Description
Small Roman Coin
Constans (337-350 AD)
Bronze Follis.
Obverse: DN CONSTANS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust left, holding globe. Reverse: Two Victories
Diameter: 17mm
Weight: 1.75 g
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Constans (Flavius Julius Constans Augustus) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 337 to 350 AD. He was the youngest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta, and his reign was marked by internal conflicts and external pressures.
Key Details of Constans’ Life and Reign:
- Rise to Power:
- Constans became emperor in 337 AD following the death of his father, Constantine the Great. The empire was divided among Constantine’s three sons: Constans, Constantine II, and Constantius II. Constans was given control of Italy, Africa, and the central provinces of the empire.
- Conflict with Constantine II:
- Disputes over territorial control soon arose between the brothers. In 340 AD, Constantine II invaded Constans’ territories but was defeated and killed in battle near Aquileia. This victory allowed Constans to take over Constantine II’s domains, including Spain, Gaul, and Britain, making him the ruler of the western portion of the empire.
- Governance and Religious Policy:
- Constans was a devout Christian and strongly supported Nicene Christianity, opposing Arianism, which was favored by his brother Constantius II in the eastern empire.
- His reign saw active involvement in ecclesiastical disputes, including summoning church councils and enforcing orthodoxy.
- Military Campaigns:
- Constans faced external threats from barbarian tribes such as the Franks in Gaul and conducted successful military campaigns to defend the empire’s borders.
- He also campaigned in Britain, likely against Pictish or other tribal incursions, and is credited with maintaining Roman control in the region during his reign.
- Decline and Downfall:
- Constans’ rule became increasingly unpopular due to accusations of corruption, favoritism, and personal excesses. His harsh governance alienated the Roman elite and military.
- In 350 AD, a rebellion led by the usurper Magnentius erupted. Constans fled but was captured and executed by Magnentius’ forces in the Pyrenees.
- Legacy:
- Constans’ death marked a period of civil war within the Roman Empire, as his brother Constantius II sought to reclaim control over the western provinces.
- His support for Nicene Christianity contributed to its establishment as the dominant form of Christianity in the empire, despite his controversial and often criticized reign.
Constans is remembered as a capable yet flawed ruler whose reign was overshadowed by familial strife, political intrigue, and military challenges. His inability to secure broad support ultimately led to his demise.
