Portrait Gallery of Roman Emperors

Portrait of Constantius II on a Copper Centenionalis
Soldier Spearing Fallen Horseman

Constantius II, son of Constantine the Great via his ill-fated second wife Fausta. Became Caesar under his father in 324 and gained an advantage as a future heir when his mother plotted to have his half-brother Crispus executed for treason.

Upon the death of Constantine the Great in 337, Constantius II helped to secure his position by ordering the massacre of every close male relative of his father save that of his brothers and three of his cousins. His elder brother Constantine II and younger brother Constans (under the former's guardianship) were to rule over the west, whilst Constantius II ruled over the East.
Constantius II was eventually to become the sole ruler of the Empire when, in keeping with the familacidal tendancies of the Constaninian Dynasty, his elder brother was killed by his younger brother Constans in 340, who was in turn killed by the usurper Magentius in 350, who was himself forced to commit suicide after being defeated in battle by Constantius II in 353.

Whilst out campaigning in the West, Constantine ordered the death of his cousin and Caesar Constantius Gallus in 354, whom he had left in charge of the East, due to his apparently excessively harsh rule.
Constantius II himself died of natural causes near Cilicia whilst marching his forces to meet those of his usurping cousin Julian. Before he died, he proclaimed his cousin to be his rightful heir in order to ensure stability following his death.

Roman Emperors Portrait Gallery
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