v08_0579 - CONSTANTINE I THE GREAT Demi-argenteus

CONSTANTINE I THE GREAT

(07/25/306-05/22/337)

Augustus

Constantine was born in 274, son of Constance Chlore and Helena. He was named Caesar on the death of his father on July 25, 306 and was proclaimed august on December 25, 307. He married Fausta, the daughter of Maximien Hercule, who gave him five children, three of whom were augusts. The first twenty years of his reign are devoted to imposing himself as the main august against Maximian Hercules, Galerius, Maxentius, Maximin II and Licinius. He is recognized as the first Christian emperor, although baptized only on his deathbed on May 22, 337.