Constantius I as Caesar AD 305-306 Bronze Follis Lyon

Constantius I as Caesar AD 305-306 Bronze Follis

Laureate bust right / Genius standing wearing modius in front of altar and holding patera and cornucopiae

Lyon

RCV14044; 29mm, 8.59g

Comes with previous labels

Constantius was also of humble stock but had a successful military career eventually being appointed governor of Dalmatia under Diocletian. In AD 293 he was chosen to become a member of the Tetrachy and was appointed Caesar by Maximian, who was the Augustus in the west. This gave him responsibility for disposing of the usurper Carausius and later his successor Allectus. Biding his time he eventually invaded Britain in AD 296 defeating Allectus and bringing Britain back under Roman control. His reputation enhanced he went on to achieve a victory over the Alamanni in AD 302.
Unlike Diocletian Constantius showed moderation in religious affairs and he refused to implement edicts against the Christians. When Diocletian abdicated in AD 305 Constantius was appointed Augustus. In poor health he died in AD 306 whilst campaigning in Britain. Constantius was the father of Constantine the Great.