Flavius Claudius Constantine Constantius III (february - september 421)

Abstract

Constantius was born in Naissus, probably in a family of farmers or small landowners. He started his military career as a common legionary, but he advanced quickly owing to his dexterity, skillfulness and audacity. During the reign of Emperor Honorius, Constantius rose from a general to the commander of the Roman army. In the period from 410 to 420 A.D. he governed what had left of the Western Empire, invaded and conquered by the Goths and other German tribes. In February 421 A.D. Constantius III was declared the co-ruler of Emperor Honorius. The court in Constantinople refused to acknowledge the new August, which is why Constantius started to prepare his legions for a battle with the Eastern Empire, only to fall down with a fever and die in 421 A.D. The images of Constantius III on his coins are schematized, in the post-Theodosian style, with prominent, large eyes and aristocratic, oval face designating a fearless victor. On the reverse, Christian symbols are predominant. Also preserved are the coins bearing the image of Galla Placidia, minted in Rome between 425 and 435 A.D.

Keywords

• Constantius III
• Naissus
• Galla Placidia
• Honorius
• Rome
• Ravenna
• Valentinian
• Honoria
• Ataulf
• gold coin
• silver coin