Constantine II

Constantine II may refer to several historical figures, primarily Roman and Byzantine emperors, as well as a modern European monarch. The most prominent individuals bearing this name include a Roman emperor of the 4th century, a Byzantine emperor of the 9th century, and the last King of Greece in the 20th century. The shared name signifies their succession or rule within their respective dynasties.

Roman Emperor (Flavius Claudius Constantinus)

Constantine II (Latin: Flavius Claudius Constantinus; 316 – 340) was a Roman Emperor from 337 to 340. He was the eldest son of Constantine the Great and Fausta. Upon his father's death in 337, the empire was divided among Constantine II and his two brothers, Constantius II and Constans. Constantine II received the praetorian prefecture of Gaul, which included Britain, Gaul, Hispania, and the western part of Roman Africa. His rule was marked by the continuation of his father's policies, including support for Nicene Christianity, though his reign was brief. In 340, he invaded Italy, which was under the rule of his younger brother Constans, ostensibly over a dispute regarding their territories. Constantine II was ambushed and killed near Aquileia, and his territories were subsequently absorbed by Constans.

Byzantine Emperor

Constantine II is an erroneous designation sometimes applied in older historiography to a short-lived Byzantine emperor. The correct figure is Constans II (Greek: Κώνστας Β', translit. Kōnstas II), who ruled from 641 to 668. He was the last emperor to include "Constantine" in his regnal name during this period, being the son of Heraclius Constantine and grandson of Heraclius. His reign focused on defending the empire against the Arab Caliphate and stabilizing the Balkans. The confusion arises from his birth name, Constantine, and his official regnal title "Constans," leading some later sources to misidentify him as Constantine II. Therefore, there is no officially recognized Byzantine Emperor solely titled Constantine II.

King of Greece

Constantine II (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος Β', translit. Konstantínos II; 1940 – 2023) was the last King of Greece, reigning from 1964 until the monarchy was abolished in 1973. He was the son of King Paul and Queen Frederica. His reign was dominated by political instability, including conflicts with the centrist government of Georgios Papandreou, which culminated in a constitutional crisis. In 1967, a military coup established a junta. Constantine II launched a counter-coup in December 1967 which failed, leading him and his family to flee into exile in Rome. The monarchy was formally abolished by the junta in 1973, a decision confirmed by a referendum after the restoration of democracy in 1974. He lived most of his life in exile, primarily in London, and was known for his career as a competitive sailor, having won an Olympic gold medal in 1960. He returned to Greece for brief visits in later years following the formal end of the monarchy.