CONSTANS (Flavius Iulius Constans), EMPEROR.
The younger son of the emperor CONSTANTINE and FAUSTA, he was born c. 323. At the death of his father in 337, he was acknowledged as Augustus together with his brothers and received the rule of Illyricum, Italy, and Africa under the supervision of his elder brother CONSTANTINE II. This guardianship was poorly tolerated, and the two came into conflict; but before their armies clashed, the elder brother fell into an ambush (340), and thus his possessions (Spain, Gaul, Britain) were added to the domains of the other.
He conducted several victorious campaigns against the Franks (342–43), but incurred popular displeasure because of oppressive taxation. In religious policy, he continued the anti-pagan direction of his father and forbade the celebration of sacrifices. He intervened in the dispute between Catholics and Donatists in Africa, even sending an embassy to win over the popular faction. Toward the Arians he showed marked hostility, while favoring St. ATHANASIUS and the orthodox; the convocation of the Council of Sardica (343) is likewise due to his initiative. Exploiting widespread discontent, Flavius MAGNENTIUS had himself proclaimed Augustus at Autun; a broad conspiracy was formed against CONSTANS, who, finding himself alone, attempted to flee to Spain. Reached at Elne (Illiberis), he took refuge in a church but was seized and killed on 18 January 350.