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Constans I (323-350) was the fourth son of Constantine the Great, youngest brother to Constantine II and Constantius II. When his father died in 337, Constans became co-emperor alongside his brothers, with Constantius' purge of practically the rest of the imperial family ensuring power stayed in their hands.<br/><br/> Constans inherited the central provinces of the Roman Empire in the formal partitioning, but was initially under the guardianship of Constantine II due to his young age. His older brother complained that he had not received the amount of territory that was his due as eldest son, which led to conflict with Constans. When Constans finally came of age, Constantine refused to give up his guardianship, and he eventually invaded Italy in 340. Constans sent his troops to deal with his brother, who was ambushed and killed months later, ensuring that Constans now ruled over two-thirds of the empire.<br/><br/> Constans was known for his energetic rule, and some historians claimed he was homosexual and often indulged in great vices and scandalous behaviour with barbarian hostages. Constans became cruel and corrupt in his final years, and his preference for barbarian bodyguards caused the legions to turn against him. General Magnentius declared himself emperor in 350 and assassinated Constans.
Constans II (630-668), also called Constantine the Bearded, was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 641 to 668. He was the last emperor to serve as consul, in 642. Under his reign, the Byzantine Empire completely withdrew from Egypt, losing territory to the Arab Caliphate. He became the first emperor to set foot in Rome for two centuries, stripping the city of ornaments and bronze to be brought back to Constantinople.<br/><br/> Constans was assassinated in his bath by his chamberlain in 668. He was succeeded by his son, Constantine IV (652-685), also known as Constantine the Bearded. His rule saw the first serious check to nearly 50 years of uninterrupted Islamic expansion. During the Siege of Constantinople (674-678), he ordered the first known use of Greek fire in combat, ensuring that the siege failed. He also fixed the Church divide with the Sixth Ecumenical Council. He eventually died of dystentry in 685.
Constans I (323-350) was the fourth son of Constantine the Great, youngest brother to Constantine II and Constantius II. When his father died in 337, Constans became co-emperor alongside his brothers, with Constantius' purge of practically the rest of the imperial family ensuring power stayed in their hands.<br/><br/> Constans inherited the central provinces of the Roman Empire in the formal partitioning, but was initially under the guardianship of Constantine II due to his young age. His older brother complained that he had not received the amount of territory that was his due as eldest son, which led to conflict with Constans. When Constans finally came of age, Constantine refused to give up his guardianship, and he eventually invaded Italy in 340. Constans sent his troops to deal with his brother, who was ambushed and killed months later, ensuring that Constans now ruled over two-thirds of the empire.<br/><br/> Constans was known for energetic rule, and some historians claimed he was homosexual and often indulged in great vices and scandalous behaviour with barbarian hostages. Constans became cruel and corrupt in his final years, and his preference for barbarian bodyguards caused the legions to turn against him. General Magnentius declared himself emperor in 350 and assassinated Constans.
Constantine III (-411) was a Roman general serving in Britannia during the last decades of the Western Roman Empire. The provinces of Britain had seen a number of revolts and usurpers rise and fall, and the armies stationed there eventually declared Constantine their new emperor in 407, choosing a leader named after the famed emperor Cosntantine I.<br/><br/> Constantine III crossed the English Channel with the majority of his troops, practically leaving Britain defenceless, and established himself in Gaul. He was recognised as co-emperor by Emperor Honorius in 408, and elevated his own son Constans II to co-emperor in 409. He marched into Italy, but faced by mutinous generals and great barbarian hordes, he soon found his position untenable.<br/><br/> Constans II was captured and executed in 411, and Constantine III soon found himself besieged in Arles by future co-emperor Constantius III. Constantine attempted to surrender and was promised safe passage, but was swiftly imprisoned and beheaded on Constantius' orders.