Constantius I “Chlorus”

Constantius “Chlorus” was a tetrarch from 293 - 306. Caesar from 293 - 305 and Augustus from 305 - 306. Constantius was a great general that served under Claudius Gothicus, Aurelian, Tacitus, Probus and briefly Diocletian before the establishment of the Tetrarchy. He was born around 250 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Roman Army.

## Constantius I

* General
* Augustus

### Relatives

Constantine I (Son)Helen of Constantinople (Wife/Concubine)

Theodora (Wife)

Claudius Gothicus (Possible Uncle, unknown)

Minervina (Daughter-in-law/Son’s Concubine)

Fausta (Daughter-in-law)

## Biographical information

### Marital status

Helen of Constantinople (First Wife/Concubine)Theodora (Second Wife)

### Religon

Pagan, possibly a secret Christian according to myths

## In “Unbiased History”

### “The Crisis of the Third Century”

Constantius is introduced as one of four great generals alongside Probus, Diocletian and Aurelian.

### “Diocletian‘s Tetrarchy”

Constantius is one of the most focused characters in the episode Diocletian’s Tetrarchy. He makes brief foreshadowing about his son Constantine. In the intro, he’s seen with Ulpia Severina, Diocletian, Probus, Maximian and Galerius. When his name comes up, he’s seen holding his back (possibly from a back problem), floating in the Baths of Diocletian naked and gazing with the others at Aurelian during the night. At the end of the intro, he’s seen standing to the right with the others.

Constantius is seen mourning over Aurelian’s death with Probus and Diocletian. He’s seen called to announce Probus’ promotion to governor of the Eastern Provinces. Soon after that, a flashback is seen when he rests near a small pool of water in the Palmyrene Empire with the silhouette of Aurelian standing on a butte (hill with a flat top). After the death of Tacitus, Constantius, Diocletian and other Roman soldiers request that he become emperor.

After Probus finishes up his reconquest, he is seen doing a handstand and dancing on top of a horse. After Probus’ assassination, the Praetorian Prefect Carus is forced to take the emperor’s seat. Carus goes to Persia for a campaign that would see him expand further than Trajan. Carus then hears of Carinus’ deeds in Rome and plans to switch him with Constantius. After Carus’ death by lightning, a couple of events take place before Diocletian is proclaimed emperor and marches back to Rome to meet Carinus. Constantius meets up and joins Diocletian to defeat Carinus and eventually helps Diocletian to become the sole ruler.

Constantius makes brief appearances before appearing to Diocletian to discuss Maximian’s failures and how he needs help against Carausius. Diocletian creates the Tetrarchy and asks Maximian to give power to Constantius. Constantius’ first military act as a tetrarch is defeating Carausian Rebels and the Franks, eventually surrounding the Port of Bononia and sailing to Britain. After landing, Carausius is assassinated by Allectus, his treasurer and a commander of one of his naval fleets. In a span of 3 years, Constantius was able to kill Allectus, suppress the Franks and take back Britannia. The Brits hono(u)red him with a title, “REDDITOR\*LVCIS\*AETERNAE”, in English, “RESTORER OF ETERNAL LIGHT”.

Constantius makes a brief appearance after Dovahhatty explains what Limitanei and Comitatensis are, as well as the walls. After that, he makes brief appearances in the Great Persecution, doing nothing but stand by. He never invested too much in it, he waited until the Baths of Diocletian were built and can be seen floating in the water. After he’s elevated in the position of Augustus, he’s seen looking at letters that Diocletian sent about his cabbage farm. He continues to crush g\*rms and p\*cts, beyond Hadrian’s wall, getting proclaimed as “BRITANNICVS MAXIMVS”.

## "Trivia"

* Constantius' protection of Christians even at risk of retribution by Diocletian is up to debate, but the most likely cause maybe influence from Helena, who herself is a devout Christian.