Italy: Constantine III (-411), joint Western Roman emperor, and his son Constans II (-411), joint Western Roman emperor, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm (Icons of Roman Emperors), Antwerp, 1645

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.

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.

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.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History