Constans

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Constans
Emperor of the Roman Empire

Bronze coin bearing the profile of Constans
Reign	337 - 350, joint with Constantius II and Constantine II, then only with Constantius II
Full name	Flavius Julius Constans
Born	320
Died	350
	southeastern Gaul
Predecessor	Constantine I
Successor	Magnentius
Dynasty	Constantinian
Father	Constantine I
Mother	Fausta

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.

Bust of Constans

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.