Constantius II

Bust of Constantius II (Mary Harrsch)

Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius Augustus; 7 August 317 – 3 November 361) was a Roman Emperor from 337 to 361. He was the second son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, and he succeeded his father along with his brothers Constantine II and Constans. Constantius II is notable for his role in the Christian church, where he took steps to suppress Paganism and promote Arianism over Nicene Christianity.

Early Life

Constantius was born in Sirmium (now Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) in 317. He was raised in the Eastern Roman Empire and was educated by the foremost teachers of the time. In 333, he was made Caesar and sent to the eastern provinces to learn the art of governance and military command under the tutelage of experienced advisors.

Reign

Upon the death of Constantine the Great in 337, the empire was divided among his three surviving sons, with Constantius II receiving the eastern provinces. This division led to a period of internal conflict, as the brothers vied for control of the empire. Constantius II emerged victorious from these conflicts, eventually ruling as sole emperor after the deaths of his brothers in 340 and 350, respectively.

Constantius II's reign was marked by significant military challenges, including conflicts with the Sasanian Empire and various Germanic peoples on the empire's borders. He managed to maintain the integrity of the empire's borders through a combination of military might and diplomacy.

In religious matters, Constantius II is remembered for his support of Arian Christianity. He convened several councils to address the theological disputes of the time, most notably the Council of Sirmium and the Council of Rimini. His policies were controversial and contributed to the religious discord of the period.

Death and Legacy

Constantius II died in 361 while preparing to face the usurper Julian the Apostate, who had declared himself emperor in the west. He died of fever near Tarsus in Cilicia, and on his deathbed, he is said to have named Julian as his rightful successor.

Constantius II's legacy is complex. He is often criticized for his religious policies and the internal strife that marked his reign. However, he also managed to maintain the stability and integrity of the Roman Empire during a period of significant external and internal challenges. His efforts to promote Arian Christianity had a lasting impact on the religious landscape of the empire, influencing the development of Christian doctrine well beyond his reign.

See Also

• Arian Controversy
• Constantinian dynasty
• Late Roman Empire

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