The Reign of Constantius II

Constantius II, the son of Constantine the Great, ruled the Roman Empire between 337 and 361 CE. His reign was marked by political and cultural upheavals, including the death of his brother Constantine II and the usurpation of the Roman general Magnentius. Constantius also had deteriorating relations with his junior Caesars, Gallus and Julian, which could have led to civil war. This book examines the dynastic, political, and cultural impact of Constantius' reign on the later empire, focusing on his involvement in imperial, administrative, legal, religious, and cultural life. It explores his handling of threats to Roman hegemony, such as the Sasanian Empire, and his relationships with Gallus and Julian. The aim is to investigate power in the post-Constantine period and the way in which imperial and episcopal networks related to one another to participate in the exercise of power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Constantius II, the son of Constantine the Great, presided over the Roman Empire from 337 to 361 CE. During his reign, the empire experienced a series of political and cultural upheavals, marking a significant period of transformation in the history of the fourth century. Initially, Constantius shared power with his brothers, Constantine II and Constans. However, this arrangement was short-lived, as Constantine II was killed in a power struggle with Constans. This event led to further threats to the empire's stability, with the usurpation of the ambitious Roman general Magnentius between 350 and 353. Additionally, Constantius' relations with his junior Caesars, Gallus and Julian, deteriorated, reaching a point where civil war could have erupted if Constantius had not passed away on November 3, 361.

This book explores the dynastic, political, and cultural impact of Constantius II's reign as a member of the Constantinian family. It examines his role as a joint ruler with his brothers and later as the sole Augustus. The chapters delve into Constantius' involvement in various aspects of the Roman Empire's life, including imperial administration, legal system, religion, and culture. The book also examines Constantius' handling of threats to Roman hegemony, such as the ambitions of the neighboring Sasanian Empire, and his relationships with Gallus and Julian.

The analysis in this book is guided by a range of historical evidence, including epigraphic, iconographic, literary, and legal sources from the Roman and Byzantine periods. However, it departs from traditional imperial biographies in its approach. Instead, it examines the figure of Constantius in light of the numerous historiographical issues surrounding his memorialization in historical and literary sources. For instance, Constantius is often referred to as "A.," suggesting that he may have been subject to historical revisionism or manipulation.

The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Constantius II's reign and his place in Roman history. It seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and offer fresh perspectives on the emperor's life and achievements. By examining the political, cultural, and dynastic aspects of Constantius II's reign, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the fourth-century Roman Empire.

Weight: 802g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032010472