African provinces belonged to Carthage, and thus Constantine, and which belonged to Italy, and therefore Constans.[9] This led to growing tensions between the two brothers, which were only heightened by Constans finally coming of age and Constantine refusing to give up his guardianship. In 340 Constantine II invaded Italy.[8] Constans, at that time in Dacia, detached and sent a select and disciplined body of his Illyrian troops, stating that he would follow them in person with the remainder of his forces.[7] Constantine was eventually trapped at Aquileia, where he died, leaving Constans to inherit all of his brother’s former territories – Hispania, Britannia and Gaul.[4]
Constans began his reign in an energetic fashion.[4] In 341-42, he led a successful campaign against the Franks, and in the early months of 343 he visited Britain.[3] The source for this visit, Julius Firmicus Maternus, does not provide a reason, but the quick movement and the danger involved in crossing the channel in the dangerous winter months suggests it was in response to a military emergency, possibly to repel the Picts and Scots.[3]
Regarding religion, Constans was tolerant of Judaism and promulgated an edict banning pagan sacrifices in 341.[3] He suppressed Donatism in Africa and supported Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism, which was championed by his brother Constantius. Although Constans called the Council of Sardica in 343 to settle the conflict,[10] it was a complete failure,[11] and by 346 the two emperors were on the point of open warfare over the dispute.[12] The conflict was only resolved by an interim agreement which allowed each emperor to support their preferred clergy within their own spheres of influence.[12]
The Roman historian Eutropius says he "indulged in great vices" in reference to his homosexuality; and Aurelius Victor that he had a reputation for scandalous behaviour with "handsome barbarian hostages".[3][12] Nevertheless, Constans did sponsor a decree alongside Constantius II that ruled that marriage based on unnatural sex should be punished meticulously. Boswell believed the decree outlawed homosexual marriages only[13] It may also be that Constans was not expressing his own feeling when promulgating the legislation, but rather trying to placate public outrage at his own indecencies.
Death
In the final years of his reign, Constans developed a reputation for cruelty and misrule.[14] Dominated by favourites and openly preferring his select bodyguard, he lost the support of the legions.[7] In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself emperor at Augustodunum with the support of the troops on the Rhine frontier, and later the western provinces of the Empire.[15] Constans was enjoying himself nearby when he was notified of the elevation of Magnentius.[7] Lacking any support beyond his immediate household,[7] he was forced to flee for his life. As he was trying to reach either Italy or Spain, supporters of Magnentius cornered him in a fortification in Vicus Helena (now Elne) in the Pyrenees, southwestern Gaul,[16] where he was killed after seeking sanctuary in a temple.[12]
See also
Itineraries of the Roman emperors, 337–361
Sources
Primary sources
Zosimus, Historia Nova, Book 2 Historia Nova
Aurelius Victor, Epitome de Caesaribus
Eutropius, Breviarium ab urbe condita
Secondary sources
DiMaio, Michael; Frakes, Robert, Constans I (337–350 A.D.), in De Imperatoribus Romanis (D.I.R.), An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors
Jones, A.H.M., Martindale, J.R. The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, Vol. I: AD260-395, Cambridge University Press, 1971
Canduci, Alexander (2010). "Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Immortal Emperors". Pier 9. ISBN 978-1-74196-598-8.
Gibbon. Edward Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire (1888)
References
1. ↑ Jump up to:1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Jones, p. 220
2. ↑ Victor, 41:23
3. ↑ Jump up to:3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 DiMaio, Constans I (337–350 A.D.)
4. ↑ Jump up to:4.0 4.1 4.2 Eutropius, 10:9
5. ↑ Jump up to:5.0 5.1 Victor, 41:20
6. ↑ Jump up to:6.0 6.1 6.2 Canduci, pg. 130
7. ↑ Jump up to:7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Gibbon, Ch. 18
8. ↑ Jump up to:8.0 8.1 Victor, 41:21
9. ↑ Zosimus, 2:41-42
10. ↑ Socrates Scholasticus, Church History, book 2, chapter 20.
11. ↑ Catholic Encyclopedia, 1930, Patrick J. Healy, Sardica
12. ↑ Jump up to:12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Canduci, pg. 131
13. ↑ Boswell, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexualit, 1980
14. ↑ Zosimus, 2:42
15. ↑ Eutropius, 10:9:4
16. ↑ Victor, 41:21:23
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