Constans

views updated

Constans. Roman emperor. One of the three sons of Constantine the Great amongst whom the empire was divided after Constantine's death in 337, Constans was awarded the central part of the empire including Italy. In 340 he invaded the possessions of his brother Constantine II in the West, defeating and killing him. Constans had to visit Britain in winter 342–3; the reasons for this risky crossing are unknown. Constans was in his turn overthrown in 350 by a cabal of Gallic nobles, who replaced him with an army commander in Britain, Magnentius, who had Constans hunted down and killed.

Alan Simon Esmonde Cleary

About this article

Constans

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article