Constantine II, (317-340 A.D.), Roman emperor. The eldest son of Constantine the Great and his wife Fausta, Constantine II (Flavius Claudius Constantinus) was a pawn in the game of imperial politics. He was born at Arelate (Aries) in February 317. When only a few weeks old, he was proclaimed caesar (junior emperor) by his father, and he was awarded the consulship at the age of four. Even before he had attained his majority, Constantine II was dispatched to command, at least nominally, troops in the West and was assigned Gaul, Spain, and Britain as his provinces.

When Constantine the Great died in 337, Constantine II became augustus (senior emperor) along with his brothers Constans and Constantius II. This threefold division of the empire proved unworkable. Constantine II soon became involved in a dispute with Constans. He invaded Italy, the domain of Constans, and was killed near Aquileia by his brother in 340.