Constantine the 2nd's Turbulent 3-Year Reign Over the Roman Empire

Constantine 2nd was a pivotal figure in European royal history. As the eldest son of <b>Constantine the Great</b>, he was heir to an empire that spanned the Mediterranean world. When Constantine the Great died in 337 AD, Constantine II became one of the rulers of the massive Roman Empire. However, <i>his reign would be short and turbulent</i>.

At just 21 years old, Constantine II was an inexperienced ruler. He immediately entered into conflict with his brothers Constans and Constantius II over the division of the empire. Constantine II demanded rulership of the western provinces, including Italy, Africa and Britain. After a brief war in 340 AD, he defeated Constans and gained control of the western half of the empire. 

However, Constantine II's grip on power was tenuous. He earned the enmity of Rome's military commanders, and faced threats from Germanic tribes beyond the Rhine. His short three-year reign ended in tragedy, when he attempted to invade Italy and lost his life in battle against Constans' armies at the Battle of Aquileia in 340 AD. <i>Constantine II's death destabilized the empire during its crucial early years after Constantine the Great</i>.