# Constantine II > Roman emperor (316-340) **Wikidata**: [Q46734](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46734) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_II_(emperor)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/constantine-ii ## Summary Constantine II was a Roman emperor who ruled from 316 to 340 CE. He was the eldest son of Constantine the Great and held power in the western provinces of the empire. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and dynastic struggles that ultimately led to his death in 340 CE. ## Biography - Born: 316 CE - Nationality: Ancient Rome - Education: Not specified - Known for: Being a co-emperor of Rome and involvement in civil wars - Employer(s): Roman Empire - Field(s): Politics, governance ## Contributions Constantine II did not author or publish any known works or lead documented innovations. His primary contributions were political and military in nature, involving governance of the western Roman territories and engagement in civil conflict with his brothers. ## FAQs ### What is Constantine II known for? Constantine II is known for being a Roman emperor during the early 4th century, ruling over the western provinces and participating in the internal conflicts of the imperial family. ### When did Constantine II live? He was born in 316 CE and died on April 1, 340 CE, during a conflict with his brother Constans I. ### What was Constantine II's role in the Roman Empire? He served as a co-emperor of the Roman Empire, overseeing the western territories, and was involved in military campaigns and political disputes with his brothers. ### How did Constantine II die? He died in battle against his brother Constans I in 340 CE, marking the end of his reign and life. ### What territories did Constantine II govern? Constantine II governed the western provinces of the Roman Empire, including Hispania, Britannia, and Gaul. ## Why They Matter Constantine II played a critical role in the complex political dynamics of the late Roman Empire. His military and political actions, particularly in the western provinces, contributed to the fragmentation of imperial authority. His death in 340 CE ended a power struggle that reshaped the empire's leadership structure. His brief reign highlights the instability of the tetrarchic system and the challenges of succession in the post-Constantine era. ## Notable For - Being a Roman co-emperor during a pivotal period of imperial history - His governance of the western provinces of the Roman Empire - His death in battle against his brother Constans I, ending a civil conflict - Being the eldest son of Constantine the Great ## Body ### Early Life and Lineage Constantine II was born in 316 CE as the eldest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta. He was part of the Flavian imperial dynasty and was raised in the context of Roman imperial politics. His early life was shaped by the expectations of imperial succession and governance. ### Accession and Rule In 337 CE, following the death of Constantine the Great, Constantine II was proclaimed Augustus and took control of the western provinces of the Roman Empire, including Hispania, Britannia, and Gaul. His rule was shared with his brothers, but internal tensions quickly emerged. ### Governance and Territorial Control Constantine II's domain included the western territories of the empire. He was involved in military campaigns, particularly in quelling unrest in Gaul and Britain. His governance was marked by efforts to maintain control over these regions amid increasing pressure from external threats and internal dissent. ### Conflict with Brothers Tensions with his brothers, particularly Constans I and Constantius II, led to a division of the empire. A failed attempt by Constantine II to seize control of Italy from Constans I resulted in his death in battle in 340 CE. This event marked the end of his political and military career. ### Death and Legacy Constantine II died on April 1, 340 CE, in a battle near Aquileia during his campaign against Constans I. His death ended the western civil conflict and allowed Constans I to absorb his territories. This event was a turning point in the post-Constantinian imperial structure, leading to further consolidations of power by his surviving brothers. ### Historical Significance Constantine II's brief reign is significant for illustrating the challenges of imperial succession and the fragmentation of the Roman Empire. His military death underscores the volatile nature of 4th-century Roman politics, where internal conflict often determined the fate of emperors. His story reflects the broader struggles of the late Roman Empire to maintain unity and control. ### Influence on Roman Politics Constantine II's actions influenced the subsequent imperial policies of Constans I and Constantius II. His death reshaped the balance of power among the brothers and contributed to the eventual centralization of authority in the hands of Constantius II, who would later become the sole ruler. ### Identity and Nomenclature Constantine II was also known by several names and titles, including: - Flavius Claudius Constantinus - Constantine the Younger - Constantinus II - Emperor Constantine II These names reflect his imperial status and lineage as a son of Constantine the Great. ### Cultural and Historical Context His life and death occurred during the transformation of the Roman Empire under the Constantinian dynasty. His rule and its abrupt end highlight the fragility of political alliances and the dangers of imperial ambition in a period of transition. His story is a window into the complexities of Roman imperial administration and the challenges of dynastic succession. ## References 1. Constantinus 2. datos.bne.es 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Library of Congress Control Number 7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 8. Union List of Artist Names. 2015 9. Enciclopedia Treccani 10. Dizionario di Storia 11. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands