317 CE: Power, Murder & Vanity: The Dark Reign of Emperor Constantius II

August 8, 317 CE: Breaking News — Constantius II, a New Emperor on the Block

Hey, Romans, strap your sandals tight because you're in for a wild ride! The Roman Empire has a fresh face on the throne — Constantius II. Son of the legendary Constantine the Great, he's got some big sandals to fill. Now keep your togas on, because this dude's reign promises to be a heady mix of power, murder, and vanity.

The Young Emperor with a Dark Side

Let's get this straight, Constantius II isn’t your average boy-next-door-done-good kind of emperor. Oh no, this young blood's got a dark side.

The Senate barely had time to digest their dormice when our new emperor decided to kick things off with a family bonding exercise — fratricide! That's right, he had his brother, Constans I, murdered in a cold, calculated play for power.

Before we could say, "Pass the fish sauce," another newsworthy nugget dropped. Constantius II had gone full-on Big Brother (and not in the sibling sense). He began having folks who worshipped gods other than himself prosecuted. Yikes! Talk about being a control freak!

Vanity Fair, Roman Style

But wait, there's more. It seems our new emperor isn't just power-hungry and ruthless; he's a bit of a peacock too! Word on the Via Sacra is that Constantius II is building himself a grand palace at Antioch. Talk about vanity fair, Roman style!

Now, before you go shouting, "Rome wasn't built in a day," remember that this is Emperor Constantius II we're talking about here. He wouldn't be caught dead in anything less than the best. So, expect that palace to be a real humdinger, full of ornate frescoes, solid gold thrones, and maybe even a few overgrown peacocks strutting about. After all, who says you can't add a little flair to your imperial power games?

And Finally...

It's clear as a summer's day in Capri that Constantius II isn't going to be your 'bread-and-circuses' kind of emperor. He's hungry for power and isn't afraid to show it. So, hold on to your laurel wreaths, Romans. This reign could be as wild as a chariot race.

So, here we are, in 317 CE, watching the reign of Constantius II unfold. We'll keep our styluses ready to record the most scandalous and outrageous events of his time. So, stay tuned, there'll be plenty more to report from this Roman roller coaster ride!