Italy: Icon of Constantius II (317-361), 61st Roman emperor, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm (Icons of Roman Emperors), Antwerp, c. 1645

Constantius II (317-361) was Emperor Constantine I's third son, and became co-emperor alongside his brothers Constantine II and Constans as well as his cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus after his father's death in 337. Constantius soon ordered a great purge of his cousins and other members of the imperial family, ensuring that power remained with himself and his brothers.

With the partitioning of the empire, Constantius received the eastern provinces and resumed war against the Sassanid Empire, repelling the invasions of the Persian king, Shapur II. Though he non-violently clashed with his brother Constantine II over religious issues and conflicting views over the Christian Church, he had no part to play in the war between Constantine II and Constans that led to the former's death in 340 and gave Constans sole rule over two-thirds of the empire.

When Constans was assassinated by the usurper Magnentius in 350, Constantius warred against him, feeling the position of emperor was his alone. The Battle of Mursa Major was considered one of the bloodiest and largest battles ever between two Roman armies, and resulted in a costly victory for Constantius. Magnentius eventually committed suicide in 353, and Constantius became sole ruler of the Roman Empire.

While he was busy fighting a resurgent Sassanid invasion, he was also beset by the revolt of his cousin Julian, whom he had named Caesar. Constantius II died as he was marching to face Julian in 361, and declared Julian his rightful successor on his deathbed.

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